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Sunborn London

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Sunborn London – The Floating Hotel

Enjoy a stunning city vista along with a cocktail in London’s only luxury floating hotel.

What is the Sunborn Floating Hotel?

A sleek yacht-hotel with a stunning waterside restaurant and bar.

Enjoy fabulous picturesque river views along with cocktails in the Sundown Bar or a first-class dinner in the restaurant.

See website for drinks list and menus.

Opening hours

Sundown Bar 11:00am – 01:00am Monday to Friday 11:00am – 11:00pm Sunday and Public Holidays

Lands End Restaurant Breakfast: 06:30am – 10:30am Monday to Friday 07:00am – 11:00am Weekends and Public Holidays Lunch: 12:00pm – 03:00pm Monday to Friday 12:30pm – 03:30pm Weekends and Public Holidays Dinner: 06:00pm to 10:00pm

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• Experiences

Cruise the Thames aboard Illuminate - the Italian designed Azimut charter yacht. Up to ten guests can enjoy her spacious decks. As darkness falls, take to the flybridge for 360° panoramic views and experience London’s landmarks come alive with light.

best for weather

Soak up the sun or stay dry inside. Socialise under our covered rear deck and shelter from any unexpected turns in the weather.

best for style

Contemporary interior. Newly refurbished. A new era of Thames chartering.

the experience

cocktail cruise

Sip sundowners and witness London’s landmarks come alive whilst leading mixologists shake your perfect cocktails. Illuminate’s covered outer deck makes it the best yacht in London for cocktail cruises, whatever the weather.

TOUR THE THAMES

The best sightseeing tour in town. Our open-top deck, charismatic tour guides and various pick up and drop off points allow you to discover the timeline of the Thames.

JUST THE TWO OF YOU

A romantic gesture, a special occasion, perhaps an engagement. Enjoy privacy away from your captain and crew on Illuminate’s open upper deck or her secluded covered rear deck.

MICHELIN ON THE MOVE

If you’re a foodie you’ll be more than impressed by our selection of world class chefs. Fine dining for six or canapes and smaller eats for up to ten guests.

BOOZY BUSINESS

Wine and dine whilst getting down to business. Brainstorm, negotiate or simply entertain. Illuminate’s three separate areas provide ample space to deal and deliberate.

TWICKENHAM TAXI

Raise a glass ahead of the game and arrive in style. Illuminate will get the party started, beat the traffic and impress your guests. And after the whistle, cruise effortlessly back into Central London.

enquire now

This year, we are moving the luxury of London to the comradery of Cowes. Enjoy world class sailing, superb hospitality and all the buzz of Cowes Week aboard Illuminate.

ILLUMINATED RIVER PROJECT

The story behind the name.

Inspired by London’s spectacular Illuminated River Project – a long term light installation that will transform 15 of the cities bridges into unique works of art. And what better way to experience each bridge than from Illuminate’s covered rear deck and open air flybridge. “The Thames is London’s most ancient public space ... and the bridges that span our river are some of the most precious historic sites we have. The Illuminated River project is the next stage of the Thames evolution.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England

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Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

rate per night

Photos of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

About Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

This charming boat is situated in London and is a short stroll from Custom House for Excel DLR Station. It is also set within a five-minute walk of ExCeL London.

Guests of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel can unwind with a variety of relaxation amenities at Elemis Spa, which features a beauty centre. Facilities include free wireless internet and a sun deck.

All lodgings on board the vessel have a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer.

Lunch and dinner are prepared every day at Lands End, as are British, Mediterranean and Asian specialties. Each evening, guests can relax in the comfortable lounge bar.

Public transports links close to Sunborn London Yacht Hotel include Royal Victoria Docklands Light Railway Station. The Royal Victoria Dock Bridge is only a two-minute stroll from the boat.

Latest deals for Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Amenities at sunborn london yacht hotel.

• Room service
• Tea/coffee maker
• Coffee machine
• Wi-Fi available in all areas
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable or satellite TV
• Fire extinguisher
• Free toiletries
• Smoke alarms
• Air-conditioned
• Electric kettle
• Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
• Dining area
• Dining table
• Family rooms
• Seating area
• Storage available
• Toilet paper
• Private bathroom

Services and conveniences

• Conference rooms
• Wake-up service
• Concierge service
• Safety deposit box
• Meeting/Banquet facilities
• 24-hour front desk

Media and entertainment

Pool and spa

Accessibility and suitability

• Non-feather pillow
• Terrace/Patio
• Outdoor furniture
• Laundry facilities
• Laundry service
• Iron and ironing board
• Fax/photocopying
• Laptop safe
• Cleaning products
• Wardrobe or closet

Family friendly

• Babysitting or child care

Parking and transportation

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Reviews of Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

• Coffee machine and fridge. (in 12 reviews)
• The value for money was exceptional (in 17 reviews)
• Such a surreal and amazing experience. (in 56 reviews)
• and the bar looked total uninviting. (in 61 reviews)
• Also dirty/stained sheets were found in the sofa bed. (in 11 reviews)
• Coffee machine was broken. (in 9 reviews)

Traveller type:

Time of year:, traveller rating:, what's nearby.

• Tower Bridge 4.3 mi
• Tower of London 4.3 mi
• Tate Modern 5.3 mi
• Southbank Centre 6.1 mi
• Somerset House 6.1 mi
• London Eye 6.2 mi
• Westminster Bridge 6.3 mi
• Big Ben 6.4 mi
• Palace of Westminster 6.4 mi
• Westminster Abbey 6.6 mi
• National Gallery 6.6 mi
• British Museum 6.6 mi

Essential information about Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

When to book a room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

Top tips for your stay at sunborn london yacht hotel.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in August and June.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, plan to stay on a Tuesday or Sunday. The most expensive day is usually Friday.
• The cheapest price a room at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was £112, while the most expensive was £251.
• How long should you stay at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 1 day.

FAQs when booking at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

How can i reach the sunborn london from heathrow airport.

If you are planning to rent a car after your flight to London Heathrow Airport, the travel time to the Sunborn London will be about 1h and 15m, and there are 2 multi-storey car parks within walking distance of the hotel where you can leave the car overnight, namely the Royal Victoria Car Park and the Excel Car Park. Those who prefer catching public transport can take the Heathrow Express which gets you to the London Paddington station, and from there you need to catch the tube to Custom House station, which is a 5m walk from the hotel. The total trip would take about 1h 30m.

Why should I eat on board the Sunborn London?

If you are looking for an exquisite dinner experience with a view, then you won’t even need to leave the yacht. You can start your evening at the Sundown Bar where you can indulge with cocktails while overlooking Canary Wharf, then head to Lands End Restaurant for dinner which offers a fusion menu of fine food made with seasonal ingredients, and a wine list to match with trained sommeliers who will be able to offer recommendations throughout the dinner.

Are there any special offers available for couples at the Sunborn London?

Those looking for a special getaway with their loved one can book the Ultimate Romantic Package, which includes rose petals in the room, a tray of chocolates, and a 3 course dinner on the yacht. In addition, you will get a range of complimentary services such as a room upgrade, a welcome drink as you check-in, a luxurious king size bed for the night, and a discount off all spa treatments at the Symphony Treatments Room.

Can I organize my wedding at the Sunborn London?

The Sunborn London has 3 different wedding packages that you can choose from if you would like to make your wedding on a yacht dream a reality. You need to have a minimum of 40 guests and can host up to 200 people, with 3 different rooms to choose from for the ceremony and dinner. The Gold and Platinum Wedding Packages include a complimentary night at the hotel for the bride and groom, and all packages include discounted rates for their guests who wish to stay the night.

Are there any activities held on board the Sunborn London?

If you are staying at the hotel on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss out on their Sunday Movie Club sessions which are held all throughout summer. They start with an afternoon tea between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm, with the screening of a classic British movie starting at 5:00 pm. Afternoon teas are also available without the movie experience on other days of the week, and you can choose between the Traditional Afternoon Tea experience or the Afternoon Tea with Expertly Chosen Laurent Perrier Champagne Tasting Flight which includes a taste of 3 different sparkling wines from Laurent Perrier.

Where is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel located?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is located at 1 Royal Victoria Dock in Newham, 6.5 miles from the centre of London. Tower Bridge is the closest landmark to Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel?

Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 11:00 at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

Does Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Sunborn London Yacht Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is Sunborn London Yacht Hotel from the airport?

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is 1.3 miles from London City.

How does KAYAK find such great Sunborn London Yacht Hotel hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel in London and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Sunborn London Yacht Hotel and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.

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London Yacht Charters

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Large superyachts visiting London, England on the river Thames are an exciting spectacle, but also a fantastic base to access events and the central parts of the city, making London a very interesting yacht charter prospect. There are also luxury yacht marinas and berths available with more currently being developed.

On such marina is the historic St Katharine Docks in central London which has berthage for 200 luxury yachts and historic barges. A haven of tranquillity and nestled in the heart of the City of London, St Katharine’s is directly adjacent to the iconic Tower Bridge and next to the Tower of London. The marina is home to visiting and local superyachts and also provides space for private and corporate events amongst the associated commercial buildings.

St Katharine Docks has a thousand years of dramatic history to its name, making it one of the most interesting marina histories in the world.  King Edgar originally gifted 13 acres of land to 13 knights in 1125for trade. St Katharine’s docks have been used ever since throughout the ages for one purpose or another and then in 1825 construction began on the docks, laying down the framework for what you see today.

When visiting the UK with London on the itinerary, yachts also dock in the city of Southampton in south-west England. Many vessels drop anchor at Ocean Village Marina or Hamble Point Marina. Expect a coach or train journey time of around 1 hour 20 minutes from Southampton into South London.

London, the UK’s exciting capital city attracts visitors from around the world. Go shopping in Oxford Street, Regent Street as well as famous department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols or Selfridges. How about a night out at the theatre? Watch a play, musical, drama or ballet at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, the London Palladium or the Old Vic. There are many places to visit in London. It’s such a diverse city with some of the world’s best sights, attractions and activities. 

See the city from above on the London Eye, meet a celeb at Madame Tussaud’s or examine the treasures at the British Museum. Sightseeing couldn’t be better. Check out the underwater creatures at Sea Life London or marvel at the strange objects in the Science Museum. There really is something for everyone in London and plenty to do to make up a luxury yacht charter itinerary.

Buy a day ticket for a London, red double-decker bus on-off tour. What a great vantage point to catch fantastic views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and of course, Buckingham Palace. You’ll get a birds-eye view of London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard. Spend an afternoon at London Zoo, home to more than 16,000 animals like tigers, hippos, and giraffes. 

A little outside London is Kensington Palace, an intriguing Royal Palace that also houses an exhibition of Princess Diana’s dresses. Find out where Queen Victoria lived as a child and see the wonderful collection of paintings from the Royal Collection. To keep you in holiday mode, take a river cruise down the River Thames. Relax and enjoy the magnificent views as you sail past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Cleopatra’s Needle, The Shard and the London Eye Pier. After so much excitement, it’s back to your superyacht in Southampton for the next part of your voyage.

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This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

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Heritage Of London

• Amenities & Toys
• Rates & Regions
• + Shortlist

HERITAGE OF LONDON YACHT CHARTER

45.3m  /  148'7   perini navi   2006 / 2017.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Impressive 3,200nm range
• Interior design from Perini Navi
• Sleeps 12 guests
• 4.88m/16' Castoldi Jet Tender

Lap up the natural splendor of your surroundings in the utmost comfort onboard sail yacht Heritage Of London

The 45.3m/148'7" 'Heritage Of London' sail yacht built by the Italian shipyard Perini Navi is available for charter for up to 12 guests in 5 cabins. This yacht features interior styling by Italian designer Perini Navi.

For the ultimate sailing experience, Heritage Of London offers the perfect mix of luxurious living coupled with plenty of adventure once her sails are unfurled. Step aboard and experience the magic of a sailing yacht charter for yourself.

Guest Accommodation

Heritage Of London is great for families thanks to her child-friendly setup. Built in 2006, She offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests with a layout comprising a master suite, one double cabin and three twin cabins. There are 12 beds in total, including 2 doubles, 6 singles and 3 pullmans. She is also capable of carrying up to 7 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

You and your guests can enjoy a variety of experiences on Heritage Of London including a gym with all the latest equipment to maintain your fitness routine.

Heritage Of London benefits from some excellent features to improve your charter including Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stay connected at all times, should you wish. You can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Heritage Of London is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Powered by 1 x Caterpillar engines, she comfortably cruises at 10 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 14 knots with a range of up to 3,200 nautical miles from her 31,300 litre fuel tanks at 11 knots.

Set against the backdrop of your chosen cruising ground, you and your guests can enjoy fun on the water with the collection of water toys and accessories aboard Heritage Of London. Take to the sea on a Jet Ski offering you power and control on the water. Also there are two towable toys offering fun and adventure. Another excellent feature is a waterski that are hugely entertaining whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. If that isn't enough Heritage Of London also features wakeboards, kayaks, inflatable water toys and snorkelling equipment. Heritage Of London features two tenders, but leading the pack is a 4.88m/16' Castoldi Jet Tender to transport you in style.

Heritage Of London offers you and your guests the perfect platform from which to enjoy your next luxury yacht charter. Please enquire for details of her summer and forthcoming winter cruising grounds and availability.

Showcasing meticulous craftsmanship coupled with high-end luxurious finishes, sail yacht Heritage Of London certainly has the "wow" factor, along with state-of-the-art amenities and array of water toys, promising truly unforgettable yacht charters for even the most discerning guests.

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Heritage Of London, please provide .

Heritage Of London Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Heritage Of London has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Heritage Of London is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x 4.88m  /  16' Castoldi Jet Tender with 1 x Yanmar 115 HP engine
• 1 x 4m  /  13'1 Bombard RIB with 1 x Yamaha 15 HP engine

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Heritage Of London' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€110,000 p/week + expenses Approx $122,500

High Season

€130,000 p/week + expenses Approx $145,000

Cruising Regions

Please enquire .

Winter Season

October - April

Charter Heritage Of London

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

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I wanted to organise something for my husband's 50th later in August but then we decided to go sooner, impromptu, as the weather in London is simply calling for a boat trip! Crew and Captain were very friendly and professional, yet at a distance as one expects from a 5-star service on a yacht. As an extra we had an amazing meal prepared from scratch on board by one of Gaucho restaurants top Chefs - very nice day which turned into a magical evening!

This is a terrific charter. A perfect boat for sightseeing (I'd say 5 is about the max unless you have kids) and a well trained, very professional crew to ensure you have an amazing time on the water. Highly recommend!

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At London Luxury Charters we are delighted to offer you the ultimate VIP luxury cruise experience on the iconic River Thames. Our private boats are equipped with all the amenities you need to enjoy bespoke, champagne, and romantic cruises in style.

As you glide along the Thames, you will be treated to stunning views of London's most iconic landmarks.

Our experienced crew will ensure that you have a memorable and unforgettable experience, with bespoke service tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Contact us today to book your luxury Thames cruise and experience the beauty of London's iconic river in style.

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Posted on Published: 28th April 2023  - Last updated: 5th June 2023 Categories Where to Stay in London

By: Author Lauren Kendrick

Best Boat Hotels in London: Where to Stay on the Water

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Discover the best boat hotels in London with this handy guide. Here’s our pick of the best.

With the Thames running through London, along with a plethora of canals and marinas in the city, having a break on a boat hotel (or boatel?) is easier than you think.

From mega millionaire yachts to boutique barges, this is your one-stop shop for finding the best floating hotels in London.

Best London Boat Hotels: At a Glance

Best Boat Hotels in London

££

The Good Hotel sits in the Royal Victoria Dock area of London’s Docklands. We love that this is a hotel with a social conscience – the not-for-profit basis of the hotel sees all profits reinvested to help underprivileged people, from sending children to school to offering adults the chance to retrain in hospitality.

Rooms at this hotel are designed to maximise space in the most stylish of ways. Utilising Dutch design, the ensuite bathrooms have outstanding rain showers and locally-sourced toiletries. 

And best of all? Each night you stay, a disadvantaged child can go to school for a week.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

£££

Moored in Royal Victoria Dock, in the heart of East London’s affluent Docklands area, the Sunborn Hotel is a minute’s walk from ExCeL London. This superyacht is highly luxurious, with crystal chandeliers, an opulent lobby, stunning dining areas and much more.

There is a sun deck where you can take drinks and sit back to soak up the rays, with the bar selling a terrific selection of beers, wines and spirits. Meanwhile, their breakfast buffet comes highly rated.

The best part of the Sunborn Yacht is unquestionably the accommodation. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and an excellent power shower, while some rooms even boast stunning views across the Royal Docks.

The Boathouse

The Boathouse is a wood-panelled houseboat moored in the Paddington Basin, where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union. Not too far from Little Venice , and with all the charming waterside bars, restaurants and beauty of the Paddington Basin, this is one of London’s premier floating holiday accommodations.

Although we’d recommend this boat for romantic breaks, there’s space for up to four people. Guests can use the whole boat, including a gorgeous bathroom with a bath and shower space. 

The living quarters are super comfortable, and the kitchen is well-equipped. Best of all, the rooftop deck from which you can marvel at a beautiful London sunset for those summer months.

St Katharine Docks 2Boats

St Katharine Docks in Wapping is home to Sea Dancer, a yacht that sleeps four and includes a microwave, hot drink-making tools and a fridge for the whole self-catering waterborne experience. 

On the boat is a work desk, a stove, flat-screen TV and even an outdoor dining area, step foot on land and you’ll be greeted by plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Absolute Pleasure Yacht

Moored in West India Quay, the Absolute Pleasure Yacht gives guests a taste of the millionaire yacht-living lifestyle at a fraction of the price. Although it’s primarily a function space that hosts corporate and private parties, you can also hire the yacht for a break, which includes everything you’d expect from a top-draw London hotel.

Ten luxury bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and luxe linen. Bottled water, toiletries and bathrobes are all included, while the yacht is moored close to a range of stunning bars, restaurants and a cool pop-up food market on Thursdays and Fridays.

Boutique Barges

Boutique Barges have three narrow boats moored on the Thames, offering holidaymakers and visitors to London an authentic riverside experience. 

Barbara is a stunning boat with a log-fired stove and bathroom complete with a shower, as well as a small double master bedroom, and is situated in Central London.

Meanwhile, Big Boat is more comprehensive but shorter than Barbara and comes with a raised master double bed that we love, making it the perfect accommodation for a romantic couple’s break. Outside is space for a fire pit and a couple of deckchairs, ideal for watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly. 

Finally, Velvet Morning is another narrow boat that has been gorgeously designed and is moored in Central London. We’d say this was our favourite, thanks to the crisp and stylish decor.

Tulana Taggs

This floating holiday home is one of our favourites. Mainly because it offers something a little bit different to the others we’ve mentioned. 

Situated in the inner lagoon of Taggs Island near Hampton Court Palace and Bushy Park is a stunning oasis of calm where you can leave the stresses and strains of the 21st Century behind you.

Cross the bridge onto Taggs Island and enjoy this stunning floating home amongst the reeds of the lagoon. Tulana Taggs combines gorgeous Art Deco and period furnishings with the mod cons of a Sky Glass Smart TV, a four-poster Super King bed, a freestanding nickel bath and for a little extra, a Swedish wood-fired hot tub – just a stunning floating holiday home experience.

Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Yacht Hotel 

• These boat hotels are dotted around London, many of which have limited parking. Check before you book whether you need to travel to the boat via public transport or whether you can park at the hotel.
• If you’re staying on a houseboat, check the house rules before you visit to ensure you know what is expected of you as guests.

London Boat Hotels: Read Next

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A good location for a hassle-free stay in London, Le Sorelle is a boat surrounded by views of the lake. The property features a garden, shared lounge and private parking among other facilities.

Comfy Canal Boat in Little Venice by Paddington for Family & Friends

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Super ! Zentral und trotzdem entspannt...extrem freundlicher vermieter und sehr guter Service !

Featuring river views, Luxurious houseboat near Canary Wharf in London provides accommodation with a terrace, around 3 km from Tower of London.

Amazing location and boat. Very clean and it has everything you need. The ducks in the canal a plus.

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Location was great , comfy and warm place to stay .

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Great location, charming room, and lovely breakfast!

JOIVY Elegant houseboat near Canary Wharf

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So different to everything else. Fully equipped to a very high standard.

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This was a great experience and I will definitely stay again. Sam is a very friendly and good host.

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FAQ about boats in London

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Afternoon Tea London

Enjoy a delightful selection of sandwiches and sweets in a unique atmosphere with stunning views of Canary Wharf and the surrounding Docklands. A unique experience…

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Afternoon tea in London is rarely anything but an absolute delight. It’s the quintessential British treat, enjoyed for centuries by those seeking the very finest when it comes to sweet and savoury flavours, and a pastime which allows for a moment of true bliss and sensory satisfaction. View our Afternoon Tea Menu from only £40.00 per person for a Traditional Afternoon Tea experience.

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Few experiences can match the sheer decadence and enjoyment of a beautifully presented and meticulously prepared afternoon tea. A quintessentially English indulgence of sweet treats, savoury bites, and a perfectly brewed pot shared with your nearest and dearest, it’s a moment of bliss and relaxation, and one which deserves to be delivered in style.

For those of you on the lookout for the ultimate afternoon tea, during which your taste buds will be tantalised and your sense of adventure fulfilled, then look no further than Sunborn London. Moored in the endlessly elegant Royal Victoria Dock, our beautiful superyacht provides the last word in timeless luxury, consistently striving to provide unforgettable dining experiences for guests who never settle for second best.

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Video shows moments before superyacht went down in storm off Sicily

A celebration turned into tragedy for a british tycoon when the storm sank the vessel off sicily. six people remain missing., by henry austin and corky siemaszko | nbc news • published august 21, 2024 • updated on august 21, 2024 at 4:08 pm.

Newly released video captures a luxury superyacht being battered by a violent storm before it suddenly sank off Sicily with 22 people aboard  Monday.

The grainy images obtained by NBC News and other outlets were recorded on closed-circuit television not far from where the Bayesian was anchored,  about a half-mile from the port of Porticello, on Sicily’s northern coast .

The yacht's 250-foot mast, illuminated with lights and lashed by the storm, appears to bend to one side before it finally disappears and is replaced by darkness.

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The speed with which a yacht built to handle the roughest seas capsized stunned maritime experts.  

“I can’t remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that, you know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size,” said Stephen Richter  of SAR Marine Consulting.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five of the 22 other people who were aboard the 184-foot vessel remain unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped in the Bayesian’s hull, nearly 170 feet underwater.

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Officials confirmed Monday that at least one person, the ship’s cook, had died.  

Missing revealed as divers search superyacht that sank in storm off Sicily

British tech magnate Mike Lynch, 2 US citizens among missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicily

Superyachts like the Bayesian, which had been available for charters at a rate of $215,000 a week, are designed to stay afloat even as they are taking on water to give the people aboard a chance to escape, Richter said. 

“Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday,” Richter said. “They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed.”

Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world,  according to  CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters. 

On Tuesday, Italian rescue workers  resumed the search for Lynch  and the five other passengers still missing: Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.

“The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel,” Salvatore Cocina, the head of civil protection in Sicily, told Reuters .

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was one of the 15 people rescued Monday after it capsized.

“It’s extremely rare for a boat of this size to sink,” Richter said.

What’s not rare is the kind of storm that sank it , said Simon Boxall, senior lecturer in oceanography at Britain’s University of Southampton.

“People assume the Mediterranean is this rather calm and passive place that never gets storms and always blue skies,” Boxall said. “In fact, you get some quite horrendous storms that are not uncommon at this time of year.”

The president of Italy’s meteorological society has said Monday’s violent storm may have involved a waterspout, essentially a tornado over water, or a downburst, which occurs more frequently but doesn’t involve the rotation of the air.

Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorology Society, also said recent temperatures may have been a factor. 

“The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius [86 Fahrenheit], which is almost 3 degrees more than normal,” Mercalli told Reuters. “This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms.”

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who two months ago was  acquitted by a San Francisco jury of fraud charges  stemming from the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.

Prosecutors alleged that Lynch, dubbed “Britain’s Bill Gates,” and Autonomy’s vice president for finance, Stephen Chamberlain, had padded the firm’s finances ahead of the sale. Lynch’s lawyers argued that HP was so eager to acquire Autonomy that it failed to  adequately check the books .

Lynch had taken Morvill, who was one of his defense attorneys, on the luxury trip. 

Chamberlain was not on the Bayesian.

In what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a  car struck and killed Chamberlain on Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

“Steve fought successfully to clear his good name at trial earlier this year, and his good name now lives on through his wonderful family,” Chamberlain’s lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, said in a statement .

Henry Austin reported from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com . More from NBC News:

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95m Lürssen superyacht Kismet returns to London

Related articles, superyacht directory.

The legendary 95 metre Lürssen superyacht Kismet has returned to London and is currently moored in Canary Wharf against the backdrop of the city. The yacht was last spotted in the capital in October 2021 (pictured and video here) where she stayed for a couple of weeks before making the Atlantic crossing.

• Kismet : The story of Shahid Khan's 95m superyacht

According to BOAT Pro AIS data Kismet was in the South of France at the start of September. Since then she has visited the Balearics and Barcelona before heading through the Strait of Gibraltar towards London.

The superyacht, which features exterior design penned by Espen Øino and interiors by Reymond Langton , is owned by Shahid Khan. Among his assets, Khan also counts two football teams, the Fulham football club in the UK and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the US.

Key features throughout the standout superyacht include five decks, eight guest suites and two helipads. The interior meanwhile is bedecked with surprises, including video walls, an electric piano built into a bar and an art deco chandelier weighing 350kg. The owner’s suite meanwhile includes a fireplace, skylight and 180-degree views.

Kismet is currently listed for sale with Moran Yacht & Ship with an asking price of €169,000,000. 

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Inside the shocking Sicily yacht tragedy that left 7 people dead

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead, by natalie finn | e news • published august 24, 2024 • updated on august 24, 2024 at 10:34 am.

Originally appeared on E! Online

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

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But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

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Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

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"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch—"Britain's Bill Gates," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told La Repubblica, per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.)

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain, the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer—who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer, as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo, a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo, a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo. None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas.

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

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