What Does The Future Look Like

The Future of Yachting: Connectivity, AI & Human-Centred Design - Journal By Yatco Home > The Future of Yachting: Connectivity, AI & Human-Centred Design The Future of Yachting: Connectivity, AI & Human-Centred Design Written by James Smith The future of yachting is defined by Starlink connectivity, AI-driven systems, sustainability, and human-focused crew welfare. Leading captains share what’s coming next. Nov 21, 2025 Starlink: The Biggest Change in Yachting in a Generation Across every interview, one theme dominated: Starlink has changed everything. “We run 167 devices onboard at once. And it works.” — Captain Chris Walsh Starlink Maritime has replaced the old patchwork of VSAT, cell networks and patchy broadband. Most captains now describe the internet at sea as “land-quality”, even in remote archipelagos. What that unlocks: Real-time high-resolution satellite imagery for safer navigation Cloud-based maintenance and PMS systems Owners using the boat as a true floating office Crew accessing mental-health support, telemedicine and training Seamless streaming, video calls and data-heavy operations Captain Michael Christian summarises it perfectly: “If Starlink is down, we’re in crisis mode.” But technology cuts both ways. As Captain Walsh warns: “Phones have made people less social… you see sunsets ignored for screens.” The next frontier is balance — an always-on digital environment that doesn’t erase the magic of being at sea. AI and Automation: Quietly Reshaping Life Onboard Where Starlink is the headline act, AI is the backstage crew quietly taking over the workload . Captains are already using AI for: Predictive provisioning Route optimisation Safety alerts and anomaly detection Crew training (short Loom-style videos) Compliance and documentation Guest-preference modelling “The tools are there to predict what we’ll need before we do.” — Captain Liam Devlin “If they forget, they can rewatch. It saves time and means knowledge doesn’t disappear.” — Captain Corey Adcock Nobody is forecasting robotic deckhands anytime soon. But captains overwhelmingly agree: AI assistants will take over the admin so crew can focus on people, safety and experience . AI and Automation: Quietly Reshaping Life Onboard Where Starlink is the headline act, AI is the backstage crew quietly taking over the workload . Captains are already using AI for: Predictive provisioning Route optimisation Safety alerts and anomaly detection Crew training (short Loom-style videos) Compliance and documentation Guest-preference modelling “The tools are there to predict what we’ll need before we do.” — Captain Liam Devlin “If they forget, they can rewatch. It saves time and means knowledge doesn’t disappear.” — Captain Corey Adcock Nobody is forecasting robotic deckhands anytime soon. But captains overwhelmingly agree: AI assistants will take over the admin so crew can focus on people, safety and experience . Sustainability as Status Sustainability is no longer a footnote — it’s fast becoming the new measure of prestige. Across Europe, classification societies and industry bodies are pushing hard: Key sustainability shifts: Hybrid diesel-electric propulsion HVO & biofuels Fuel-cell systems Shore-power requirements by 2030 Carbon indexes like SEA Index New materials replacing teak Circular refit and lifecycle planning Battery-supported hotel loads Owners are beginning to see sustainability not as an obligation but as a badge of honour — a way to demonstrate good stewardship and forward thinking. Captain Craig Thurlbourn echoes this: “Fuel cells and hybrid systems will be badges of honour.” Ask captains what the biggest challenge is — and it isn’t tech. “The greatest challenge is always the crew.” — Captain Neil “Younger crew value their personal lives more… that may keep them longer.” — Captain Cervantes With yachts getting larger, global, and more regulated, the industry must solve: Burnout Mental health Rotation expectations Training pathways Career development Fair pay Safe working environments Captain Herb Magney calls it “mental fitness”: “Skills matter but resilience decides who thrives.” And the prediction is unanimous: The best crew — like the best technology — will be invisible until needed. “The future of yachting is not louder or faster. It is smarter, cleaner, and more deeply human.” Explore Topics Explore Topics Featured Posts Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Quentin Bourgeois | Yacht Broker at Fraser Yachts Monaco Understanding what makes a yacht work operationally is the foundation for knowing what makes it valuable commercially Quentin Bourgeois | Yacht Broker at Fraser Yachts Monaco Understanding what makes a yacht work operationally is the foundation for knowing what makes it valuable commercially Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Featured Posts Captain Liam Devlin opens up about who inspired them in the industry As part of our survey of Captains we asked who in the industry has inspired them. We tracked down some of the Captains at MYS to dig a little deeper! Here is Captain Liam Devlin’s account of a moment from a Captain Captain Liam Devlin opens up about who inspired them in the industry As part of our survey of Captains we asked who in the industry has inspired them. We tracked down some of the Captains at MYS to dig a little deeper! Here is Captain Liam Devlin’s account of a moment from a Captain The IYC Captain's Forum discusses the Leading edge of Yacht Builds A candid look at what today’s captains see coming next in yacht design and innovation. The IYC Captain's Forum discusses the Leading edge of Yacht Builds A candid look at what today’s captains see coming next in yacht design and innovation. Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World? - Alistair Best Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter. Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World? - Alistair Best Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter. The Revolving Door of Junior Crew Why do most junior crew leave within 18 months? A new Quay Crew survey of 100 captains reveals the true cost of turnover. They arrive fresh-faced and eager, but most junior crew don’t last long. The Revolving Door of Junior Crew Why do most junior crew leave within 18 months? A new Quay Crew survey of 100 captains reveals the true cost of turnover. They arrive fresh-faced and eager, but most junior crew don’t last long. From Helm to Haven: The Amalfi Stay Captains Swear By Anantara Convento di Amalfi offers captains a serene retreat above the Tyrrhenian Sea, blending heritage, luxury, and wellness for the perfect reset. From Helm to Haven: The Amalfi Stay Captains Swear By Anantara Convento di Amalfi offers captains a serene retreat above the Tyrrhenian Sea, blending heritage, luxury, and wellness for the perfect reset. Why Captains Should Unwind at Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao is a barefoot-luxury retreat where captains can truly unwind, with all-inclusive service and serene island beauty. Why Captains Should Unwind at Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao is a barefoot-luxury retreat where captains can truly unwind, with all-inclusive service and serene island beauty. Captain Liam Devlin opens up about who inspired them in the industry As part of our survey of Captains we asked who in the industry has inspired them. We tracked down some of the Captains at MYS to dig a little deeper! Here is Captain Liam Devlin’s account of a moment from a Captain The IYC Captain's Forum discusses the Leading edge of Yacht Builds A candid look at what today’s captains see coming next in yacht design and innovation. Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World? - Alistair Best Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter. The Revolving Door of Junior Crew Why do most junior crew leave within 18 months? A new Quay Crew survey of 100 captains reveals the true cost of turnover. They arrive fresh-faced and eager, but most junior crew don’t last long.