7 Yacht Startups ‘Sailing’ The Way In 2024

The yachting market in the UK in recent years has seen stable growth, even with barriers like Brexit and COVID-19. Between 2018 and last year, the industry saw an average annual growth of 0.9% because more people are ordering and buying superyachts. Last year, the industry was worth around £1.2 billion, which is a 3.4% rate of growth compared to 2022, according to a British Marine report.

Grand View Research shared in a report, “The yacht market in the UK held the largest market share of more than 23% in the Europe region. The growth of the market in the UK is fueled by many key factors. These include the increase in disposable income among individuals, increased interest in leisure activities such as sailing and yachting, and the country’s strategic positioning as a hub for maritime trade and tourism.”

 

What Are The Laws Around Yachting From The UK?

 

When leaving or coming into the UK on a pleasure craft, yacht owners and skippers are to follow certain legal requirements. Before sailing, its a requirement to submit a pleasure craft report to HMRC and Border Force.

This report essentially has all the information about the voyage, such as the yacht’s registration details, personal details of the skipper, and passport details of all on the yacht. This report needs to be submitted between a day and 2 hours before departing or arrival if done online.

 

7 Startups Making A Smooth Yachting Experience

 

These startups are either innovating from a products or services perspective, with software and hardware solutions for the thriving yacht industry. Here’s what they’re about…

 

1. Zparq

 

 

Zparq is a Swedish innovator in electric propulsion systems, dedicated to transforming the marine transportation industry. Founded with a mission to address the global demand for sustainable alternatives, Zparq develops cutting-edge electric drivetrains for propeller-driven watercraft, aiming to replace traditional fossil-fuel-powered engines with high-performance, eco-friendly solutions.

The company’s core technology is its advanced electric drivetrain, which enhances the efficiency and performance of marine vessels while significantly reducing their environmental impact. Zparq’s products are engineered for sustainability throughout their entire lifecycle, embracing a circular approach that minimises waste and promotes resource efficiency. This commitment to sustainability is not just about technology but also about creating new business models that prioritise environmental responsibility without sacrificing performance.

As a leader in the transition to electric marine propulsion, Zparq is driving innovation in an industry traditionally dominated by fossil fuels. Their focus on research and development ensures that they remain at the forefront of technological advancements, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marine transportation and setting new standards for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

 

2. Borrow A Boat

 

 

This UK marketplace connects yacht owners with people who want to rent yachts. This startup was launched in 2017 and was founded by sailor Matt Ovenden. The point of this is to make access to boating more accessible with the online marketplace that gives users the option to choose from small sailboats, to luxury superyachts. Already having over 50,000 boats, and in over 65 countries, this platform is perfect for enthusiasts who want the experience without needing to purchase a new yacht.

The startup works on a P2P model, so boat owners can rent their vessels out when not in use as a way to generate income, and reduce the massive costs involved with owning a boat. Traditional charter companies have also teamed with Borrow A Boat as a way to bring a more diverse set of options for customers.

 

3. Ankor Software

 

 

Ankor is a digital solutions provider that focuses on creating amore proffessional and efficient yachting industry. The company has different tools for yachting pros, such as scheduling platforms, digital contracts, and even content creation services.

This platform allows Central Agents to display yachts to the world while giving Retail Agents access to live availability and direct connections. Their itinerary-building tool creates a simplified experience and process with an app that lets users create custom itineraries easily.
 

 

4. DRIFT

 

 

DRIFT brings a different way towards mobile renewable energy generation with innovative, high-performance vessels. These vessels have underwater turbines that collect energy while cruising. The energy is then stored using an onboard megawatt-class electrolyser that produces and stores clean hydrogen, known as ‘green hydrogen’.

Using AI, this startup uses algorithms to optimise routes in real-time for the yachts to remain in the best possible weather conditions that will maximise the amount of energy produced.

 

5. Metarina Suite

 

 

This startup’s state-of-the-art software is created to make operations within the industry way more efficient. The platform centralises booking inquiries so that there is a consistent way to engage with customers across channels. This omni-channel booking manager helps marinas achieve predictable occupancy by streamlining the reservation process, whether for short-term visitors or long-term residents.

Metarina Suite’s advanced features also have automated billing features, rea;-time occupancy maps, and berth sub-rental options. The platform also integrates customer service tools, allowing marinas to manage communication, documentation, and customer data securely.

 

6. Seazone

 

 

Seazone is a yacht management platform made to make the day to day operations of yacht owners, captains and management companies much more smoother. Seazone has different tools that cover the different functions like admin, finance and even crew search and fleet management.

The platform is quote user-friendly and users have personalised dashboards that lets for the management of everything all in one place. Seazone’s Planned Maintenance System helps users stay on top of yacht maintenance for efficiency. The platform is also mobile-first, making it accessible from any device, which is ideal for yacht professionals who are on the move a lot of the time.

 

7. Wolfgang pro

 

 

This is a yacht management and environmental optimisation platform that strives to make yachting smarter and greener. This 2018 launched startup brings different services that make the yachting operations easier while being more environmentally friendly, by using advanced technology to monitor and reduce emissions during yacht cruises.