Inmarsat launches new digital yacht initiative

Inmarsat, an enabler in global, mobile satellite communications, has launched its Digital Yacht initiative with the release of an exclusive video offering unique insight from the build-up to the next edition of The Ocean Race and its use of digital technology.

The video will be the first in a new series, featuring a combination of online and live event formats and supporting content. The series has been tailored to help the superyacht, yachting, explorer and racing communities capitalise on the latest developments in onboard connectivity and harness the power of the new digital era.

Introducing six key topics, Inmarsat will explore how the rapid growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector is revolutionising different areas of superyacht management, design, operation and efficiency, changing the guest and crew onboard experience, enhancing elite racing performance, improving safety and cyber security and increasing accessibility to worldwide and remote cruising.

The Digital Yacht series, which is presented by Inmarsat Yachting Ambassador Nick Moloney, a record-breaking sailor, adventurer and public speaker, will feature industry experts and guests, elite professionals, and Inmarsat specialists. Through analysis and discussion of each topic, the digitalisation initiative will highlight future trends and opportunities. It will demonstrate how technology and systems already in place are benefiting the world’s best sailors, superyacht professionals and crew as well as yacht designers and managers. Crucially, it will also outline how a range of mariners can adapt these solutions for different applications.

Available now to view Digital Yacht: Performance Sailing and The Ocean Race, starts the series with an interview with Simon Fisher, professional offshore sailing team member and navigator for 11th Hour, an Ocean Race participant. He provides the inside view on how reliable, continuous satellite connectivity is transforming the decision-making, racing tactics and design of the latest yachts. He also looks at how new developments in communications technology could enhance the future racing experience.

The 2021 series will continue throughout the summer and culminate at METSTRADE 2021 with an in-person presentation and interactive event. Additional themes will cover:

How superyacht designers are developing technology for data collection and asset monitoring;

How digitalisation can impact crew welfare and play a part in supporting crew post-Brexit;

The value of new communication capabilities and connectivity for exploration to regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic; and
The digitalisation of safety and importance of effective cyber security as risks increase.

Peter Broadhurst, Senior Vice President, Safety, Security, Yachting and Passenger, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “The evidence is clear that digitalisation in the yachting sector continues to grow. Developments in connectivity and the transfer of data in greater volumes between yacht and shore continue to bring significant gains for guest and crew experience, operations, yacht management efficiency and crew welfare. We also know from our own research that usage and spend of VSAT is predicted to increase.

“We are excited to launch the new Inmarsat Digital Yacht initiative, bringing digitalisation to life for anyone in the yachting industry and to highlight some fascinating examples, hear real stories and meet people at the heart of new developments. Inmarsat is keen to reinforce and forge links with mariners with entertaining and engaging material. Whether superyacht managers, owners looking to improve efficiencies, a crew member concerned about life onboard and the effect of Brexit or the 90-day rule, a participant in elite racing, or an average boat owner hoping to tap-in to some of the new technology, we have great content for you.”

“With his insight and contacts in elite racing and his recent experiences in Antarctica, Nick is the perfect host for the series and will bring his passion for sailing and adventure to each topic. We look forward to engaging with everyone over the next few months,” Broadhurst said.