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Sailing has been around for hundreds of years, propelling world exploration and even becoming a new way to holiday. In fact, according to Statista, In 2023, around 103,000 people in the UK sailed – making it a growing and popular hobby.

But the world of sailing has quickly innovated, driven by new tech and a range of startups setting out to disrupt the sector.

Here, we take a look at the tech and companies making sailing more advanced than ever before:

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5 Innovations Driving The Hobby

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Smart Navigation

Unsurprisingly, one of the best advancements in modern sailing is the navigation technology. These tools and apps provide real-time weather updates, accurate route planning and better risk management.

These technologies mean sailors can make better route decisions and avoid patches with bad weather, which ultimately lead to safer (and more enjoyable!) trips. These systems are central to any sailing trip and vital for ensuring a safe ride.

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Boat Rentals

Boats are not just expensive to buy, they are also expensive to keep. The costs associated with boat maintenance can mean that the sport is reserved only for those that can afford it. Well, not anymore.

The growth of peer-to-peer boat rental services mean more people can experience sailing. Not only does it make sailing more accessible, it also ensures that those with boats can generate income from them, offsetting the cost of care.

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Social Sailing Networks

Social sailing platforms have made sailing more fun by connecting sailors and encouraging them to enjoy the sport together.

These networks help people find and join sailing trips, acting both as a social opportunity but also a way to foster community. This has helped more solo sailors be able to enjoy the sport and make friends in the process.

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Dock Reservation Platforms

Finding and reserving docking spaces has never been an easy task: until now.

These platforms allow sailors to easily find available docks, compare prices and reserve them. This helps reduce the stress of finding a place to dock when arriving at a new place, especially useful for those hopping between places or on a tight schedule.

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5 Sailng Startups To Watch

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Alongside general tech innovations, there are also a number of startups on the sailing scene. We take a look at some we think are worth watching:

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LifePatch: Smart Patch

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LifePatch is a device designed to attach to life-jackets, that requires no charging or changing.

This wearable device is able to help sea rescue teams find people faster, reducing rescue time by 3-4x. As the device remains dormant most of the time, it doesn’t need charging, making it an invaluable device when out on the water.

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SailGrib: Weather App

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SailGrib is a navigation and weather app designed to help sailors plan a safe trip. Through real-time weather updates, sailors are able to make more informed decisions.

Additionally, the app integrates easily with other instruments, helping sailors get more data and optimise their safety on the water.

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PierUp: Dock Reservation

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PierUp is a dock reservation platform that helps people with the (sometimes complicated) task of finding and booking docking spaces.

Sailors can easily find available docks, compare prices, and make reservations through the platform. This makes it a great tool for anyone planning a trip with multiple stops.

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Sailsquare: Social Sailing Trips

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Sailsquare is a company that allows people to book onto group sailing trips, connecting sailors worldwide.

The platform is perfect for those looking to get into sailing, but who might not have the confidence to do an entire trip alone. Through their community, they are allowing more people to explore the benefits of sailing and meet new friends.

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Globe Sailor: Boat Rentals

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Globe Sailor is a boat rental service that allows people to book boats for their upcoming trips. The platform offers a range of boats from sail boats to yachts, helping make boating holidays more mainstream.