Marine start-ups lead the digital wave at Southampton International Boat Show

Three pioneering start-ups came together yesterday at the Southampton International Boat Show, highlighting how their individual digital innovations are reshaping the future of the boating industry. 

The session “Boating made simple – there’s an app for that!”, took place on 21 September at the Cockpit stage and featured Joe Dalton, founder of SALT, Tony Cantrill, founder of SeaSight and Ivan Kuznetsov, founder of Yacht Cabin.

The discussion explored how technology can simplify and improve boat ownership, with each founder presenting a different perspective. During the session, Joe Dalton outlined how SALT is using the latest financial technology to make boating more accessible via its app. By streamlining the finance process with simplified applications, rapid decisions, and convenient tracking, the company is opening up ownership opportunities for a wider audience and supporting retailers with modern sales tools.

SeaSight founder and veteran IT and systems specialist, Tony Cantrill, used the platform to raise awareness of safety and security in the marine sector. Inspired by his own first-hand experience of boat theft, Cantrill introduced the first product of its kind – a full suite of self-install, marine-level security products designed specifically for mid-sized leisure boats. SeaSight’s mission is to challenge the misconception that theft is rare among boat owners and to provide peace of mind through smarter connected protection.

Yacht Cabin, presented by founder Ivan Kuznetsov, showcased its crew-connection platform that links private boat owners to volunteer crew. This approach enables cost-sharing and makes sailing more affordable and accessible for a broader community. Kuznetsov also noted how developments such as Starlink are transforming connectivity offshore, supporting modern, app-driven user experiences for a younger generation of boaters.

The session drew strong interest from boat owners, marine professionals and technology enthusiasts, who heard how a new wave of start-ups is driving change in the marine sector. Across safety, finance and accessibility, the three companies demonstrated how innovation is addressing long-standing challenges and helping the industry overcome its traditionally slow pace of change to deliver better, more accessible experiences for the next generation of boaters.

Tony Cantrill said: “It was inspiring to share the stage with fellow innovators who, like SeaSight, are committed to modernising the boating experience. Events like SIBS show just how ready the industry is to embrace change and innovation, and I’m excited to see safety become a central part of that conversation.”

Ivan Kuznetsov said: “It’s clear that digital tools are reshaping how we approach boating. Whether it’s simplifying marine financing, protecting boats through smart security systems, or helping skippers and crew find each other more easily — technology is unlocking a more open and inclusive future for our community.”