Superyacht industry has seen a sudden rise in the use of iPad control on board superyachts, thanks to the recent software advancements. Since the launch of motor yacht Adastra in 2012, the demand for similar systems has increased, as stated by Daragh O’Higgins, managing director at TechWorX, based in Phuket, Thailand.

Superyacht Adastra

Daragh O’Higgins commented, “These systems consist of a central processor that connects to all the equipment you want to control. It then for example, switches the TV to the right channel, turns on the Blu-ray player and dims the lights to watch a movie by just pressing one button on the iPad. It then switches to a page where you have all the controls you need for the Blu-ray player. This is just one of many different scenarios you can set.”

Currently, the majority of larger superyachts will have a form of tablet-control system on board, but how much they control is increasing. Daragh continued, “It has been standard practice for many years to have automation systems on yachts, but this has typically meant expensive touch panels that sometimes cost 10k+ USD.

Technology on board a Superyacht

“The rise of the iPad has made automation more common and affordable. As the tablets become faster and automation controllers drop in price and become easier to install, it will be common place in all areas of a yacht.”

With smart technology on the incline, it is likely all new build superyachts will be installed with similar systems on board in the future.

TechWorX was established in 2008 and is a market leader for home entertainment & IT systems on board superyachts.