Yachting Art Magazine

French pleasure catamaran manufacturer Nautitech Catamarans (Rochefort) and technology company SEA.AI have announced an expanded collaboration to offer innovative safety and navigation solutions. This cooperation now allows buyers of Nautitech catamarans to integrate SEA.AI's artificial vision system as an option on board their vessels.

With this initiative, Nautitech and SEA.AI are demonstrating a shared ambition: to support sailors with modern tools that combine reliability and efficiency, without ever compromising on the quality of the experience at sea. The decision to install this technological device is part of an approach that prioritises vigilance and peace of mind, whatever the sailing conditions.

The system developed by SEA.AI is designed to assist the crew in detecting potential hazards. Thanks to a machine vision device that operates day and night, it is able to identify floating objects, small vessels without AIS signals, and fishing equipment that could pose an obstacle. These elements, which are often undetectable by conventional means such as radar, are reported to the navigator in real time.

One of the major advantages of this tool is its ability to detect invisible hazards in low light or poor visibility conditions. This assistance complements the work of the crew by acting as a constantly vigilant ‘virtual crew member’. The equipment is also useful during night-time arrivals in unfamiliar areas, helping to avoid moored vessels or find a safe berth in a crowded harbour.

Nautitech's approach is based on a multihull design that prioritises performance at sea. Contrary to certain market trends that emphasise comfort at anchor, the shipyard aims to offer well-balanced catamarans that meet the expectations of sailors both at sea and at anchor. Every architectural choice is designed to preserve the marine DNA of its models, with particular attention paid to structural strength and manoeuvrability.

For Cédric Beaumont, Premium Service Manager at Nautitech Catamarans, consistency between technical choices and user expectations is paramount. He emphasises that robust construction, high performance and on-board comfort are always accompanied by a focus on ease of use and safety. The integration of the SEA.AI system meets these objectives by enhancing crew protection without compromising the pleasure of sailing.

The collaboration between the two companies is therefore based on shared values: the constant search for technical solutions adapted to the realities of long-distance cruising and the desire to enable boaters to sail with greater peace of mind. The SEA.AI device, designed to interface with the electronic equipment already on board Nautitech catamarans, fits into this approach. It complements the crew's vigilance, providing discreet but valuable assistance.

Bruno Guerin, Sales Director France at SEA.AI, emphasises the complementary nature of the two brands. He points out that this cooperation aims to support the demanding practice of offshore sailing by providing tools tailored to sailors who want to go further while maintaining a high level of safety. According to him, the integration of SEA.AI technologies into Nautitech catamarans helps to meet this requirement.

The two companies also affirm their desire to work together to devise solutions for the sailboats of tomorrow. They intend to continue developing disruptive technologies that will enhance the equipment of cruising multihulls without compromising their comfort or marine performance. This shared vision is aimed at sailors engaged in long-distance navigation who are keen to combine pleasure with risk management.