In an era where smart tech has become second nature to sailors—from digital chartplotters to app-driven sail plans—it was only a matter of time before artificial intelligence joined the crew. Now, SEA.AI’s machine vision is doing just that, teaming up with renowned French catamaran builder Nautitech to offer a whole new level of situational awareness on the water.
The new collaboration sees SEA.AI’s AI-powered object detection system offered as an option across Nautitech’s fleet of performance cruising catamarans. At its core, this partnership is about more than gadgets. It’s about aligning technology with a deeper philosophy of safety, performance, and seamless sailing.
“Innovation and safety are essential to delivering the sailing sensations our owners expect,” says Cédric Beaumont, Premium Service Manager at Nautitech Catamarans (source). “Our vision focuses on robust construction, excellent performance, and high-end comfort—all while prioritising ease of use and safety in all wind conditions. Integrating SEA.AI’s smart lookout aligns perfectly with this philosophy.”
While the trend in modern cruising catamarans has increasingly skewed toward comfort at anchor—floating apartments with sails—Nautitech has taken a different tack. The French builder insists on keeping sailing performance and offshore capability at the heart of its designs. Each Nautitech hull is a nod to serious passagemaking, not just lazy afternoons in the bay.
That’s where SEA.AI fits in. Founded in 2018, the company has been at the forefront of maritime machine vision, combining optical and thermal cameras with artificial intelligence to detect floating hazards that traditional systems—radar, AIS, or the mark-one human eyeball—can miss. Think unlit buoys, semi-submerged containers, loose fishing gear, or small craft lacking AIS transponders.
The system works around the clock, scanning the horizon like an extra crew member that never blinks. Whether navigating at night, in fog, or pulling into a crowded anchorage in unfamiliar waters, the technology offers real-time alerts to help skippers avoid surprises.
“Nautitech catamarans are built for sailors who demand more—from their boat and their time on the water,” says Bruno Guerin, SEA.AI’s Sales Manager for France (source). “Our system acts like a trusted co-skipper, helping crews sail farther and with more confidence—without adding complexity.”
That last point is critical. While SEA.AI’s system may be complex under the hood, for the end user it’s all about simplicity. The tech integrates directly with the boat’s existing electronics suite, displaying on familiar screens with clear visual overlays that highlight hazards in real time.
For long-distance cruisers, the peace of mind is invaluable. Arriving in a busy marina after dark is challenging at the best of times—tired crew, unfamiliar surroundings, and limited visibility. SEA.AI’s machine vision helps take the guesswork out of low-speed manoeuvring, spotting moored boats and obstacles that could easily go unnoticed until it’s too late.
And yet, it’s not just about safety. The real power of this technology is how seamlessly it complements the performance sailing experience. For those who relish the challenge of bluewater cruising—who see a catamaran as a passage-making machine, not a floating condo—this is the kind of innovation that supports their ambition.
“Together, we offer sailors the tools they need to sail further, faster, and with confidence,” adds Guerin (source).
By offering SEA.AI as an option, Nautitech is reinforcing its brand values. These are boats for sailors who want to push boundaries, not just swing on the hook. And SEA.AI’s system, like the boats it’s now a part of, is built for that same mindset.
This partnership isn’t about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about bringing real-world functionality to real-world sailors—those who sail short-handed, at night, offshore, or all of the above. It’s a small change with the potential to transform how we perceive risk and decision-making at sea.
As SEA.AI and Nautitech continue to refine this integration, it’s clear that what they’re really offering is assurance: the assurance that you’re being watched over, that you’re not alone on watch, and that every nautical mile can be covered with just a bit more confidence.
For modern sailors looking to future-proof their cruising experience, this isn’t just a feature—it’s a step change.
