SpaceX's new Starlink system, made up of thousands of small satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of about 340 miles, is now providing internet service to around 40 countries since coming online in 2021, The high-tech constellation is also proving brilliant for superyacht applications. “It's a massive disrupter among existing SATCOM networks,” says Paul Clarke, captain of the 180-foot charter yacht Loon, who acquired one of the very first units.
Loon receives consistent download speeds of 150 to 200 mbps, according to Clarke, compared to the maximum 80 mbps with Viasat, the yacht's other provider. Starlink also costs “$5,000 per month compared to $10,000,” for Viasat, he says, adding that fast, reliable internet service has become a necessity on the largest charter yachts as “many clients conduct business on…