5 March 2026

World-class speakers. Unrivalled networking. Last chance to book.
Thursday 19 March 2026 | Union Jack Club, London

With the superyacht sector navigating rapid regulatory change, evolving technology and increasing operational complexity, the Superyacht UK Technical Seminar 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important industry dates of the year and only a limited number of tickets now remain.

Taking place on Thursday 19 March at the Union Jack Club, the 15th annual seminar is firmly established as one of the most authoritative technical forums in the superyacht calendar. Designed for shipyards, designers, technical managers, classification societies, flag states, insurers and legal advisers, the event focuses squarely on the issues that are actively shaping build, refit and operational strategy.

This year’s agenda has been carefully curated to reflect the complexity of the current landscape and address the real-world challenges currently facing the global fleet.

Julian Smith of the Cayman Islands Shipping Register will provide a detailed update on amendments to the REG Large Yacht Code, including developments relating to shell doors and openings, an area of particular technical and compliance interest. Lars Lippuner from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency will outline progress on the Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme, including evolving pathways to unlimited Certificates of Competency, a key consideration for future crewing strategy.

International regulatory developments will be addressed by Lorenzo Pollicardo of SYBAss and Patrick Hemp of ICOMIA, who will examine recent and forthcoming IMO changes and what they mean in practice for large yacht construction and operation.

Collaboration between classification societies will also come under the spotlight in a joint session from Corrado Musso of Lloyd’s Register and Matteo Magherini of RINA, who will explore the practical implementation and future direction of YSEC, providing clarity on how the framework is evolving and how it impacts shipyards and designers.

The seminar will also address the growing influence of emerging technology, in two dedicated sessions. Harry Strange of Withers & Rogers will examine the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property, addressing how AI tools are reshaping design, innovation and ownership rights. While Rupert Mills and Dan Turner of Krome Technologies will deliver a cyber security update, focusing on the expanding threat landscape and the practical steps businesses must take to protect both vessels and shore-based operations.

A specialist panel discussion will also address one of the most commercially sensitive areas of the sector: post-build and refit warranty works. Senior representatives from Pendennis Shipyard, Mayfair Marine, Hill Dickinson, Pantaenius, Willis and Oceanco will share first-hand experience of how warranty issues are managed, where disputes most commonly arise, and how risk can be mitigated through clearer contractual and operational frameworks.

The seminar will close with a keynote address from renowned maritime archaeologist and explorer Mensun Bound, who led the expedition that located Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance. Drawing on extreme exploration, his address will explore leadership, resilience, collaboration and problem-solving, themes that resonate strongly with an industry built on precision engineering and complex project delivery.

Beyond the technical content, the seminar is widely recognised for the calibre of its audience. Senior representatives from shipyards, design studios, management companies, insurers, regulators, classification societies and specialist suppliers are already confirmed to attend, including professionals from Pendennis Shipyard, Döhle Yachts, Laurent Giles, Kongsberg, DEFENDA, Lloyd’s Register, RINA, the MCA, Cayman Islands Shipping Register, Withers & Rogers, Hill Dickinson, RWD, Pantaenius, Oyster Yachts, Krome Technologies, Boat International, English Braids, SYBAss, ICOMIA and Oceanco, to name just a few.

The event offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with the individuals shaping regulation, driving innovation and influencing decision-making across the superyacht ecosystem.

Each ticket includes access to the full seminar programme, networking refreshment breaks, lunch and drinks reception, with an optional evening dinner also available. Plus, this year, every delegate will also receive a digital copy of the Global Order Book from Boat International, providing detailed analysis of shipyard data from around the world. The report offers valuable insight into current build activity, market trends and the overall health of the superyacht industry, essential intelligence for businesses planning ahead.

Members can secure their place for £173.33 + VAT or for the seminar and dinner £259.19 + VAT.  For non-members, seminar tickets are £313.33 + VAT and for the seminar and dinner  £399.17 + VAT.

With demand strong and capacity limited, this is the final opportunity to secure a place at one of the industry’s most respected and strategically important technical forums.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/events/superyachtuk-technical-seminar-2026

Special thanks to event partners: Networking Partner: Laurent Giles and Event Partner Sponsors: DEFENDA, Döhle Yachts, English Braids, Kongsberg, Mayfair Marine, Pendennis and Withers & Rogers

Learn more about Superyacht UK by visiting: www.britishmarine.co.uk/membership/associations/superyacht-uk