{"id":4690,"date":"2026-01-14T14:15:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T13:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtskipper.eu\/starlink-on-yachts\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T09:47:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T08:47:01","slug":"starlink-on-yachts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtskipper.eu\/en\/starlink-on-yachts\/","title":{"rendered":"Starlink on Yachts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starlink on Yachts<\/span><\/h1>\n

(As of January 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n

Anyone considering the possibilities of connecting their yacht to the internet has had a new option for several years: Starlink<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

A fast internet or telephone connection at “affordable prices” was previously only possible for private users to a very limited extent via Iridium, Inmarsat or Thuraya<\/strong>. All three alternatives have significant limitations compared to Starlink and will not be discussed further here.
If you are interested in these systems as a backup, I recommend contacting Matthias Cramer<\/strong><\/a>. His company is a specialist for satellite communication in Germany and offers truly well-founded advice. <\/p>\n

Facts<\/span><\/h3>\n

Starlink is a satellite network operated by the US space company SpaceX<\/strong> <\/a> with currently (as of January 2026) around 9,395 satellites<\/strong>. Approximately 22,000<\/strong> are planned. This makes Starlink by far the most extensive satellite network in the world. <\/p>\n

The core business is providing internet connections with speeds of up to 400 Mbit\/s<\/strong> \u2013 worldwide, including on the oceans and in remote regions. The only requirement is a clear view of the sky. <\/p>\n

Since 2020, Starlink has offered internet access in the USA, and since 2023 worldwide (in many countries, on oceans and in remote regions). This makes Starlink ideally suited for sailors \u2013 even on long offshore passages. <\/p>\n

Before I go into my practical experiences during two transatlantic crossings, here are some technical details.<\/p>\n

Hardware<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are currently four different hardware options for connecting to Starlink:<\/p>\n

1. Performance Kit (formerly Marine version)<\/span><\/h3>\n

This version is still offered as a solution for ocean voyages in conjunction with global tariffs.
Price:<\/strong> approx. \u20ac1,300\u20131,800<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> This version is not absolutely necessary<\/strong> to use Starlink on yachts.<\/p>\n

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2. Standard Kit with Motor<\/span><\/h3>\n

This kit automatically aligns the antenna and offers very good conditions for installation on board thanks to the stand and motor.
Price:<\/strong> approx. \u20ac350 (if still available)<\/p>\n

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3. Standard Kit without Motor<\/span><\/h3>\n

Also well suited for yachts. With appropriate accessories, it can be mounted on a stand. The lack of automatic alignment is not a real problem in practice.
Price:<\/strong> approx. \u20ac350<\/p>\n

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4. Starlink Mini<\/span><\/h3>\n

Significantly smaller than the other versions, no external router required and can be operated directly with 12 V<\/strong>. Ideal if permanent installation is out of the question or occasional connection interruptions are acceptable.
Very useful as a mobile solution for charter yachts or professional skippers and crews who frequently travel on different yachts.
Price:<\/strong> approx. \u20ac250<\/p>\n

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Conclusion Hardware<\/span><\/h3>\n

The optimal hardware for extreme areas is also the most expensive: Kit No. 1<\/strong>. If you want to sail around Cape Horn or Iceland, you should take a closer look at this kit. It is temperature-resistant from \u201340 to +60 \u00b0C<\/strong>, shock and vibration-resistant and very robust thanks to the aluminum housing. <\/p>\n

For all other sailors, Kit 2 or 3<\/strong> is perfectly adequate \u2013 even for transatlantic or Pacific crossings.<\/p>\n

For sailors without their own yacht (charter) or professional skippers, Kit No. 4<\/strong> is ideal as luggage. It is designed for 12 V as standard (pay attention to the power consumption \u2013 normal USB ports are usually not sufficient).
All other kits require 110\/220 V or a corresponding conversion to 12\/24 V.<\/p>\n

Tariffs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Both the hardware and the tariffs from Starlink are (as of 01\/2026) significantly cheaper for sailors than previous alternatives (e.g. Iridium GO! from approx. \u20ac980).<\/p>\n

Travel Tariffs (as of 01\/2026)<\/span><\/h3>\n

1. TRAVEL \u2013 50 GB | \u20ac40\/month<\/span><\/h4>\n

Ideal for sailors who do not leave the 12-mile zone, rarely change ports and hardly cross any national borders. Additional volume can be booked. <\/p>\n

2. TRAVEL UNLIMITED | \u20ac89\/month<\/span><\/h4>\n

The basic tariff for long-distance sailors. Unlimited data volume near the coast, additionally bookable offshore tariffs outside the 12-mile zone. <\/p>\n

There are country-specific restrictions (e.g. prohibition of Starlink or use “in motion”). The latest information can be found on the Starlink website.
Currently, the private offshore tariff is limited to 60 days per year<\/strong>. Regulations are subject to change at any time. <\/p>\n

3. Business Global Priority \u2013 50 GB | \u20ac241\/month<\/span><\/h4>\n

Actually intended for companies, this tariff offers more stable conditions for long-distance sailors. Not limited in time, additional volume can be booked (+50 GB = \u20ac96\/month).
Definitely worth a look for round-the-world sailors or ARC World participants.<\/p>\n

Conclusion Tariffs<\/span><\/h3>\n