UK Marinas Report 40% Rise in Digital Booking Adoption

Digital booking adoption across UK marinas and sailing clubs has more than doubled in three years, according to the British Marine Federation's 2026 Facilities Survey.

The report found that 41% of berth and boat bookings at surveyed facilities are now made via an app or web platform — up from 18% in 2023. The shift has accelerated since 2024, with many clubs citing member demand and reduced admin workload as the primary drivers.

Key findings

• 74% of club secretaries said digital systems had "significantly reduced" time spent on booking administration.
• Clubs using digital booking reported a 28% reduction in double-bookings and scheduling conflicts.
• Member satisfaction scores were 19 points higher at clubs with dedicated booking apps versus those using phone/email/WhatsApp.
• The biggest barrier to adoption remained "getting members to change their habits" (cited by 62% of non-adopters).

Source: British Marine Federation Facilities Survey 2026