Starboard Card: A Simpler Way to Spend at Sea

The idea for Starboard Card started on a sailboat. Founder and CEO Dan Lane noticed the crew seemed tense, despite their professionalism, something felt off. The card for maritime expenses had been lost and the crew were quietly paying out of pocket to keep the charter running. There was no backup, no system, just a workaround.

That moment sparked a question: why, in an industry defined by precision and luxury, was expense management still so manual?

Starboard Card was created to change that. Blending Visa Infinite debit cards with multi-currency accounts and yacht-specific software, the platform is designed to ease the burden of onboard spending, without getting in the way. It’s discreet, intuitive, and tailored to the rhythm of yacht life. ‘All of our processes were built with yacht crew and industry realities in mind, so the experience feels tailored rather than generic,’ Lane explained.

Built by a team of ex-crew and finance professionals, the company reflects an insider’s understanding of how yachts really operate. Captains, yacht managers and senior crew can oversee transactions in real time, reconcile APA with ease, and move away from outdated systems. 

There’s no credit line, no unnecessary complexity, just a focus on getting the essentials right. Starboard isn’t about disrupting the industry; it’s about quietly improving it. From provisioning to guest expenses, the aim is simple: make space for crews to do what they do best- look after the experience.

Through partnerships with top companies in the industry and firsthand involvement in the yachting community, Starboard Card is already finding their place among those shaping the future of life on board, for all on board. As Lane reflects, ‘The main thing to remember is that launch isn’t the destination; it’s not the finish line. For us, launch is the start line. This is just the beginning.’