Sarah Allan
Partner
A partner in the London office, Sarah is the head of the yacht team, and works within the wider marine, trade and aviation team. She specialises in all yacht-related matters and advises owners, managers and yards on contracts relevant to superyacht operations, including sale and purchase transactions, re-fit, yacht charters and management agreements.
Sarah’s expertise in this area has in part derived from her passion for sailing. She is both an accomplished sailor and yachtmaster who has competed at international sailing events and worked on yachts. Along with a background in shipping, and having worked for an International Group P&I club, she has a broad understanding of the superyacht sector, regulations and insurance. Sarah has particular expertise in yacht and superyacht litigation, including contractual disputes and insurance claims, and has handled some of the most significant yacht casualties, including total losses, particularly by fire. She frequently handles insurance claims and advises on coverage. Sarah has also developed a practice in advising on matters relating to sailing regattas and racing incidents and rules-related matters. She acts alongside the firm’s personal injury team in the event of more serious injury.
It was the love of the sea and sailing that drew me to maritime law, but it is the in-depth knowledge of the sector I have gained from that passion that helps me to truly understand the issues and find solutions for our clients.
As a Spanish speaker, Sarah works closely with her colleagues in the Madrid office, as well as the other international offices in Greece and France. She is the co-chair of the professional services association committee of the British Marine Federation, and a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
Recent work highlights
Build contract
Superyacht sale and purchase
Superyacht fire
Arbitration
Damages claims
External recognition
What people are saying
What Sarah does very well is navigating the tactical maze. By understanding the best interests of clients, she defends them without getting bogged down by details. She is capable of great things.
Sarah Allan is a commercially astute litigator with an eye on the objective and the legal issues.
Sarah Allan knows everything there is to know about yachts and insurance/reinsurance. She is thorough, hard-working, and never misses an argument.
Sarah Allan is a standout individual. She understands her client base really well and usually gets a great result.
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