Yachts and superyachts

Yachts and superyachts have long been considered amongst the ultimate luxury assets. While many are used for commercial or sporting ventures, others are intended purely for leisure. Whatever the purpose, Penningtons Manches Cooper’s specialist lawyers provide legal advice on all aspects of yacht and superyacht ownership – from concept through a vessel’s full lifecycle.

Lawyers with a proven track record in the yacht and superyacht industry

With a strong history in maritime law and extensive practical sailing and seagoing experience on board superyachts, racing and pleasure craft, we combine an in-depth understanding of the industry with commercial and practical guidance which is solution focused. Our clients include ultra-high net worth individuals, owners, managers, insurers, yacht brokers, yards, designers, suppliers and marinas.

We advise on new build contracts, including fully custom yachts and any related project management and design contracts, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights. Alongside regular involvement in sale and purchase transactions, our corporate and wealth lawyers can assist with ownership structures, registration and choice of flag. Where finance is required, we provide support on the associated finance arrangements, and importantly security.

Clients frequently seek our legal advice on operational matters including management and crew contracts, and consult our dedicated employment team. Our yacht and superyacht lawyers work closely with the firm’s commercial and ship finance teams to assist with the broad range of matters that derive from owning, managing or insuring yachts, whether operated commercially (including charter) or privately.

If a casualty does occur, we have considerable experience in responding to the incident and handling disputes arising from it. Our lawyers are ready to act immediately following a serious casualty and to advise on any criminal investigation or maritime investigation by the MAIB or its equivalent. We engage with independent technical experts and, where necessary, appoint local lawyers to assist with the preservation and collation of evidence. We have handled high profile yachting incidents, calling also on the expertise of our well-respected reputation management team.

A very high quality and specialist practice, which offers fantastic service and knowledge.

A broad range of contractual disputes may arise from build contracts, finance arrangements or the general operation of a yacht. Our proven track record in this area encompasses product liability and warranty claims, professional negligence, yard liabilities and chartering disputes. In addition to significant High Court proceedings, our litigation practice covers all forms of alternative dispute resolution including international arbitration and dispute resolution.

We have global reach with offices in renowned yachting hubs including France, Spain, Greece and Singapore. Through our office in Antibes, we benefit from direct access to the Mediterranean yacht sector and wider maritime industries. Our yacht and superyacht lawyers can readily assist on the complex multi-jurisdictional issues which frequently arise in yacht ownership.

How we help our clients

Casualty response and insurance matters

Construction and refit advice

Guidance on crewing, employment and management issues

Design and intellectual property rights

Dispute resolution and arbitration

Management, operation and charter

Marina and yard liabilities expertise

Personal injury claims, regulatory issues and criminal investigations

Racing Rules and sports law

Sale and purchase transactions

Ownership structures and registration

Shipbuilding, finance and leasing arrangements

Penningtons is able to provide a big firm service but with the agility of a smaller firm. This means that their procedures and conflicts process are quicker and all administrative aspects are straightforward.

They are always available to give us support in all the questions that we ask them. Their knowledge of the claims of hotel chains make them the reference office for us.

Penningtons are experts at handling complex matters in such a way that their client is at ease and is able to rely upon them to see matters through from the inception to the conclusion of a claim.

An enthusiastic client comments on the good impression of the firm’s ‘ability to find solutions and availability’.

‘It’s easy to understand their advice. Their responses are smooth and they are easy to communicate with.’

Recent work highlights

New build superyacht purchase

Advising a client on the negotiation and finalisation of a build contract for a custom-built composite yacht in the UK, including implementing robust security arrangements to safeguard the purchaser’s interests.

Support on superyacht transactions

Acting on multiple high-value superyacht sale and purchase transactions, providing strategic legal support across complex ownership structures, international jurisdictions and tailored contractual arrangements.

Bespoke marine finance solutions

Advising on an innovative €7 million secured refinancing of an 86 metre yacht and a three year charter services agreement for a Middle East client. We are increasingly designing alternative financing arrangements for markets in which some lenders have lost interest.

Limitation success in yacht fire case

Representing insurers and owners after the Big Kahuna fire in Greece, which caused multiple yacht losses. Limitation proceedings were initiated in the UK and we defeated a stay application, confirming the UK as the proper forum despite the tort occurring in Greece.

Resolution of MYBA charter dispute

Successfully representing the charterer of a yacht in a damages claim under the MYBA charter, arising from the owner’s breaches, including failing to deliver the yacht to the agreed location in full working order.

Asset enforcement in sanctions dispute

Advising a service provider on a claim for substantial sums owed by a sanctioned yacht owner, including related sanctions issues and enforcement action against associated assets.