How to Blaze a Legal Trail in the Superyacht Community: Lessons from the Quarterdeck to the Courtroom

When you’re signing on the dotted line of your next yacht contract, you might want to give those clauses another glance. Far from being “just boilerplate”, these can resurface years later, turning gentle sea breezes into gales that could throw your balance sheet off course. Two landmark cases in recent years serve as timely reminders.

The English Commercial Court’s 2020 My Song ruling and the US Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Great Lakes Insurance SE v. Raiders Retreat Realty, demonstrate why the superyacht community should not take the choice of law and choice of forum clauses lightly.

Turning high judicial drama into operational advantage requires understanding your contract from every angle. Ensure legal clauses are adequately scrutinized before signing and maintain clear evidence trails. My Song’s case, for instance, involved sifting through WhatsApp messages and cradle-assembly photos, underlining the importance of keeping meticulous records over time.

Folks, every clause matters at sea, just like each drop in the vast ocean. These legal lessons ensure a smooth and prepared voyage, weathering the storms of maritime disputes and sailing towards a safe harbour.