The Yacht Law Podcast

Text us your ideas and feedback! One outdated number has quietly shaped the entire superyacht landscape in the United States: 300 gross tons. Once yachts started exceeding that limit, the law effectively pushed them toward a commercial-style regulatory world that does not match how most private owners actually operate. So why does the US still lack a clear, modern large yacht code and why do so many American-owned yachts end up under Cayman, Marshall Islands, or other offshore registries inst...

Text us your ideas and feedback! The high-stakes drama of seized superyachts unfolds as landmark legal rulings reshape our understanding of who truly owns these floating palaces. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, vessels like the $225 million Amadea and Alpha Nero became battlegrounds where constitutional rights, maritime law, and international sanctions collide. Judge Ho's recent 80-page ruling on Amadea delivers a masterclass in beneficial ownership principles, cutting throug...

Text us your ideas and feedback! Yacht salvage is a complex field that intertwines legal, environmental, and practical challenges. While the subject was a topic for a podcast in our first season, that episode led to more in-depth questions--as did the subsequent sinking iof the superyacht Bayesian. Therefore, in this episode, we explore notable incidents, including that of the Bayesian, and the layers of responsibility and coordination crucial for effective salvage operations with the legenda...

Text us your ideas and feedback! Navigate the seas of high-stakes litigation with us as maritime attorney Michael Moore and journalist Diane M. Byrne dissect a recently filed class action lawsuit that's a topic of conversation throughout the yachting industry. Discover the allegations of price-fixing among the elite brokerage firms and listing platforms. Michael's expertise illuminates the parallels with real estate commission controversies, offering a look at the legal strategies and i...

Text us your ideas and feedback! Set sail with us as we celebrate the first anniversary of The Yacht Law Podcast, with over 600 downloads from 44 different countries! We couldn't be prouder of our enlightening nine-episode journey, and we're thrilled to share insights that have resonated deeply with the yachting community. For this new episode, maritime attorney Michael Moore and yachting journalist Diane M. Byrne once again unravel the complexities of maritime law. The focus this time is why...

Text us your ideas and feedback! Do you understand the vital role that classification societies have in securing safety in the construction of superyachts? If you're an owner, chances are you don't, and that's a mistake. Even with smart advisors around you, it's crucial that you educate yourself and therefore avoid making expensive mistakes by opting out of classification society recommendations. This episode of the Yacht Law Podcast unveils the integral functions of classificati...

Text us your ideas and feedback! Have you ever wondered how to navigate the complex world of sanctions, and what it means for you as a yacht owner or yachting professional? Join us as we shed light on the implications of US, EU, and UK sanctions against Russia and Russian citizens. With Michael Moore's deep knowledge in maritime law, we discuss the importance of staying informed about sanctions lists, and how to handle situations involving sanctioned individuals or superyachts. Dive deeper i...

Text us your ideas and feedback! Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States, the UK, and the European Union have gone after the assets of those suspected to be close to the Kremlin. Trying to sort facts from rumors when it comes to the superyacht arrests involving Russian owners, though, can be challenging. In this episode of The Yacht Law Podcast, maritime attorney Michael Moore and yachting journalists Diane Byrne address some of the most commonly asked questions, using a...