At Rosemont Yacht Services, we were pleased to participate actively throughout the week, contributing to seminars, client meetings, and informal discussions that shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s yachting landscape.
Key Legal and Fiscal Takeaways from MYS 2025
1. The evolving U.S. tariff and regulatory environment
The IYBA seminar highlighted the ongoing impact of U.S. import duties (rising from 10% to potentially 15%) and the continuing complexities of EPA emission compliance. These measures affect both dealers’ ability to hold inventory and the feasibility of charter operations by U.S. owners.
For cross-Atlantic ownership structures, it has become more important than ever to plan importation, flag, and charter arrangements early in the process.
2. Contractual best practice: non-refundable deposits and slot reservations
Following recent market cycles, many shipyards now request non-refundable deposits or firm commitments before securing a build slot. Structuring these arrangements properly, ideally through detailed Letters of Intent or contracts prepared with legal counsel is essential to protect clients while maintaining access to limited capacity.
3. Yacht Engaged in Trade (YET) developments
We were pleased to note growing interest and acceptance of the Yacht Engaged in Trade regime. The Isle of Man and BVI’s adoption of YET following constructive collaboration demonstrates that pragmatic regulatory evolution is possible. Discussions are ongoing with other registries, and Rosemont will continue to support clarity and harmonisation within Europe.
4. AML and KYC obligations for brokers and managers
Our Rosemont-hosted AML seminar drew strong attendance and highlighted why compliance is not simply a formality. Brokers and managers now carry tangible responsibilities under new EU AML frameworks. Understanding what constitutes effective due diligence and documenting it properly protects both the professional and the client relationship.
Structuring & Ownership. The Foundation of Value
From first-time buyers to seasoned owners, the message was clear: a yacht’s enjoyment and long-term value depend on how well it is structured from the start.
Key points of focus include:
- Selecting the appropriate ownership structure, flag and operational model (private, commercial, or YET).
- Coordinating corporate, tax, and crewing structures to meet the owner’s cruising plans.
- Managing VAT, customs regulations, and importation with precision to avoid unexpected liabilities.
- Ensuring financial, insurance, and compliance frameworks align with ownership intent.
Sustainability, Risk & the Next Wave
Environmental accountability is no longer optional. New builds and refits presented at MYS 2025 showcased hybrid propulsion, energy management systems, and alternative fuels. These innovations bring opportunity but also regulatory and insurance implications.
Understanding how sustainability intersects with classification, flag, and compliance will also be a defining skill for the next generation of yacht advisors.
Looking Ahead
As the excitement of Monaco fades and attention turns to follow-up, the real work begins:
- Converting interest into well-structured transactions.
- Updating ownership plans to reflect new rules.
- Reinforcing compliance processes before the 2026 season.
Because in yachting, as in all complex assets, the difference between ownership and enjoyment is structure.
For more information, please contact Janet Xanthopoulos, Head of Yacht and Jet Dpt: j.xanthopoulos@rosemont-yacht.com
10/2025