Nowadays, the majority of yachts are registered (i.e. flagged) offshore, with the Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands and St. Vincent remaining the most popular registries, as the flag you choose for your superyacht will have a direct impact on your taxes. In most cases, flagging your vessel offshore enables to avoid taxes on the hull value. The savings can be significant, compared to the sales tax value (TVA or VAT) that would have to be paid.
When it comes to U.S. tax regulation, not only the potential buyer but also the seller have to pay certain taxes in order to settle a potential deal. In order to avoid it, as well as strict manning requirements, many yachts are originally listed for sale with a mark ‘not for sale to U.S. residents in U.S. waters’.
The general policy derives from a 111-year-old law, preventing sales of foreign-flagged yachts to U.S. citizens when the boats are in U.S. waters. The law requires foreign-flagged vessels to pay an import fee even before they are offered for sale to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters.
Over the past years, the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) urged the Congress to change the form of the 1908 law. The bills that have been filed would not remove the tax paid on the boat, but would defer payment of it until after the boat is sold.
This situation also often pertains to a yacht registered in another country that is within US waters on a cruising permit.
IYBA executive director Cindy Sailor, has recently reintroduced the bill to the new Congress in an effort to boost the yachting industry and encourage more sales in U.S. waters. He explained:
We’re not asking to get any sort of forgiveness for paying the duty. We are requesting that the time of collection of the duty be changed to when the yacht is sold, rather than when it goes on the market.
He adds:
It’s counterintuitive to pay the import tax on the value of a boat before you know what the actual selling price is going to be. A 1.5 percent tax is sizable and most yacht owners don’t want to pay duty just to put the boat on the market with the hopes of selling it to a U.S. buyer.
Matt Ruane, director of JTC Marine and Aviation, cites some specific reasons the U.S. flag may not appeal to owners of large yachts.
U.S.-resident master and crew are required for all large yachts, unless operating privately and outside of U.S. waters. A U.S. flag requires US corporate or private ownership, and the concept of nominee directors and shareholders is less understood and thus, less acceptable, essentially meaning that U.S. corporate ownership is more transparent.
Still, according to HMY Yachts, the sweeping tax reform, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, has included some new provisions that can provide benefits on yacht purchases and also yachts for charter that are used for legitimate business purposes. The new bill codes around bonus depreciation and will come in effect through 2022.
With this, up to 100% of the purchase price can potentially be written off as bonus depreciation in the year of the purchase if all requirements are met. And there is no dollar limit to the purchase price. That same depreciation applies to any improvements made to the vessel in the same year as the purchase.
To qualify for these benefits, the buyer must be an entity—corporation, partnership, or LLC—that will use the vessel for a legitimate business purpose, for instance, by purchasing a yacht and using it for charter.
Arcadia Yachts unveils its latest creation, the A80new, embodying the company's unwavering dedication to eco-consciousness and exploration. Just shy of 24 meters in length, this new yacht embodies freedom, while adhering strictly to guidelines aimed at safeguarding fragile underwater ecosystems, notably posidonia oceanica seagrass beds.In harmony with Arcadia's core philosophy, the A80new incorporates several breakthrough features. Equipped with cutting-edge solar panels, this yacht delivers unprecedented energy efficiency, marking a leap forward in sustainable nautical technology. At slow cruising speeds favored by the company, the A80new consumes considerably less fuel than comparable boats — reductions range from 12% at 12 knots to 27% at 15 knots.Main saloon Measuring precisely 23.98 meters, the A80new distinguishes itself as Arcadia's first raised pilot house (RPH) yacht. Despite being compact, it maintains all signature traits of Arcadia designs, highlighted by a sleek wide-body profile. Passengers can relish a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, accentuated by vast expanses of glass allowing abundant natural light to flood the main deck.Owner's suite Five sumptuous guest cabins ensure every passenger enjoys utmost comfort. Notably, the master suite occupies prime real estate on the main deck, offering unparalleled views and privacy. VIP suite Spanning 80 square meters, the upper deck sets new standards for versatility. Divided into distinct zones, it invites personalization, whether for leisurely afternoons or intimate gatherings. Wheelhouse Located discreetly in the lower deck's bow, the crew area boasts two comfortable cabins, a dedicated dining area, and an efficient galley designed collaboratively with kitchen specialists Valcucine.Solar panels are strategically placed to optimize energy production, contributing to minimal carbon footprints. Upper deck Decorated with natural woods encouraging relaxation, A80new will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Powered by Volvo IPS engines since 2015, the yacht promotes peacefulness and eco-awareness, making it suitable for explorers valuing sustainable cruising.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
April 16, 2025
EIV, a 48.77 meters yacht built by prestigious Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi, is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson. Offered at $32,750,000, EIV exemplifies opulence and innovation, blending comfort accommodation with exceptional functionality.Completed in 2020, EIV combines technological sophistication with breathtaking aesthetics. Its unique construction includes a shallow draft of just 2.29 meters, making it ideal for exploring pristine waters worldwide, including those around The Bahamas. Having passed rigorous inspections, EIV remains impeccably maintained.EIV provides lavish accommodation for up to eleven guests across five spacious staterooms, plus quarters for nine crew members. Guests enjoy exclusive spaces such as the main-deck owner's suite, complete with a private study, climate-controlled wine storage, and elegant bathrooms. Guest enjoyment extends beyond the suites. On the main deck, a beautifully furnished salon flows seamlessly into an expansive outdoor terrace. Sliding doors and fold-out balustrades provide al fresco dining options, emphasizing EIV's focus on integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. A top-notch audio-visual setup enhances the entertainment experience, with refined touches like handcrafted leather upholstery adding charm.Upstairs, the bridge feck houses a sky lounge fitted with a wet bar, cinema projection system, and stylish furniture. Guests can dine comfortably here, enjoying sunset cocktails amidst scenic surroundings. The crowning glory lies on the uppermost sun deck – a resort-like oasis featuring a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and ample relaxation zones.Complementing these amenities is an extensive beach club, housing a sauna, bar, shower facilities, and easy access to the tender garage. Outfitted with a versatile AV/IT infrastructure, including Apple TV, Roku streaming devices, and Sonos speakers, everything is managed via user-friendly iPad interfaces.Recent upgrades include fresh carpeting in the master cabin, main saloon, and cinema, alongside upgraded exterior furnishing materials. Technical systems remain meticulously serviced, ensuring flawless operation.Rossinavi is an Italian manufacturer of custom steel and aluminium superyachts 28m in size and larger. The Rossi shipyard was founded in 1970s and is located in Viareggio.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 15, 2025
Sunreef Yachts has made significant strides in renewable energy integration with the introduction of its latest innovation – the Solar Skin 3.0 system. Designed to maximize energy harvesting potential, this state-of-the-art system represents a major step forward in solar-powered sailing vessels.Utilizing cutting-edge machine learning techniques, the layout optimization process behind Solar Skin 3.0 ensures precise placement of solar panels for peak efficiency, tailoring configurations to specific yacht models and anticipated usage patterns. To further augment performance, next-generation photovoltaic cells have been installed beneath the biminis, providing additional power even in partially shaded conditions.December 2024 marked another milestone for Sunreef Yachts with the announcement of the first sold unit in its 35-meter Eco Series. These vessels integrate advanced solar panels directly into the hull sides, superstructures, and other surfaces, complemented by high-capacity battery banks and silent electric propulsion systems.A key feature of Solar Skin 3.0 is its intelligent yield optimization capability. By leveraging advanced algorithms, the system dynamically adjusts electrical output based on changing light conditions, particularly in regions obscured by sail shadows or rigging.Building upon the success of the earlier Solar Skin 2.0 model, which achieved remarkable efficiencies of up to 24.8%, the third version continues to push boundaries. Previous iterations demonstrated superior thermal resilience, functioning effectively even at extreme temperatures exceeding 100°C. Moreover, the inclusion of RFID diagnostic chips ensured accurate tracking and monitoring of individual panels' health and performance.With these advancements, Sunreef Yachts solidifies its position as a leader in clean-energy maritime solutions, offering enhanced sustainability features that minimize environmental impacts while delivering premium performance and reliability.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
April 15, 2025
Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, Almax, the inaugural vessel of Sanlorenzo’s new 50 Steel series, showcases groundbreaking technology that promises to transform luxury yachting into an environmentally friendly experience. Delivered to owner Massimo Perotti in July 2024, Almax integrates advanced innovations such as a Reformer Fuel Cell powered by green methanol-derived hydrogen, ensuring zero emissions for onboard operations.photo by Guillaume PlissonDesigned by renowned firm Zuccon International Project and adorned with interiors crafted by celebrated architect Piero Lissoni, Almax redefines aesthetic norms while incorporating pioneering engineering solutions. The patent-pending Sanlorenzo Hybrid Engine Room (HER) optimally positions critical components within the engine room layout. Collaborating closely with Siemens Energy and marine tech specialist Xenta, Sanlorenzo has implemented a sophisticated hybrid propulsion system known as X-POWER, enhancing both efficiency and navigational capabilities.photo by Guillaume PlissonThe integrated X-POWER system supports three distinct operational modes – diesel-mechanical, diesel-electric, and fully electric – allowing seamless transitions between different types of fuel usage. Developed specifically for Sanlorenzo by Xenta, this system prioritizes maneuverability without compromising performance or comfort. It achieves optimal energy consumption, reducing reliance on auxiliary generators during cruising.Lorenzo Mongiardo, Chief Innovation Officer at Sanlorenzo, underscores how Xenta’s agility facilitated collaboration towards creating a robust yet eco-friendly platform. Through a user-centric interface featuring dashboard displays synchronized with Siemens Energy controls, captains can effortlessly select among various navigation settings, including gear shifting and power management. Additionally, separate activation of backup generators ensures uninterrupted provision of amenities even under diverse operating conditions.photo by Guillaume PlissonHighlighting the significance of their alliance, Mongiardo emphasizes Xenta’s contribution aligning perfectly with Quick Group’s commitment to sustainability. With innovative technologies like the X-POWER system and patented HER, Almax not only meets but exceeds expectations regarding sustainability and performance in modern yachting.Credits: all provided by Quick Group
April 15, 2025
Northrop & Johnson announces the availability of the 6.84m Riva 88' Florida, aptly named Bellissima, currently offered for purchase by brokers Mike Finnegan and Sean Doyle. Her sleek profile, crafted by the acclaimed designers Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, extends into an interior characterized by timeless aesthetics. Varnished elm wood accents and abundant natural lighting create a sense of airiness and sophistication. Both the main-deck aft and the expansive foredeck provide ample room for relaxed al fresco dining and lounging arrangements capable of hosting up to eight guests.Guest accommodations accommodate up to eight passengers across four distinct staterooms, including a center-line master suite positioned midship for utmost seclusion and tranquility. Two additional guest suites consist of a forward-facing VIP cabin, a double berth, and a twin berth, each accompanied by en suite bathroom facilities. Separately accessible crew quarters accommodate three staff members.Comfort and convenience are assured aboard Bellissima. Modern conveniences abound, including state-of-the-art navigation systems, dual Seakeeper gyro stabilizers, Starlink satellite internet connectivity, and Apple TV integration available in all guest rooms. Ample storage is provided in the commodious garage, sufficient to store a large jet tender and Jet Ski, while a convenient submersible swim platform eases access to the surrounding waters.Bellissima stands out for its ability to transform swiftly from an entirely open layout into a stylish hardtop coupe configuration via Riva's proprietary Pentagraph System, creating the broadest open-concept yacht in its category. Engineered for agile cruising, she achieves comfortable speeds of 34 knots, peaking close to 40 knots when pushed to her limits. Her shallow draft of 1.82m renders her ideally suited for exploring shallow-water destinations such as the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and Miami.The yacht is listed for sale at USD3,500,000.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
April 14, 2025