Aerial view of luxury yachts docked at a marina, surrounded by smaller boats on a sunny day.

Yachts, Ships & Submersibles

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Bringing your maritime ambitions to life

Globally ranked by leading legal directories such as Chambers High Net Worth, our team has been a trusted partner to buyers and sellers of pleasure craft for more than three decades. We’ve represented owners of some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious vessels, delivering tailored support in construction, ownership, financing and operational matters.

Our attorneys combine legal acumen, technical knowledge and invaluable global connections to represent clients in complex transactions involving superyachts, ships and submersibles, both internationally and domestically. We work closely with buyers, sellers and other stakeholders to address the unique challenges of owning, building and selling luxury vessels. 

Our team is strategically positioned in Washington state, home to three of the top shipyards in North America. With a stellar reputation across the superyacht industry, we have key relationships with yacht brokers all over the world, including in superyacht hubs Florida and Monaco, and have advised on noteworthy sale transactions, new build projects and major refits worldwide. 

From contract negotiations with the shipyard through drafting vessel construction agreements and financing to obtaining the required flag documentation, we’ll help you navigate the unique challenges and complexities of designing, building, buying and selling superyachts. Our attorneys regularly provide advice on issues including commercial agreements for new builds, refits, sale and purchase, professional services, crew employment and berth ownership, as well as establishing ownership entities, registering superyachts, ships and submersibles and providing tax advice related to ownership.

We actively engage with leading industry organizations, including the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, the International Superyacht Society, and the U.S. Superyacht Association. Through these affiliations, we stay closely connected to the latest developments in the industry, allowing us to provide informed and strategic advice to our clients.

Two wooden lounge chairs on a ship deck overlooking a calm, blue ocean under a clear sky.

“What sets Foster Garvey apart in the U.S. is that they work on some of the biggest boats. They work with some of the top UBOs and high-end vessels.”

– client quote, chambers high net worth

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