When French entrepreneur Thomas Durand set out to acquire a yacht for personal and family enjoyment, his initial focus was on selecting the perfect vessel. However, yacht ownership extends far beyond the purchase itself, bringing with it a complex landscape of tax, regulatory, operational, and succession considerations.
From ownership structuring and flag registration to VAT efficiency and long-term planning, the decisions made at the outset can significantly influence both the cost and ease of ownership for years to come. Like many first-time buyers, Mr Durand quickly realised that without the right structure in place, a dream asset could become administratively and financially burdensome.
