unique situation needs to be carefully taken into consideration. "Misinformation is,"
as Jay suggests, "rife and many owners are left in complex structures that not only
cost unnecessary sums, but also hinder the operation and manning of the yacht." The
best way to start the process has to be to talk to the people who know, people with
track records and, perhaps more importantly, people who have successfully advised
other fellow owners without reprise.
Alex interjected forcefully and explained that he has clients who are not only on
their second yacht with Yachting Partners, but in many cases a third and fourth, with
second and third generations of families coming back for more. He added that it
should be very easy to identify those people who really know what they are doing by
conducting a simple exercise of basic due diligence on the company, the individual
and the team they surround themselves with. While Yachting Partners may not be
known as the most aggressive company in the superyacht arena, they have made
it their clear objective within the market to demonstrate their experience, team
ethos and integrity. This has been qualified by the proven track record of long-term
relationships with clients not only buying from Yachting Partners consistently, but also
making introductions of their own to friends and family. It would perhaps be easier
to be cut-throat and go for the bigger prize, but having listened to the trio around the
table, they tend to offer a clear picture to the prospective owner, combining a trusted
and well-honed team, with realistic deliverables and well-managed expectations.
This is a refreshing proposition and one that suggests a future progression into the
world of yacht ownership that will create a stable platform for Yachting Partners
as well as the clients they serve. If a client approaches Alex or one of his team, it
is fair to say that they will demonstrate their obligations and priorities by making
intelligent remarks and comments and delivering honest advice. As Alex qualified,
"We always recommend a client buys the best boat he can for his budget, rather than
go for the bigger, more problematic project that may seem like a steal, but is likely to
be followed by many unexpected headaches."
Alex diplomatically pointed out that, whilst Jay was their guest today and certainly
one of their strongly preferred lawyers for both New Construction and Sale and
Purchase, Yachting Partners also worked closely with a number of other firms in
several differing jurisdictions � "You generally need a US lawyer for a US contract. It
is always important to involve the right lawyer, surveyor and other experts, depending
upon the job and the jurisdiction involved."
The lunch came to an abrupt end with Alex having to dash back to the airport, six hours
after he had landed, en route to the French Riviera where he was due to have dinner
that evening with one of his long-standing clients � "Someone," he says with a smile,
"I now count more as a friend � but I am still required to be there!".
With nine-figure sums now involved, the playing field has changed dramatically.
09

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