Last Wednesday, our Tax Director, Adrian Parcell-Jones, had the pleasure of attending the Super Yacht Americas Conference at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). The event, hosted by Mare Forum and supported by the Cayman Islands Registry, brought together leading voices from across the superyacht industry to discuss innovation, sustainability, and regulation, amongst other important topics – despite a rainy start!
The conference highlighted the rapid evolution of yacht technology with a standout session noting the dual benefits of electric powered hydrofoil yachts. The vessels represent a major step forward in sustainable luxury yacht design, and delegates found it particularly insightful to hear feedback on how buyers engage with this emerging tech.
Regulatory topics are also centre stage, with discussions around bonus depreciation, tariffs, and the ongoing challenge of harmonising international yacht regulations. Panos from Hill Dickinson closed the session with a strong call for unified standards; an ambition that has echoed across the industry for over two decades. While the yacht sector remains relatively niche, the need for consistent global regulation would help to grow the industry, but how to engage with supranational bodies and trade blocs seems to remain a stumbling block
That said, as the superyacht industry continues to innovate, events and conferences like these remain essential for fostering collaboration, driving advocacy, and helping to shape the future of yachting.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or owning a high value asset such as a business aircraft, contact hello@martynfiddler.com to start the conversation.
