Navigating Success: The Role of Strategic Partnerships in Yachting and Aviation

Equiom: Collaboration allows companies to benefit from each other's strengths, to deliver tailored solutions while building mutual trust. This trust is particularly important in a sector where clients value discretion, expertise, and seamless service. Rather than competing, service providers across the yachting ecosystem, from yacht managers to corporate service providers, are more regularly working together to ensure the highest standards of operational excellence.

1. Regulatory Changes Impacting Policies, Procedures, and Training

Scenario: Regulatory updates, such as the MSC 108 amendments to the STCW Code (coming into effect in January 2026), aim to address issues like bullying and harassment onboard yachts. These types of regulations impact not only day-to-day operations but also the well-being of crew members.

Industry Insight: Navigating such regulatory shifts requires a joint effort involving employers, yacht managers, shipowners, and external advisors. Together, they can create, implement, and enforce the necessary training programmes and policies, ensuring compliance and a safe working environment onboard. Collaboration becomes particularly essential when grievances arise, requiring swift and effective resolutions that balance the needs of all parties involved.

2. Mitigating VAT Complexities Across Jurisdictions for Aircraft Sales 

Scenario: An aircraft undergoing a refit under a French VAT suspension regime was subsequently for sale, with the buyer planning to use it in the Eastern Mediterranean. Given the complexities of VAT regulations across EU jurisdictions, both the seller and buyer needed a tailored solution before quickly moving to close the transaction efficiently within the EU.

Industry Insight: This situation is not uncommon in the aviation or yachting worlds, where high-value assets often traverse EU jurisdictions with subtle and potentially significant tax implications. In this instance, tax professionals, legal experts, and local agents collaborating from different jurisdictions ensured that the sale proceeded smoothly, with optimal VAT outcomes for both parties. Effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders enable real time decision making, effective risk mitigation and a more efficient completion of the transaction as desired by both the buying and selling party respectively.

3. Understanding How to Distinguish the Roles of Yacht Managers and Corporate Services Providers to Optimise Outcomes

Scenario: Clients, crew and intermediaries sometimes struggle to differentiate between the roles of a yacht manager and a corporate services provider, leading to confusion, unnecessary costs, and inefficiencies.

Industry Insight: Clearly defining roles at the outset is vital to prevent misunderstandings down the line. Yacht managers focus on operational aspects such as charter negotiations, crew management, and ensuring the vessel's day-to-day functioning. On the other hand, corporate service providers handle administrative and financial responsibilities, offering VAT advice, structuring corporate ownership, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. When these two roles are communicated and harmonised by the yacht manager and corporate service provider, the yacht owner benefits from streamlined operations, reduced costs, and a more tailored experience.

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Establishing long-term partnerships built on trust, transparency, and open communication is essential in the yachting industry. Providers who work collaboratively can offer clients a higher level of service that meets evolving needs without the risk of competitive overreach.

Industry collaboration doesn’t happen overnight - it requires effort, time, and mutual understanding. But as the market evolves and client needs grow more sophisticated, these partnerships have become more necessary than ever. By clearly defining roles and expectations, service providers can ensure that all parties remain informed and aligned, resulting in smoother operations and a higher level of client satisfaction.

Testimonials from Industry Leaders

‘We value the proactive and dedicated approach of our partners in the yachting industry. Their collaborative mindset ensures that our clients receive comprehensive and efficient service.’ - Harald Van Exem, Executive Vice President & Director of Yacht Services at Fraser Yachts.

‘In the fast-paced world of yachting, collaboration is key. Our trusted partners consistently demonstrate expertise and a commitment to fostering long-term relationships.’ - Shelley Dowie, Head of Yacht Operations at Edmiston.

As the yachting industry continues to evolve, so too must the way service providers approach their business relationships. By embracing the power of collaboration, companies can deliver better outcomes for their clients, providing seamless, tailored services that meet the demands of a complex global market.

If you are interested in finding out how strategic collaboration can enhance your yachting or aviation operations, contact the team at Equiom for further details.

This article has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. This article cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations, and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained within this article without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact Equiom to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstance. Equiom Group, its partners, employees, and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this article or for any decision based on it.  

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