Superyacht Refit Lawyers

A substantial part of our work involves the refit of our clients’ superyachts. As superyacht refit lawyers, we advise on projects of every scale, from a small, cosmetic refresh to major works that lengthen the hull or rework the general arrangement. Whatever the size of the job, you benefit from experience gained across many yards and many yachts.

When a refit becomes a construction project

When you hand your yacht to a shipyard, the yard becomes her custodian and is responsible for safeguarding her. For a larger project, the refit may therefore need to be treated much like a new build, with insurance, bank refund guarantees and liquidated damages playing an essential role in making sure the work is delivered on time and to the right standard.

The refit contract

Jaffa & Co often advises on the ICOMIA refit contract terms and understands how they need to be adjusted for different vessels and for the requirements of each owner. Key points usually include:

• A clear specification and scope of works, and a process for agreeing variations and their cost
• Payment stages that track the progress of the work
• Redelivery dates, and liquidated damages if they are missed
• Insurance of the yacht while she is in the yard
• Quality standards, sea trials and acceptance
• Warranties for the work and how defects are notified and remedied
• Responsibility for Class and flag approvals where the work affects them

Beyond the yard

Our expertise extends to everything around a refit or build: exterior and interior design contracts, protecting the intellectual property in the design, crew employment and the yacht’s management after redelivery. If a project does go wrong, our dispute resolution team is well placed to protect your position with the yard.