Jonathan Watson

Jonathan specialises in transactional work for corporate and UHNW clients. His superyacht practice covers sale and purchase, construction/refit, finance, chartering, structuring and VAT and his deals have involved some of the largest superyachts in the world. His considerable experience of commercial tonnage, which includes 10 years as non-executive director of an LNG vessel-owning company, spans complex cross-border joint ventures, high-value mergers and acquisitions and group reorganisations. He regularly advises on ownership structures, finance and lease arrangements, vessel registration and flagging issues, insurance and post-delivery chartering, management and supervision. He has also advises on manufacturing and marketing arrangements, most recently for the designer of an award-winning foiling trimaran.

As well as private individuals and their advisors/officers, his clients include fleet owners, banks and institutional investors.

Jonathan’s practice is highlighted in “The Times” list of the Best Law Firms 2020. He is the firm’s contact for the British Marine Federation and ABYA Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents. He is a recognised industry expert, having been invited to present at both the Monaco Yacht Club’s annual symposium and at the London Superyacht Investor Conference. He is a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.