Sailing through the economic turmoil

Offshore marine yacht registrations are rising along with sales of superyachts to wealthy individuals in the emerging economies of Brazil and China, which recorded a 29% rise in 2011 compared with 2010. In Malta, some 300 super yachts were registered in 2011, representing an increase of 19% on 2010 figures, according to Maltese transport minister, Austin Gatt. However, Marina Gall, Director of Marine and Aviation at Jersey-based Vistra says getting the structuring right at the outset is vital, if complex tax and customs issues are to be avoided later on during ownership. "We always t...