YACHTS & YACHTING 101
At Wordley Partnership, a firm renowned for its work in professional sports and high-profile reinsurance cases, Leonida finds parallels between superyachts and other high-stakes industries.“ At the very core of both worlds are often well-known individuals with public profiles, doing something that will be commented upon by those who presume to know them,” he explains. The high value and public scrutiny of superyachts create“ distinct risk profiles” that go beyond standard maritime or business considerations.
While Leonida hesitates to call superyacht law more complex than other legal fields, he emphasises its unpredictability.“ In transactions of the value you see in the superyacht world, in any other business arena, you would have experienced counterparties,” he says. Yet, superyacht deals often involve one highly experienced party( such as a builder or broker) and an inexperienced owner, leading to“ assumptions and presumptions of rights and obligations based on misunderstood law.” Leonida’ s role often involves“ unpicking the complex relationships” and addressing decisions driven by selfinterest and misplaced trust rather than legal logic.
His caseload reflects the diversity of the field: from straightforward maritime conveyancing( the sale and purchase of superyachts) to negotiating new-build contracts that balance the interests of builders, designers, and owners, or resolving disputes over whether a yacht meets specifications, is delivered late, or performs as promised.“ One memorable case I had,” tells Leonida,“ saw an owner’ s team compromise so much that they simply did not get the yacht they wanted, and there were no consequences for the builder.”
To navigate this dynamic field, Leonida relies on a robust network of industry decision-makers and a broad perspective.“ It’ s about maintaining a network of key decision-makers on speed dial but also stepping outside the superyacht echo chamber,” he says, drawing on insights from shipping, aviation, and international politics. This interdisciplinary approach ensures he stays ahead of trends and challenges in an industry where the stakes- financial, reputational, and legal- are immense.
Leonida is candid about the public’ s perception of superyachts and their owners.“ There are no misconceptions, there are opinions which we don’ t like,” he asserts. He challenges the industry’ s belief that highlighting the economic benefits of superyachts- such as job creation- would soften criticism.“ That theory is based on flawed and simplistic trickle-down economics,” he argues, noting that big motor yachts are often seen as“ emblematic of the isolation and entitlement of the 1 %.” He points to the media frenzy around Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’ s wedding, where their yacht became a lightning rod for criticism, unlike sailing superyachts, which attract less scrutiny.
Among his proudest achievements, Leonida highlights his role in shaping the contracts that govern superyacht transactions.“ I rarely pick up a contract which does not have a clause or two that did not start as an inked scrawl on a legal notepad in my office many years ago,” he reflects. His advocacy for ethical practices, once controversial, is now standard in the industry, a testament to his influence.
Leonida’ s days are a blend of discipline and adaptability.“ It always starts with coffee and reading The Guardian,” he shares, followed by a workout and meditation. His work involves legal and academic reading, ensuring client solutions stay on track, liaising with colleagues at Wordley, and addressing unexpected challenges.
Looking ahead, Leonida foresees significant challenges for UHNWIs.“ I think we can expect further aggressive initiatives targeting tax avoidance,” he predicts, citing frameworks like the OECD’ s Common Reporting Standard. These will increase transparency obligations, complicating privacy and asset protection structures for yacht owners.
John Leonida’ s journey from economist to superyacht law pioneer underscores the unique blend of legal acumen, industry insight, and adaptability required to navigate this exclusive world. For UHNWIs dreaming of their own floating masterpiece, his expertise ensures that the dream doesn’ t become a legal nightmare.
ISSUE 73 2025 THE ART OF LUXURY