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A game-changing tax opportunity has emerged for yacht owners and prospective buyers with the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The restoration of 100% bonus depreciation in 2025 offers an extraordinary financial advantage that could transform the economics of yacht ownership.

Michael Moore, a maritime attorney and co-host of The Yacht Law Podcast, breaks down this complex tax provision into practical, actionable insights. The concept is straightforward: rather than depreciating a yacht's value over its typical 10-year useful life, qualified owners can deduct the entire cost in a single tax year. For individuals with significant tax liabilities, this represents a substantial and immediate benefit.

Qualifying isn't complicated, but it does require attention to specific details. The yacht must be owned through a pass-through entity like an S-corporation, operated predominantly in US waters (including territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), and function as a legitimate charter business. While personal use should be avoided during the qualification year, professional yacht management companies can establish and operate compliant charter programs that satisfy IRS requirements.

The bareboat charter option provides a pathway to operate legally in domestic waters. Though this arrangement requires transferring operational control to the charterer, qualified captains approved by marine insurers can maintain professional standards while satisfying regulatory requirements.

With only the remainder of 2025 to capitalize on this opportunity, potential buyers might consider accelerating purchase decisions. As Moore notes, "You're getting such a gift here" – but it's essential to structure everything properly with qualified tax advisors who understand both maritime operations and tax regulations.

Whether you're considering your first yacht purchase or looking to upgrade an existing vessel, this podcast provides critical information that could save you millions in taxes while stimulating the broader maritime economy. Listen now to learn how to navigate the advantages.

Have a yacht law question? Email it to info@megayachtnews.com or michael@moore-and-co.com for your chance to have it answered on our podcast. All requests for confidentiality and/or anonymity are respected.

Hiring a lawyer is a big decision. Visit Moore & Company for the legal team's qualifications and experience. And, to learn the latest about superyacht launches, shipyards, designs, and destinations, visit Megayacht News.

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The luxury yachting world stands at the threshold of an exciting new frontier as Japan emerges as a premium cruising destination. While most yacht owners gravitate toward the Mediterranean's familiar shores, our latest conversation reveals why Japan deserves serious consideration for your next maritime adventure.

Sailing through Japanese waters offers an unexpected blend of familiar Western yachting comforts with distinctive Eastern hospitality. The country's approach to welcoming private vessels proves remarkably straightforward thanks to the Neko-san permit system, allowing indefinite stays without repeated customs clearances. Crew members receive generous 90-day visas, creating the perfect environment for extended exploration of Japan's 3,000 islands and breathtaking 18,000-mile coastline.

Japan's maritime infrastructure stands ready to accommodate the most discerning yacht owners. Well-appointed marinas staffed by attentive personnel, sophisticated mooring systems designed to withstand typhoons, and pristine waters protected by strict environmental regulations create an experience that rivals or exceeds traditional yachting destinations. The Japanese government clearly recognizes yachting's potential, evidenced by their inaugural delegation heading to the Monaco Boat Show this year.

Perhaps most compelling is what Japan represents for the future of global yachting. With McKinsey research indicating that only 4% of ultra-wealthy individuals currently participate in yachting, destinations like Japan offer the perfect combination of novelty, safety, and luxury that could expand the industry's horizons. Whether you're a seasoned yachtsman seeking fresh cruising grounds or considering your first yacht charter, Japan's welcoming waters, stunning archipelago, and sophisticated maritime culture deserve a prominent place on your nautical bucket list.

Ready to explore beyond the familiar Mediterranean and Caribbean routes? Join the pioneering yacht owners discovering Japan's maritime treasures. Follow us for more insights into emerging yachting destinations and share your own cruising experiences in previously unexplored waters.

Have a yacht law question? Email it to info@megayachtnews.com or michael@moore-and-co.com for your chance to have it answered on our podcast. All requests for confidentiality and/or anonymity are respected.

Hiring a lawyer is a big decision. Visit Moore & Company for the legal team's qualifications and experience. And, to learn the latest about superyacht launches, shipyards, designs, and destinations, visit Megayacht News.

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Artificial intelligence isn't coming to the yachting industry—it's already here, transforming operations, creating opportunities, and raising critical legal questions that owners, crew, designers, and builders need to understand now.

Maritime attorney Michael Moore and journalist Diane Byrne unpack the complex realities of AI in the luxury yacht sector, revealing how the absence of comprehensive federal regulations has created a Wild West atmosphere where innovation and exploitation exist side by side. "There is no comprehensive federal law in the United States of America concerning AI," Moore explains, highlighting how state-by-state approaches are creating a regulatory patchwork that poses challenges for an inherently global industry.

The conversation delves into disturbing trends including deepfake videos showing fictional yacht collisions and sinkings—content that generates clicks and revenue while potentially damaging vessel brands and spreading misinformation. AI-related false creations extend beyond social media to serious contexts, with Moore describing how attorneys have already been reprimanded for "hallucinations," citing non-existent legal precedents generated by AI systems.

Yet amidst these concerns lie remarkable opportunities. AI promises to revolutionize yacht operations through advanced fire detection systems that identify both smoke and heat before human perception, streamlined supply chain management to address construction delays, and data analytics that enable predictive maintenance. These innovations represent the positive potential of thoughtfully implemented artificial intelligence in the yachting ecosystem.

For yacht owners concerned about privacy and information security, the discussion offers valuable insights into data protection regulations and potential vulnerabilities. As Moore notes with characteristic clarity, "If you're not paying for the product, you are the product," a reminder that personal data has become a valuable commodity requiring vigilant protection, especially in the privacy-conscious world of luxury yachting.

Ready to navigate the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and yachting? Contact Michael Moore or Diane Byrne through the information in our show notes with your questions and suggestions for future episodes exploring more of this rapidly evolving technological frontier.

Have a yacht law question? Email it to info@megayachtnews.com or michael@moore-and-co.com for your chance to have it answered on our podcast. All requests for confidentiality and/or anonymity are respected.

Hiring a lawyer is a big decision. Visit Moore & Company for the legal team's qualifications and experience. And, to learn the latest about superyacht launches, shipyards, designs, and destinations, visit Megayacht News.