Anna Wilkins
Legal Director, Clyde & Co
T: + 44 (0)207 876 4910
W: www.clydeco.com
What sort of clients do you advise?
We act for a wide range of clients including owners, yards, designers and financial institutions.
How did you end up in superyacht law?
I had a commercial and banking law background, moved to London and interviewed with Clydes where they had a very glamorous sounding position in the shipping finance team working with superyachts and I was sold!
What makes a good superyacht lawyer?
Knowing and understanding the industry which is even more specialised than general commercial shipping. Being practical, flexible and generally having a can-do attitude to try and get the deal to come to fruition.
What do you most like about your job?
Being able to go and see these beautiful superyachts and the sense of satisfaction that you were part of a much wider team that made the project happen.
What one piece of advice would you give to potential yacht buyers?
Make sure you are surrounded by professionals (from broker, surveyor, lawyers, accountants/services providers) from the beginning of the project so that you are getting the right advice. This may save a lot of money and heartache in the long run and should mean you are getting what you think you are getting with no surprises.
Official biography
Anna is dual qualified in England and New Zealand, and specialises in shipping transactional work including negotiating new build contracts, sale and purchase, refit/ repair contracts, design contracts, refund and performance guarantees, advising on novation/assignments. She also has specialist shipping finance experience in structuring of term/ revolving loan facilities for the acquisition of second hand tonnage, financing newbuilding orders and for working capital.
Anna has particular expertise in new-build projects and sale and purchase for vessels with a focus on superyacht transactions.
