Admiralty & Maritime Law
Admiralty and maritime law are unique areas of the law that often involve complex administrative, procedural and jurisdictional issues. These areas frequently overlap with other areas of the law, such as elements of business law in yacht and boat transactions, and personal injury law involving boating accidents and injuries at sea. At Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP, our attorneys have been active in the fields of admiralty and maritime law for more than 25 years. With offices in Newport, the sailing capital of the world and former home of the America’s Cup, we are well-positioned to assist clients from Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and around the world. Our clients include recreational boaters, vessel owners, marinas, commercial seamen, maritime businesses and others who live, work and play on the water, including Narragansett Bay, Buzzards Bay, Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound.
Cases we handle include:
- Vessel purchase, sale and finance
- Boat tax issues
- Vessel documentation
- Maritime personal injury
- Jones Act and Seaman’s claims
- Boat collisions and allisions
- Marine business and contracts
- Charter agreements
- Marinas and dockominiums
- Maritime liens and mortgages
- Marine salvage and towing rights
- Marine insurance claims
A Legal Team With Maritime Experience
We have the knowledge and experience to address all of the elements involved in admiralty or maritime law cases. Our team of lawyers includes a RYA/MCA Yacht-Master and U.S.C.G. Master, a Maritime Professional Instructor, as well as a former America’s Cup sailor. Our lawyers have written and lectured on a wide range of admiralty and maritime law issues, and remain actively involved in the yachting and commercial maritime communities.
Peter B. Regan
Chrisopher J. McNally
Admiralty & Maritime Law Insights
In Rem v In Personam in Maritime Law
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal disputes related to navigable waters. Within this specialized field, two types of claims are predominant: "in rem" and "in personam." These Latin terms represent different legal actions that can be taken in...
Your Rights After Being Injured Afloat
The vast expanse of the sea can be both exhilarating and unforgiving. Unfortunately, accidents do happen afloat, leaving injured individuals wondering where to turn. If you've been injured on a cruise ship, fishing boat, pleasure boat, or any vessel while on a...
Should You Register Your Yacht in the U.S.?
If you are considering buying a yacht, your next decision is where to register it. Choosing the right country is important, as your choice brings with it fundamental consequences that can get quite costly if you don’t get the right advice.
Find Your Way To Smoother Sailing
Sometimes you just need to talk to a lawyer. To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, call our office at 401-849-3040 local or 800-803-7699 toll free, or send us an email to tell us about your situation.