Strong growth in RIF-flagged yachts
The fleet of luxury yachts registered with the Registre International Français (RIF) has grown significantly. "There are now 65 yachts registered with the RIF, and I'm currently working on ten or so files. Most of these are flag transfers for large yachts, but also new-builds. We're seeing strong demand, with a good season for charter boats," enthuses Fabien Raffray, deputy manager of the RIF.
Favorable regulatory developments
Fabien Raffray points out that the lowering of the size limit to 15 meters for access to the RIF flag for large yachts in the Leroy law for the blue economy has had a favorable threshold effect. "There are a lot of catamarans being built in the 20 to 21-meter range. Manufacturers are bringing out models over 60 feet, which represent an interesting pool of crewed vessels. These are often first-time buyers who are already thinking about their next bigger boat. We can thus anticipate a growth in the average size of boats under the RIF flag."
Beyond the French flag, legislation on superyachts and charters is evolving. Although the trade organizations did not win all their demands this winter, the changes to crew residency requirements have limited the damage.
RIF expands and organizes itself
The RIF one-stop shop, based in Marseille, continues to evolve to cope with the increasing number of registered vessels. In order to truly become the single point of entry, it is in the process of being able to issue recognition visas for crews and process requests for derogations. The RIF team comprises 6 people, including one dedicated to large yachts. "Overall, we try to take what's good in shipping," explains Fabien Raffray. An additional agent is currently being recruited to ensure the technical follow-up of vessels under 24 meters.
