IYBA: The Global Network Powering the Future of Yacht Brokerage

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—the global epicenter of yacht brokerage and refit—IYBA has grown into the world’s largest and most influential association for yacht brokers and industry professionals. Its mission is deceptively simple but transformative: to foster professionalism and cooperation within the international yacht brokerage community while protecting the interests of clients, whether buyers, sellers, or charterers. Today, IYBA counts over 1,800 members across the globe, from the Americas and Europe to the Middle East and Asia.

What makes IYBA so central to the industry?

First, its Code of Ethics. All members commit to upholding standards that protect both clients and colleagues, ensuring transparent transactions, accurate representations, and ethical behavior across the board. In an industry where a single yacht transaction can involve tens of millions of euros and parties spanning multiple jurisdictions, trust is everything.

Second, its legal and educational initiatives. IYBA has been instrumental in developing standardized contracts—such as the IYBA Listing Agreement and Purchase and Sale Agreement—that streamline deals, reduce disputes, and offer clarity for all involved. Its seminars, training sessions, and annual Yacht Sales & Law Conference bring together maritime lawyers, tax experts, and brokers to dissect the latest challenges, from EU VAT compliance to U.S. Coast Guard documentation rules.

Third, its global reach. While rooted in Fort Lauderdale, IYBA’s influence extends far beyond U.S. waters. The association maintains strong ties with European and Asian brokerage communities and actively participates in shaping international maritime policy. In recent years, IYBA has advocated for regulatory changes affecting yacht import/export, crew visas, and cross-border chartering—areas where clarity and harmonization are increasingly needed.

IYBA also plays a key role in networking and collaboration. Its annual events, such as the IYBA Brokers Open Housesand the Annual Charter Show, create direct opportunities for brokers to preview yachts, share market intelligence, and build the personal relationships that remain at the core of the industry. Many of the deals that make headlines start with a handshake at an IYBA event.

The association is equally forward-looking. Sustainability and next-generation yacht ownership are now front and center in its programming. Panels on alternative fuels, green propulsion, and digital innovation reflect the changing priorities of millennial and Gen X owners, who increasingly expect their brokers to be fluent not only in luxury but in ecology and technology.

For boutique firms and established names alike, IYBA membership is a seal of credibility. It signals to clients that their broker is not just a salesperson, but a professional bound by the highest industry standards and supported by a global knowledge base.

Patrick Uznański, founder and CEO of Patrick Marine, is an active member of IYBA. His involvement reflects both his personal commitment to international best practices and the company’s philosophy of combining boutique discretion with global expertise. By engaging directly with IYBA’s resources, forums, and events, Mr. Uznański ensures that Patrick Marine remains aligned with the latest regulatory frameworks, transactional standards, and ethical benchmarks in the industry. For clients, this translates into peace of mind: every sale, purchase, or charter arranged through Patrick Marine is backed by the principles and protections of the world’s leading yacht brokerage association.

In an industry that thrives on both tradition and innovation, IYBA is the bridge. It connects brokers across continents, aligns practices across jurisdictions, and builds the trust without which no deal could ever set sail. For companies like Patrick Marine and for clients around the world, IYBA is not just an association—it is the backbone of professional yachting.