Jennie Harris
Co-Founder and Partner of Ocean Legal
Contact Lucy
Lucy Goff is the co-founder of Ocean Legal, established in 2024 with Jennie Harris, in partnership with Excello Law and under Excello’s House of Brands. Ocean Legal provides specialised legal services to the yachting and superyacht industry, combining extensive industry expertise with a modern and client-focused approach.
Lucy provides expert advice to individuals and companies internationally on all aspects of the sale, purchase, construction and ownership of yachts and superyachts. She also specialises in the preparation of commercial contracts and the handling of disputes within the leisure marine industry.
Transactional Work
Lucy is known for her proactive approach to facilitating successful yacht transactions and overcoming obstacles with creative solutions and is therefore regularly instructed in relation to:
- Yacht Sale and Purchase
- New build, Construction and Refits
- Ownership structures
- VAT planning
- Marine Finance
- Yacht Charter
- Race teams and sponsorship
Commercial
Lucy has significant experience of drafting commercial terms and conditions and precedent contracts for marine businesses including brokers, dealers, manufacturers, charter companies, repairs yards, crew employment /recruitment agencies, naval architects and suppliers.
Litigation / Dispute Resolution
Lucy acts for clients across the leisure marine industry in relation to disputes including:
- Marine Insurance Disputes
- Collisions, with particular expertise in racing incidents
- Yacht Casualties including fires, groundings, marine personal injury and fatalities
- New build disputes and those arising from repair/refit contracts
- Enforcement of mortgages, liens and claims against vessels including arrest
- Commission disputes and debt collection
Lucy was recognised as a Rising Star in the 2024 Legal 500 and a Leading Associate in the 2025 Edition.
Lucy's Experience
- Acted for a sponsor in negotiating a new sponsorship agreement and purchase of IMOCA 60 for a Vendee Globe 2024 campaign.
- Represented a race team in the acquisition, financing and re-flagging of an IMOCA 60
- Successfully defended a criminal prosecution and the associated civil claim stemming from a collision between two vessels.
- Advised a yacht owner in relation to a dispute regarding the price and quality of refit works.
- Acted for a marine finance house in respect of the arrest and sale of a workboat following mortgage default.
- Arrested a superyacht to recover unpaid crew wages.
Lucy’s in-depth knowledge of the yacht industry is underpinned by a genuine passion for sailing. Lucy understands the unique needs and challenges of the yachting world, combining practical experience on the water with sharp legal acumen. This unique perspective allows her to provide tailored, practical advice that meets the needs of clients.
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