RYA legal victory in US

Trademark issues over 'Yachtmaster' now resolved

Following a six day court case, RYA recognised centres Maritime Professional Training (MPT) of Florida and Blue Water of Antibes are celebrating a landmark victory against International Yachtmaster Training (IYT) as the trademark status of ‘Yachtmaster’ in the USA is decided.

Before legal action was taken IYT were the only organisation in the USA allowed use the term Yachtmaster in conjunction with their training courses, after registering ‘Yachtmaster’ as trademark in 2000. Key evidence was given by RYA Training Manager James Stevens and MPT, successfully proving that the qualification was well known and credible throughout the international yachting community, including the USA, long before IYT started in 1998.

The ruling allows MPT and other RYA Training Centres in the USA to now run Yachtmaster Training.

RYA Training Manager James Stevens commented ‘We recognised MPT as an RYA Training Centre last year and have received enquiries from many other US Sea Schools who wish to run RYA Yachtmaster training. This regrettable court case was necessary to allow RYA Training to become available in the USA. The RYA developed the first Yachtmaster programme in 1973 and is internationally known for its integrity. For RYA training not to be allowed to be available in the USA was unacceptable.’