According to Superyacht Investor, Cecil Wright & Partners filed the claim in London's High Court on 14 July, alleging that it introduced the yacht and was the "effective cause" of the transaction despite ultimately being excluded from the sale. The brokerage is seeking a commission equivalent to five percent of the reported €350 million purchase price.
Broker Claims It Was Cut Out of the Sale
According to court filings cited by the Financial Times and Superyacht Investor, an adviser to Storonsky's family office first approached Cecil Wright & Partners in October 2024 to discuss commissioning a custom superyacht.
The following year, the brokerage says it was asked whether an existing yacht could be purchased sooner while a new build was being considered. Cecil Wright alleges it identified a 102-meter Lürssen that was nearing completion and recommended it to the buyer.
However, the brokerage claims that in January 2026 it was informed that Storonsky had instead completed the purchase directly with the seller, Canadian businessman Patrick Dovigi. Cecil Wright argues that its work was the "effective cause" of the transaction and that it is therefore entitled to the agreed brokerage commission.
Storonsky's family office has rejected the allegations, telling the Financial Times that the claim is "without merit and will be defended." As legal proceedings are ongoing, no further comment has been provided.
Rare Legal Action in Yacht Brokerage
Disputes over brokerage commission occasionally arise in the superyacht sector, but cases that reach the courts are uncommon, particularly at this level of value. Speaking to both the Financial Times and Superyacht Investor, Chris Cecil-Wright said this is the first time in more than three decades as a yacht broker that he has felt compelled to pursue legal action over unpaid commission.
It’s very rare for brokers to find themselves in this situation and it’s the first time I have done so, but I feel strongly about it, hence am taking action."
Founder & Broker
Cecil Wright
The case could prove significant for the brokerage market, where introductions, negotiations and confidential transactions often involve multiple advisers. At the center of the dispute will be whether Cecil Wright's involvement legally amounted to the "effective cause" of the completed sale. According to Superyacht Investor, Cecil Wright is represented by Dentons UK and Middle East, while Storonsky is represented by Hannaford Turner as the case proceeds through the High Court.
The Yacht's Identity Remains Unconfirmed
The yacht at the center of the proceedings has not been publicly identified. Court filings describe it only as a 102-meter Lürssen that was nearing delivery and reportedly features a 25-foot glass-bottom infinity pool, a beach club and a wellness area with a cryotherapy chamber.
Based on YachtBuyer Intelligence, one of the closest matches is Nixie, a Lürssen superyacht of similar length that was under construction during the same period. However, neither the court filings nor any party involved has confirmed the yacht's identity, meaning any connection remains speculative.
The ownership history described in the court filings also appears unusually complex. According to reports, the yacht was originally commissioned by Patrick Dovigi before being sold to Brazilian businessman Daniel Vorcaro. Following Vorcaro's arrest in Brazil in late 2025 as part of an investigation into alleged financial fraud - allegations he has denied - Dovigi is reported to have repurchased the yacht before later selling it to Storonsky. Separately, industry sources have also linked Dovigi to the acquisition of Feadship's 119m Breakthrough, further reinforcing his presence at the very top end of the superyacht market.
What the Lawsuit Could Mean for the Industry
Founded by Chris Cecil-Wright, Cecil Wright & Partners has brokered a number of the industry's largest transactions and represents some of the world's highest-value superyachts.
The outcome of the High Court proceedings could have implications beyond the parties involved, particularly around how brokerage agreements are interpreted when a buyer and seller complete a transaction outside the broker after an introduction has been made.
For now, the case remains before the High Court, with both sides maintaining opposing positions over whether the brokerage is entitled to the disputed €17.5 million commission.
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