Exclusion from Amended Complaint in Ya Mon Expeditions v. IYBA, et al.
To: Members, Partners, and Supporters of the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA)
From: Mark P. White, Executive Director
Subject: Important Legal Update – CYBA Excluded from Amended Class-Action Lawsuit
Dear CYBA Members and Industry Partners,
I am pleased to share a significant and positive development regarding the antitrust class-action litigation (Ya Mon Expeditions, LLC v. International Yacht Brokers Association, Inc., et al.).
As many of you know, the initial suit sought to draw parallels between the yacht brokerage industry and recent residential real estate litigation, leveling baseless allegations of price-fixing and anti-competitive practices against trade associations and brokers. Following the court’s dismissal of the original complaint, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint.
The California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) has been completely excluded from the amended lawsuit.
This is a victory for our association and a validation of the integrity with which our members conduct business every day. From the beginning, CYBA maintained that these allegations were entirely unfounded. Our rules, forms, and Code of Ethics have always existed to promote professional standards, transparency, and consumer protection—not to restrict fair competition or fix commissions.
Key Highlights & Context
Initial Dismissal: U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore previously dismissed the original claims, recognizing that our industry’s practices reflect standard, lawful commercial decisions to work with qualified, licensed professionals.
Complete Omission: In filing their amended complaint, the plaintiffs chose not to re-assert claims against the CYBA, effectively removing us from the ongoing legal proceedings.
Commitment to Members: Mounting a robust legal defense required significant financial and operational resources. We are deeply grateful to our members, legal counsel (Christopher Brainard), and industry sponsors whose generous support enabled us to defend the reputation of California’s brokerage community without compromise.
Looking Forward
While other named entities continue through the judicial process, CYBA’s focus remains fully on supporting our members, advancing educational programs, updating standardized forms, and upholding the highest ethical standards in yacht sales across California.
Thank you for your patience, steadfast resolve, and continued faith in the CYBA throughout this process.
Full Speed Ahead with God’s Speed.
Mark P. White
Executive Director
California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA)
markpwhite@cyba.info | cyba.info