Superyacht Placed ‘Under Arrest’ at FLIBS 2019

What should be a few days of basking in the awe of impressive superyachts ended in disaster when a vessel was seized at the end of FLIBS 2019 after federal authorities in Florida placed his $3.4 million yacht ‘under arrest’ following a bitter legal battle, according to Fox Business.

Buyer Kevin Turner – who paid for the 74-foot yacht that was being featured at the 60^th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show – has sued its manufacturer Sunseeker (in both the UK and the USA) as well as broker Rick Obey & Associates for $4 million, claiming the former never handed over the boat and has refused to accredit him the same amount that he paid to Obey to have it built, according to the report and court papers. A spokesperson for Sunseeker USA has said Obey had neglected to pay for the yacht, prompting the legal dispute between the companies. "The disputes are being addressed appropriately through judicial process," the company said in a prepared statement.

"In March 2019 Sunseeker USA Sales Co, Inc. terminated its dealer agreement with [Rick Obey and Associates] for material default," the statement continues, "and in order to prevent future harm to customers and the public, in June 2019 Sunseeker USA Sales Co, Inc obtained a preliminary injunction preventing ROAA from continuing to unlawfully represent itself as a Sunseeker ... dealer."

The yacht cost Turner $3.43 million, plus tax, additional upgrades and delivery costs, court papers filed on Oct. 25 show. The total cost of the boat was about $4 million, Turner told FOX Business.

"I was gonna live on it and tour around the Mediterranean — a life’s goal," Turner has said. "It baffles me how and why I have been treated like this." He had already also paid to have the boat delivered to his desired location with diesel in the tank, but when the documents were not delivered as requested, and which were needed to have his boat registered, he began asking questions.

The marshalls are currently holding the boat while the parties try to resolve the dispute, and the yacht will remain under the control of the National Maritime Services