Florida Shipyard Sues Superyacht Audaces and Owner for Over Half a Million Dollars in Unpaid Dockage and Repairs
RSBC Real Estate Company, LLLP, doing business as Rybovich, has filed a verified complaint in federal admiralty court against the 147-foot motor yacht M/Y Audaces and its owner, Audaces Marine Holdings. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleges that the defendants failed to pay outstanding balances totaling $548,246.70 for necessaries provided to the vessel. Rybovich, a prominent marine facility based in Palm Beach County, seeks to foreclose on its maritime lien, arrest the vessel, and recover the unpaid funds through a judicial sale of the yacht.
Superyacht Accused of Accumulating Significant Debt for Dockage, Utilities, and Vendor Services in Palm Beach
According to the verified complaint, the dispute arises from a Dockage Agreement executed on January 6, 2025, between Rybovich and the vessel’s owner. Rybovich alleges that it provided the M/Y Audaces with essential services, including dockage, electricity, storage, and various repair services, at its facility in Palm Beach County from February 2025 through December 2025. The shipyard asserts that while the owner made a partial payment of $100,000, the defendants have failed to settle the remaining substantial balance. The complaint outlines that the charges include approximately $362,000 for dockage and storage, over $40,000 for supplies and vendor charges, and nearly $246,000 for work performed on the vessel.
Plaintiff Seeks Federal Arrest of Vessel and Foreclosure of Maritime Lien for Necessaries Under Admiralty Law
The lawsuit invokes Rule C of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims, requesting that the court issue a warrant for the arrest of the M/Y Audaces. Rybovich contends that under the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Liens Act, it holds a preferred maritime lien for the necessaries provided to the vessel. The shipyard argues that this statutory lien grants them the right to take the vessel into custody and force a sale to satisfy the debt. The complaint further asserts that Rybovich’s lien for necessaries provided in the United States takes priority over any foreign preferred ship mortgages that may exist on the Jamaica-registered yacht.
Allegations of Breach of Maritime Contract Against Yacht Owner for Failure to Pay Invoiced Amounts
In addition to the in rem action against the vessel itself, Rybovich has brought an in personam claim for breach of maritime contract against the corporate owner, Audaces Marine Holdings. The filing alleges that the owner breached the terms of the January 2025 Dockage Agreement by failing to make timely payments for the services rendered. Rybovich claims that the owner’s agent had actual or apparent authority to procure these necessaries and that the owner is liable for the resulting damages. The shipyard is seeking not only the principal amount owed but also pre-judgment interest at a rate of 1.5% per month as stipulated in the contract, along with attorneys’ fees and the administrative costs associated with the vessel’s arrest and custody.
Shipyard Demands Court Ordered Sale of Yacht to Recover Damages and Custodial Expenses
The litigation aims to secure a judgment that condemns the M/Y Audaces to be sold at a public auction conducted by the United States Marshals Service. Rybovich has requested authorization to credit bid its judgment amount at such a sale, ensuring it can recover the debt from the proceeds before any lower-ranking creditors. The complaint emphasizes that the shipyard continues to incur costs for the vessel’s presence at their facility and seeks to recover these ongoing charges up until the date of the vessel’s arrest. The shipyard argues that the sale is necessary to satisfy the unpaid invoices and the significant expenses arising from the default.
Contact a Maritime Commercial Litigation Lawyer Today for Disputes Involving Vessel Liens and Contracts
Disputes regarding unpaid necessaries, ship repairs, and dockage fees are complex matters governed by specialized federal admiralty laws. Maritime service providers and vessel owners alike must navigate intricate regulations regarding maritime liens, vessel arrests, and contract enforcement. If your business is facing challenges related to unpaid maritime debts or if you require legal assistance with a commercial maritime dispute, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today. We are committed to protecting your financial interests and helping you understand your rights under maritime law.
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Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
