A Bermuda-owned luxury yacht worth $2.8 million has been seized by US authorities in Florida because of a dispute over the alleged non-payment by its owners for $73,000 of service costs.

The , which is owned by Hamilton-based Beluga Limited, is currently advertised for sale at $2,825,000. But it cannot be sold until a dispute over the alleged non-payment of a bill for $73,437.34 for services, materials and other necessaries including dockage, fuel, crew salary, repairs and products provided by Sykes Marine in Florida is settled.

Sykes Marine has instigated court proceedings against Beluga in relation to the motor yacht , alleging that on or around March this year, it was were contracted by Beluga's principal John Outerbridge to manage the vessel and oversee repairs and maintenance necessary to get it in condition for sale.

It claims that since taking over responsibility for the vessel it has provided all of the necessary services and materials for the boat totalling $73,437.34 and in June it made an attempt "in good faith" to resolve the matter by sending a letter to Mr. Outerbridge requesting he sign a note promising to pay the amount owed by the end of this year, however, according to them, he has so far refused to sign the note.

Sykes Marine, which is pursuing the matter through the US District Court of Florida, said that, despite repeated requests, as of the date of the legal action taken, it has not received payment for the necessaries carried out on the vessel and it is now owed the full amount plus costs and interest to the extent provided by the law.

The company is seeking permission from the courts to sell the boat and its contents in order to recoup its money.

Having been alterted to the situation by Florida-based Inside Bermuda newsletter attempted to track down Beluga, only to find it had moved offices from its given address in Reid Street. Beluga's attorney Marshall, Diel & Myers, based in Church Street, is responsible for the corporate day-to-day running of Beluga's business, but when contacted said it had no knowledge of the US court matter.

The 27.36-metre Versilcraft MotorYacht was built in 1991 and underwent a thorough mechanical & cosmetic refit in 2004, including rebuilt main engines, a new generator, fresh paint and a new decor. It is currently moored in Fort Lauderdale according to the Yachtworld.com website where it is listed for sale at $2.8 million.

The spacious layout of the vessel provides four owner/guest staterooms plus accommodation for up to five crew in three cabins, and, with her low maintenance fiberglass construction, unique layout and attractive price, the Bermudiana represents an "excellent chartering opportunity for a yachtsman with a large family, lots of friends or the desire to get away with a special someone".

It also offers a spacious salon with designer interior and features a large fly bridge for entertaining as well as a hot tub on the forward bow area with capacity for four people.

A two-week trial to settle the $73,000 payment dispute has been listed for August next year in Florida, with calender call, where jury instructions with substantive charges and defences and verdict forms or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law are submitted by counsel to the court set down for July 2008.

According to US court documents the Bermudiana was placed into the substitutecustody of Cary Palmer of Palmer Marine Management on October 4.