America’s Cup Boat Seized By U.S. Marshals
In response to a lien filed by a fired sailor, U.S. Federal marshals seized America’s Cup champion Oracle Team USA’s prototype boat in San Francisco yesterday [Mar 8] before it could be shipped to Bermuda, the Associated Press reports.
The AP’s report said the marshals went to the team’s base in San Francisco and “determined that the souped-up, 45-foot catamaran and its various components and wing sail were in three shipping containers the team was preparing to send to Bermuda.”
Sailor Joe Spooner, a New Zealander, sued Oracle Team USA saying that his contract for US$25,000 a month was terminated without cause, and the U.S. courts recently authorized marshals to seize the boat in response to Mr. Spooner’s complaint.
“Spooner’s complaint alleges that Oracle Team USA retaliated against him for asking if his monthly salary could be raised to US$38,000 to cover the expense of relocating to Bermuda,” the AP’s Bernie Wilson previously reported.
“Spooner was offered a US$4,000 a month relocation housing allowance, but said it would cost around US$7,500 a month for suitable housing for his family, as well as other expenses to live on the island for the America’s Cup cycle.”
According to the AP, the dispute will return to U.S. federal court, where Mr. Spooner is seeking at least $725,000 in a wrongful termination suit.
Oracle Team USA, the defending champion, is one of six teams set to compete for the 35th America’s Cup, alongside Artemis Racing from Sweden, Ben Ainslie Racing from Great Britain, Emirates Team from New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge from Italy and Team France.
Oracle — owned by software billionaire Larry Ellison — are setting up a base in Bermuda in advance of the 2017 finals.
CRICKETS>>>>CRICkets,CRickets…crickets, crickets, crickets,….crickets….crickets….crickets….crickets….crickets…crickets…crickets….crickets……
Well – it seems that its one bad turn after the other – To bad oh so Sad
He has to go for money – no one else will hire him at that level after this.
Spooner should join the BIU – then he’d get everything he wants and more. he could be sick and still get paid – demand double time and get it – even though there’s no money.
Where is C Furbert when you need him?
What a Spoonerism.
Why BIU ? At $25,000.00 a month he qualifies for the Chamber of Commerce , and his demand for a $7500.00 housing allowance brings to the fore what your taxpayer money pays for our esteemed BTA head per month !
serves Oracle right for trying to be clever!
This *** was getting paid US$25,000 a month and wanted it be raised to US$38,000. What does he think the rest of Bermuda survives on!
Nothing but greedy chub fish.
He was being paid by Oracle, what does that have to do with Bermuda?
He is at the top of the sailing tree and making the same as a footballer in the fourth division.
perspective please.
A poor, misunderstood soul just trying to get his pirate credentials in order.