S/V SPIRIT OF SOUTH CAROLINA (O.N.

Published: Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5:31 am

Sailing Vessel "Spirit of South Carolina" to be Sold at Auction

Charleston, SC - A 140-foot sailing schooner, the "Spirit of South Carolina," is scheduled to be sold at auction on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The sale, ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel, stems from a civil action, case number 2:25-cv-13853-RMG.

The U.S. Marshal will conduct the auction, with a minimum bid set at $75,000.00. Bids must increase in increments of $500.00. The plaintiff in the case has the option to credit bid up to the value of its maritime lien and associated costs.

The winning bidder must provide a deposit of at least $10,000 in cash or a certified check at the time of the bid. The remaining balance of the purchase price must be paid within three business days of the sale, unless an objection is filed. Objections to the sale must be filed with the Clerk of Court within three calendar days following the sale.

Prospective buyers can inspect the vessel by contacting the Substitute Custodian. The successful bidder is responsible for arranging storage or removal of the vessel from Stevens Towing Shipyard within two days of the sale being confirmed by the court. A storage fee of $500.00 per day will be charged until the vessel is moved.

Failure to pay the balance of the purchase price will result in default, potentially leading to the acceptance of the second-highest bid or a new sale. The defaulting bidder's deposit will be forfeited.

BNN's Perspective:

The sale of the "Spirit of South Carolina" highlights the complexities of maritime law and the potential financial risks associated with owning large vessels. While the auction process appears straightforward, potential buyers should carefully consider the associated costs, including storage fees and the legal implications of the sale. This case underscores the importance of due diligence in any significant asset purchase.

Keywords: Sailing vessel, auction, Spirit of South Carolina, schooner, U.S. Marshal, maritime lien, civil action, sale, bid, deposit, storage, Stevens Towing Shipyard, Judge Richard M. Gergel, vessel sale, auction sale, court order

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