Yacht can be yours... for €700k per week

The sleek white Lauren L yacht has become Cork’s latest tourist attraction, and you have to admit, it definitely adds a touch of glamour to the place.

The motor yacht — available to charter for just €695,000 per week — pulled into the Port of Cork yesterday morning, having already docked at Dublin, Waterford, and Cobh.

It is likely to depart this evening on the next leg of its European voyage, with its mysterious passengers — believed to be a small group of Russians — possibly seeking out some sunshine away from the Irish “summer”.

However, last night the unexpected guests were understood to be soaking in the Irish hospitality after being treated to a private after-hours viewing of the Midleton Distillery and an earlier visit to the English Market.

Made in 2002 by German firm Cassens Werft and refitted in 2008, the vessel measures 91m by 14m and has a maximum speed of 14.4 knots.

Sailing under a Maltese flag, it is a pleasure boat for hire — as long as you can afford the fare, in addition to the other costs associated with mooring in ports around the world.

It certainly stood out yesterday among the working vessels that usually populate Cork Port.

Website ycoyacht.com outlines some of the onboard features, and it’s fair to say they are quite impressive — three wave-runners and one jetski, plus jacuzzi and gym.

With a crew of 32, it has 20 guest cabins that can accommodate 40 guests, and don’t forget the helipad or the dining saloon. As Y.Co describe it, “Lauren L is the perfect private charter yacht for an extended family or conference meeting”.

It is understood those on board crossed the Atlantic to embark on a European tour, possibly starting from the Caribbean.

Before travelling north to Ireland, the vessel was off the Portuguese coast in Lisbon.

It then sailed to Dublin, spending at least four days docked in the capital before sailing on May 18 to Waterford.

Marinetraffic.com shows it left Waterford in the early hours of yesterday, arriving in Cobh at 6.19am and later pulling into the Port of Cork.

It is understood the Lauren L and its passengers will leave Cork tonight to continue on its journey, which is likely to carry on up the country’s Atlantic coast. Its new fans on the south coast will certainly miss having it around.