#makaybella – A 62–ft custom cruising sailboat, the SY Makaybella, is to be auctioned in Cork at the end of this month. The sailing yacht was seized last September by the Irish Navy after it was intercepted in the Atlantic about 200 miles (322km) off the south west coast of Ireland.

As Afloat.ie reported last September, the sea raid followed a covert surveillance operation to track the 60ft yacht from Venezuela.

A haul of 41 bales of cocaine discovered onboard was initially valued at €80m but such was the purity of the drugs at 70pc it was re–estimated to have a street value of around €350m.

Intelligence sources said it was understood the drugs were heading for the north Wales coast. 

The yacht is now for sale 'as seen as is' at Haulbowline in Cork Harbour under the direction of An Garda Siochana.

The 28–year–old yacht will be auctioned – unless previously sold –  at 12 noon on Thursday, 30th July at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.

The auctioneer is Dominic J. Daly & Co Pembroke House Tel: 021 – 4277399 Email: [email protected]

More details on the yacht here