Dún Laoghaire has reinforced its growing reputation as a superyacht destination after the 45-metre explorer yacht Latitude departed the harbour following a two-week stay.
The Dutch-built Timmerman superyacht arrived from the Mediterranean and sailed on Wednesday for Norway after using Dún Laoghaire as a convenient stop for provisioning, crew changes and guest movements.
The return visit, Latitude has been calling to Dun Laoghaire since 2017, underlines the harbour's increasing attraction for large private yachts operating between southern Europe and Scandinavia. Dublin Airport's international connections and the harbour's location continue to make it an attractive logistical stop for owners, guests and crew.
Built in 2009, the 45-metre Latitude is an award-winning explorer yacht designed for long-range cruising. She has completed two Northwest Passage transits and is currently on the brokerage market with an asking price of €16.5 million following an extensive refit.
Her departure comes only days after another notable superyacht visit to Dublin Bay.
As Afloat reported, the classic American superyacht Big Eagle was unable to secure a berth in Dún Laoghaire and instead anchored in Dublin Bay after no suitable berth was available.
"There was no berth available," a harbour source told Afloat.
"The harbour is quietly busy and government vessels are taking a lot of space on long-term contracts."
The contrasting visits illustrate both the opportunities and pressures facing Dún Laoghaire as it attracts increasing numbers of large yachts.
While vessels such as Latitude demonstrate the harbour's appeal as a strategic stopover on North Atlantic cruising routes, berth availability remains a limiting factor during busy periods.
With more explorer yachts choosing Ireland as a staging point between the Mediterranean, Britain, Scandinavia and Arctic cruising grounds, Dún Laoghaire is steadily establishing itself on the international superyacht circuit
Afloat has previously highlighted how the harbour's deep-water berths could accommodate visiting superyachts, complementing the town's existing marina facilities and marine tourism offering.
