Expedition Yacht LARS Perfect for Chartering in Northern Europe

Though it is not unusual for seagoing tugs to be converted into luxury superyachts when they reach the end of their working lives, the story of how ZEELEEUW was transformed is quite different. Originally built in the Netherlands in 1995 by Damen, she was created for the Dutch tug owner K K Damstra & Zn of Hoom. She was built to meet the requirements of BV Deep Sea, Ice Class II and was intended to be able to break through thick ice.

With a superstructure and mast made from aluminium and deck fittings from stainless steel, ZEELEEUW was intended to be a special yacht.  Sadly however, her construction slowed right down and she was never completed. Nevertheless, she was kept in good condition and anchored next to the owner’s residence in Hoom until she was sold in late 2010 to be converted into a superyacht.

The conversion was intended to create a superyacht capable of exploring the Arctic. Extensively restructured and refitted at the Stemat Shipyard in the Netherlands, she was given a new name to  cruise under – LARS. With new Caterpillar engines and a completely re-equipped engine room, her superstructure was re-shaped and rebuilt while her interior now features luxurious styling by Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design and can accommodate six charter guests in three staterooms along with a crew of three.

The conversion of LARS took just over a year and by 2012 she was fully equipped to undertake long and challenging charters to Northermost Europe and the Arctic. She is available to charter from €65,000 per week. Contact your charter broker for more details.

...her superstructure was re-shaped and rebuilt while her interior now features luxurious styling by Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design and can accommodate six charter guests in three staterooms along with a crew of three.