#LuxuryExpeditionYacht – Seawolf, a 58m five-star luxury adventure expedition superyacht, once known as the hardest working ocean-going tug in the world called to Cork City quays this morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 850 tonnes luxury vessel converted from the tug Smit Clyde launched in the Netherlands in 1957 had sailed overnight from Glengariff, the attractive anchorage that is also drawing a rising number of cruiseship callers.

During her days as Smit Clyde the vessel's global towage career proved her worth through a combination of strength and endurance that would gain her the respect and admiration of mariners worldwide.

A notable long-distance tow was that of simultaneous tow of two United States Navy aircraft carriers from Boston to Japan in 1968.

Due to her size, Seawolf which has three decks of luxurious facilities having been completely redesigned and rebuilt in 2002 docked along North Custom Quay rather than the adjacent Cork City Marina, from where the 38m motoryacht Katrion paid a call earlier in the summer.

Seawolf which had an overhaul in 2009 has accommodation for 12 guests that consists of a master VIP double, 6 staterooms, double and single twins. This is four more guests than Katrion which for the last month has remained in Dublin Port berthed at the Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club Marina though she is understood to be departing tomorrow.

As to be expected of an adventure ship, she carries an array of tender craft and leisure toys to choose between. There are kayaks, a 29ft Hereschoff sailboat, a pair of Optima sailboats, wind surfers, adult and children's wake board & water skis, scuba equipment. Plus should anyone fancy trying out some sports fishing tackle that's included.

She has a speed of 12 knots and this is delivered from a JK Smit-Man engine and generators (2 x Scania 220kw and a single Scania 260kw). A 12,000 nautical mile range is achieved by consuming 22,000 litres of fuel.

Also sharing North Custom Quay is appropriately the tug Celtic Isle. The 31m Irish-flagged 400 tonnes vessel built in Japan is operated by the Cork based Mainport Group.