The 57.7 metre classic motor yacht Dancing Hare has completed her seven-month winter refit at Balk Shipyard in the Netherlands. Dancing Hare was relaunched on May 23 following a baptism from a priest and christening by her captain. She is now understood to be back in the hands of her owners.
Balk Shipyard described the extensive refit as “challenging” and revealed preparations began before her arrival at the yard.
Dancing Hare’s entire interior, which was initially designed by the late Jon Bannenberg, has been completely refreshed by London-based Olivia Outred Studio, a specific request of the owners.
To improve Dancing Hare’s ambiance, Balk Shipyard installed glass panels around one of the decks and lengthened the yacht’s sundeck by four metres. The main deck has now been completely reorganised and is one big spatial area.
All technical equipment has been completely overhauled and is fully up-to-date with current standards.
Balk Shipyard CEO Daan Balk paid tribute to the staff that worked on Dancing Hare during the refit and said the shipyard is now “part of the history” of the superyacht.
“I can only say that I am more than proud of all our men and subcontractors who have done their share of work during this remarkable refit,” he said. “Dancing Hare has been an iconic and revolutionary yacht since she was launched in 1986, that’s why I feel honoured and proud to have the chance to show what Balk Shipyard is capable of.”
First launched in 1986 by Amels sporting naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, Dancing Hare’s last major refit took place in 1993. Consequently work on the 764GT yacht, which got underway on October 28 last year, was described as “extensive”.
The owner, who bought her in September 2017 didn’t hesitate to get the superyacht refitted and Dancing Hare was hauled following a six-day cruise in the South of France.
Accommodation on board is for up to 12 guests split across six en-suite staterooms including a master suite and a twin cabin on the main deck. Four double cabins below decks complete the guest layout, while the crew quarters allows for a staff of up to 15 people.
Dancing Hare has gone by many names over the years, including Lady Aida, _Lady Ghislaine _and most recently Lady Mona K. Her vital statistics include a 9.2 metre beam and a maximum draught of 3.3 metres.
Power comes from a pair of 1,410hp Caterpillar 3516 DITA diesel engines for a top speed of 15.5 knots and comfortable cruising at 14 knots. When trimmed back to her economical speed of 12 knots, Dancing Hare boasts a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles, drawing on a total fuel capacity of 97,200 litres.