FLCN | Van der Valk Shipyard Magazine #3

FLCN

LADY LENE

A BRIGHT FUTURE

Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of Falcon magazine from Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands. This is the first issue since the retirement in April of Wim van der Valk, who founded our yard in 1967. As Wim embarked on a richly-deserved season of relaxation –life begins at 79 after all – he seamlessly handed over the helm to our management team of Enrico Theuns, Bram Kooltjes and Yoeri Bijker.

Leveraging on decades of combined experience in the high-end yachting industry, they also have the financial support of a family of experienced yacht owners who’ve built three bespoke Van der Valks themselves.

With a full order book stretching well into 2027, Van der Valk is one of the only yards in the world with the capacity and flexibility to build all-custom superyachts up to 45 metres in length. As you can see on page 72, some 9000 m² of state-of-the-art facilities are available and the significant capital investment from the new primary shareholders will allow us to move forward as an independent entity with options available for further expansion.

As this publication went to press, work was well underway on Project EVO (page 28), the largest superyacht we’ve built to date. Undoubtedly she will join the growing fleet of Van der Valks to win major industry awards, including over the past year alone Lady Lene, Blue Jeans and the EDGE 65 (page 46). All our current custom builds are unique above the waterline and reflect a sweet spot in terms of yard efficiency, costquality ratio and synergies.

Our clients are people used to the best things in life who expect to be able to personalise every aspect of their superyacht. If you’re considering going bespoke with Dutch pedigree, Van der Valk is perhaps the only yard that won’t encourage you to take a more semicustom route. Our sole recommendation is to start with an existing naval architectural platform (why reinvent the wheel when a pre-engineered hull is available?) but the world above the waterline is your oyster.

And even that’s not set in stone… We can start the hull from scratch too if you wish. Experience teaches us though that most clients welcome the confidence that comes from knowing others have already enjoyed the under-the-waterline assets of stability, performance, comfort and safety that our track record offers.

While our fully bespoke yacht fleet grows, however, we remain proud of our semi-custom series heritage too. The arc of sustainable progress is best achieved in a steady and continuous manner, and it’s both a pleasure and a privilege to be on this journey with our clients.

Wim van der Valk’s unrivalled legacy lives on…

Enrico Theuns - Managing Director

Bram Kooltjes - Technical Director

Yoeri Bijker - Head of Sales and Marketing

Enrico, Bram, Yoeri

MAKING WAVES IN THE CUSTOM ARENA

Five projects between 34 and 40 metres underway simultaneously, three major awards, two memorable yachts completed, one brand-new construction hall and a steady stream of new custom orders… It’s been quite the year for Van der Valk, as our head of sales Yoeri Bijker explains.

MY Blue Jeans

A trip to Istanbul in springtime is always a pleasure, and boarding a flight there in May 2023 for the World SuperYacht Awards presentations I was struck by how far Van der Valk has come. We had already enjoyed a night of celebration in Cortina d’Ampezzo in February when Lady Lene cemented her reputation as a unique yacht by taking home a Neptune statue for Best Interior at the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. Could Blue Jeans possibly now follow that up by winning at the World Superyacht Awards, widely seen as the Oscars of our industry, with its panel of current and former superyacht owners?

The answer was a resounding ‘yes she can’ and we would later go on to win a third award last September in Cannes with the EDGE 65. These recognitions by experts from across the superyacht spectrum fill me with pride. And, more importantly, they are a delight for the owners concerned. The clients who ordered Blue Jeans, for example, had actually given Guido de Groot carte blanche to design an ‘award-winning yacht’ for them. They wanted a custom vessel that would totally blow them away and no expense was spared to achieve that.

Translating ideas

The fact that Guido and his team could go to work on such a striking project safe in the knowledge Van der Valk would translate the exterior and interior designs into production is also worthy of note here. The same applies to the work of Carla Guilhem Design on the interiors of Lady Lene and the EDGE 65. In fact, the fine partnerships we’re currently enjoying with acclaimed experts in their field also extends to the likes of Cor D. Rover, Studio Delta Naval Architects, Ginton Naval Architects, SFG Yacht Design, Fancy by Dada and Cristiano Gatto.

These close relationships with leading lights of the superyacht world, in tandem with our ambitious clients, illustrate the major strides forward Van der Valk has been making in the custom arena. The quality and innovation we are achieving here is being widely recognised and, while we will never rest on our laurels, we have clearly established a very solid brand in the size range between 25 and 45 metres. At one point last year we actually had five projects of this length underway at the same time. As my colleague Bram explains in his article about the expansion of our facilities on page 72, this represents a remarkable growth over the past two decades.

MY Blue Jeans

MY d rolli

Project Samba

Under wraps

I would like to be able to tell you more about some of these projects but confidentiality considerations mean we are allowed to share only minimal details. One of our deliveries in 2023, the 34-metre explorer Pilot, is a good example. The owner of this bespoke beauty has created something very special but we kept her totally under wraps for the two years of design and construction.

Only after the launch did we release an explanation, when she was freely available for all to see in public waters. You know you have reached the next level of custom building when you can’t share much, if anything, about a project. And the type of clients who value discretion can rest assured their privacy is safe with us at Van der Valk.

Setting boundaries

While there’s clearly a buzz around the Van der Valk brand currently, we’re keeping our feet firmly on the ground and making sure the yard doesn’t grow too fast. It is more important to deliver the exceptional standard of workmanship and finishing offered by all our in-house disciplines.

The past year has again re-emphasised the value in Van der Valk catering for virtually all aspects of yachtbuilding ourselves. Maintaining that ability and the quality it assures clients means not overstretching in the size of the projects we take on, despite the tempting requests! In practical terms, our yard’s presence in its niche market is protected for now by a geographical factor: the lock between our yard in Waalwijk

and the River Maas – the gateway to the sea – restricts us to a maximum beam of eight and a half metres.

Taking time

A wide variety of new orders have been taken over the past year, some of which are featured in this magazine, some not for the reasons outlined above. They include a fourth BeachClub, the 34-metre ONE, the 35-metre Samba, the 36-metre Jangada (for a repeat client) and the 40-metre EVO These complex commissions illustrate Van der Valk’s attraction for clients, who recognise building a genuine one-off takes time.

What’s more, these owners also thoroughly embrace the whole practice of design and construction as an experience in its own right. They love the process and the focus on creation in its broadest sense, while fully appreciating what we do and what is required to be unique. They also understand that true craftsmanship cannot be rushed. No corners are cut when you are aiming for the best of the best.

Onwards and upwards

In conclusion, we can also look forward to an exciting year ahead, including the delivery of MY Micamo. The development of this bespoke flybridge motoryacht led to new rules being set by the Japanese flag state authorities as she will display an unprecedented degree of customisation for a 21-metre pleasure craft. She will also showcase just how far Van der Valk is willing to go to meet specific owner requirements. Watch this space!

MY Micamo

Life in the groove on Samba

Fully aware of how to make the most of the rhythms of life, the owners of the 35-metre superyacht Samba have commissioned us to build an all-custom residence at sea. An ultra-comfortable, super-safe boat for three generations of family to enjoy, Samba will be a second home like no other when launched in the summer of 2025.

Inspired by the huge aft deck area on Van der Valk’s Lady Lene, the entire setup of Samba revolves around this initial brief. Designer Guido de Groot extended the superstructure to ensure the length required, which is also used for a tender garage, transformer platform and a beach club sauna.

Symmetry in motion

As you can see from the renderings, Samba will have an explorer-like look with a forward mast and a wealth of complex exterior detailing. The impressive aft deck reflects a philosophy of optimising outdoor spaces, with seamless flooring adding to the symmetry with the interior. We see this too on the bridge deck where sliding doors on three sides of the salon/dining room can be opened to create an al fresco environment with shade.

Staircases are omitted on the aft deck to make everything fit, while balconies adjacent to the

wheelhouse will offer great views for manoeuvring. Exquisitely integrated, the balconies are a nice design feature in their own right, while darker graphic details and offset surfaces lower the profile and enhance the elegance for a vessel with a relatively high profile. Colour separations around the wheelhouse facilitate a sense of security and one-metre-high bulwarks will keep the grandchildren safe on the sidewalks.

Pure personalisation

A sense of security is also key to the interior layout, the starting point for which is the staircases. Considerable work has gone into their width, the angle and height of the steps, and the size of the handrails. In a textbook case of pure personalisation, the rest of the interior also reflects the way the owners will use the yacht as a home away from home. The overall theme is warm earthy tones that generate a lived-in feel with respect to detailing; never fancy or flashy, the style will be pretty

‘A RELAXED AND CALM ENVIRONMENT THAT IS PLEASING ON THE EYE’

and practical, with very high quality levels and superior finishing. Durability will be very important in a relaxed and calm environment that is pleasing on the eye.

The master suite has sufficient space for an office and a lounge seat for the occupants to relax and read books as they do in their onshore home. A large bathroom with separate toilet and shower makes smart use of sliding doors to make the suite feel larger. His and hers walk-in wardrobes with lots of storage will further facilitate long-term residency.

Enjoying the process

Samba’s captain will also have a comfortable space close to the wheelhouse including an office and lots of room for files and the like. A similar level of thought has gone into

the wheelhouse where the knowledgeable owners are very involved in the technical side, choosing the best possible equipment. Again, finding the right place for everything is a fun challenge and it is a real pleasure to work with clients who are so invested in their project on a personal level.

Extensive use of 3D modelling throughout all phases of the design is helping ensure the owners have a true sense of how the ultimate result will look and feel when Samba is completed. This project is an excellent example of why clients who enjoy the whole building process choose to work with Van der Valk and our design partners like Guido de Groot. There is no better way of avoiding disappointments down the line than by going meticulously through every detail in advance.

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN AND ATELIER

MUNRO MAKES THE CLOTHES

The made-to-measure menswear brand Atelier Munro is making menswear personal again. With its impeccably-tailored arms stretching out across the world, the brand is on a mission to revolutionise the modern man’s wardrobe using a wide range of traditional tailoring techniques.

The approach is style-centred – the client’s style – and personal advisors are on hand to help each customer develop his own personal look.

Anco Kok, director of yachting industry specialists AK marketeers, is a good example. While appreciating nice clothes, Anco is tall and well-built, making shopping in standard outlets a chore. He also regularly travels for boat shows, photoshoots and other business matters and, as we all know, there are major differences between

chilly northwestern European winters and the heat of Mediterranean and Florida summers. Anco is well aware that his attire must match both the changing weather and the smart presentation standards expected in the superyacht sector.

“As someone who simply doesn’t have the patience to go on lengthy shopping expeditions, I was really pleased to find a company that could advise me what to wear, which fabrics go with which and what looks

best within the remit of a quality finish,” he explains. “My international work environment also ties in well with Atelier Munro, which itself has outposts around the globe that clients can visit.”

Feeling good

Having never previously invested huge amounts of time in filling his wardrobe, Anco has been pleasantly surprised at the compliments he has received since making the move to Atelier Munro’s personal

menswear approach. “Having one’s outfit completely tailored means the clothes fit perfectly and are well matched to each other. It really gives you a confidence boost if you have a professional look and appearance.”

Does Anco mind spending a little bit extra on this personal advice?

“Certainly not because I’m seeing the return in terms of how I feel about myself and the high quality of the items. Being a customer at Atelier Munro has genuinely made my life easier and allowed me to focus on my work for Van der Valk and other high-end clients that my company represents.”

Creating a profile

The choice to make life easier is a very deliberate approach by Atelier Munro staff who take detailed customer measurements on their first visit and create someone’s personal fit profile. Those figures are then double checked on each subsequent visit before new orders are placed, with any fit profile changes updated ready for the next wardrobe piece. Fabrics and colours are worked through, as well as any image inspirations that customers might have brought with them. Atelier Munro advises how these personal styles can be translated into a complete made-tomeasure wardrobe, with possibilities

for everything from formal occasions to smart-casual events.

“My clothes and their use are really focused on the way I live and work in a way that standard stores simply cannot provide,” adds Anco. “What I enjoy most about their personal service is how much it has unburdened me. I don’t need to think about my wardrobe anymore. I simply go to an Atelier Munro outlet, lean on their expertise and within an hour I’m standing outside again. I don’t even have to try things on if I don’t want to as Atelier Munro knows my fit profile as well as the appearance that works best for me. It couldn’t be easier.”

From Culinary School to YCM Chef Competition Winner

© Simone Spada La Presse

Under the watchful eyes of renowned three-Michelinstar chef Yannick Alléno, nine talented chefs gathered for the fourth annual YCM Chef Competition. The aim was to showcase their culinary skills and demonstrate their artistry in cuisine, which complements the world of luxury yachting. The coveted title of winner was claimed by the 73-metre MY Planet Nine chef, Marco Tognon.

Chef Tognon's winning dishes included a delightful Brittany lobster ceviche with caviar and avocado mousse, elegantly finished with a Parmesan garnish. For dessert, he presented a masterpiece featuring poached pineapple served on a bed of champagne-infused vanilla mascarpone cream.

The competition kicked off with an exciting twist, as each chef received a basket of mystery ingredients just five minutes before the event commenced. They were challenged to unleash their creativity while the audience eagerly awaited the addition of another secret ingredient, testing their

ability to adapt on the spot. Over the course of three intense 45-minute rounds, the top three finalists had to prepare and present both a main course and a dessert, ultimately determining the competition's overall victory.

An obsession with cuisine

Marco's journey has been far from straightforward. He describes his early academic years as less than stellar, leaving him with limited options and an uncertain path ahead. His decision to enroll in culinary school was not an obvious one at the outset. However, he quickly discovered his passion for cooking and grew confident that it was his

true calling. This newfound passion led him on a remarkable career journey that has taken him from various restaurants in Italy and France to the high seas.

The choice to leave the security of dry land was driven partly by financial incentives but primarily by the unique conditions and opportunities presented by a career at sea. To make this transition, Marco had to acquire the necessary certificates, a decision that required him to take a substantial financial risk and step out of his comfort zone. Looking back today, he acknowledges that this gamble has paid off in spades, to say the least, and he is grateful for having taken the chance that has shaped his successful career.

The standard of provisioning

While the opportunity to work in some of the world's most breathtaking locations is undoubtedly rewarding, it also presents

the challenge of sourcing the high-quality products necessary to meet the standards expected of a superyacht chef. Marco has found a key solution to this challenge, which he relies on consistently: his creative mindset and the age-old adage, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' As he sets foot on land and seeks out the finest local ingredients, Marco aims to connect his culinary journey with the upcoming destinations the guests will be visiting, thus paying tribute to the local flavours, cuisine, and culture.

With visitors hailing from all corners of the globe, Marco acknowledges the need to stay abreast of global culinary trends. He views this as a daily learning process in the kitchen, approaching it with a fresh and open mind. Unless it's a charter trip, where guest preferences are provided in advance to accommodate specific tastes and dietary requirements, Marco

prefers not to have a fixed menu. Instead, he tailors his cooking to the location and season, always ensuring a well-stocked inventory of top-quality meat and seafood, as these ingredients can be scarce in certain parts of the world.

Looking to the future

While Marco deeply values all that the yachting industry has bestowed upon him, including his family and lifestyle, he acknowledges that every chapter has its conclusion. His career has granted him the freedom to express his culinary artistry in the world's most stunning locales and nurture enduring connections with his fellow crew members, resulting in seamless trips at sea thanks to their closeknit teamwork. However, he believes it's time to begin mapping out his future in other culinary venues — without disclosing any specifics, Marco says that we should keep an eye out for what's to come.

AN EVO-LUTION IN SUPERYACHTS

PROJECT EVO

Taking things to fresh heights of size, style and sophistication, the 40-metre Project EVO will be the largest Van der Valk to date. As one of the designers responsible, Cristiano Gatto tells Falcon about the evolutionary process behind a bespoke superyacht for clients with a true understanding of life at sea.

Inspirational concept

Project EVO will have an impressive volume for her length and was actually extended several metres during a meticulous design and consultation phase that closely involved the owners every step of the way. They had been inspired by an attractive design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada.

Cristiano Gatto Design initially became involved in the project working on the layout and interior style, as Cristiano explains. “My participation began on a micro level as we worked with the owners to leverage on some specific furniture design concepts I had previously created. They were looking to recreate a similar ambience onboard their yacht and the interior design emerged from this point.”

Mini-megayacht

“Welcoming the results, the owners then asked Cristiano Gatto Design to add a similar aesthetic flavour to the exterior design, further evolving the DNA of the preliminary concept. We changed some of the proportions and lines while extending the stern by around two metres. The overall design and profile, however, remains very much the brainchild of all who were involved.” While details of the fully custom interior style are being kept under wraps for now, Cristiano says the owners are delighted with how their efforts have paid off. “The process from first renders to interior concept took around ten months, an exceptional timeframe for a 40-metre project that will truly deserve to be called a mini-megayacht.”

Class act

Project EVO is being built entirely in aluminium with a round-bilged fast displacement hull and a projected top speed of 24 knots. She will offer first-class accommodations for ten, including a master stateroom on the main deck plus two twin guest suites and two VIPs on the lower deck. Three

ensuite double crew cabins will be located in the forepeak next to the mess, while the captain’s cabin is situated on the bridge deck. The team of experts involved in developing Project EVO also include the naval architects from Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects. Built to ABS class, she will be fully compliant with IMO Tier III emissions regulations.

SPECIFICATIONS

Class notation

ABS ✠ A1, Commercial Yachting

Service, Ⓔ, (✠) AMS

Exterior Design

SFG Design / Cristiano Gatto Design

Interior Design

Cristiano Gatto Design

Naval Architecture

Ginton Naval Architects / Diana Yacht Design

MAIN DIMENSIONS

Length over all

39.92 m (131 ft)

Length waterline

36.49 m (119.72 ft)

Beam moulded

8.40 m (27.56 ft)

Beam over all

8.52 m (27.95 ft)

Draft

2.30 m (7.55 ft)

Gross tonnage

370 GT

CONSTRUCTION / MACHINERY

Hull material

Aluminium (5083 AlMg4.5Mn – H321)

Superstructure material

Aluminium (5083 AlMg4.5Mn – H321)

Hull shape

Ocean going, round bilged, afast displacement motor yacht

Engine brand & type

2x MTU 16V2000M97L

Engine HP

2600mhp / 1939kW @ 2.450 rpm

Emission compliance

MARPOL IMO Tier III, US EPA Tier 3

Shaft/Propeller

Stainless steel water lubricated duplex

Ø=120mm 5-bladed NiBrAl propellers

Ø=1400mm

Reduction gear

ZF 5350 / Reduction 4,464:1

Top speed

24 knots (at half load condition)

Cruising speed (@ 80% prop load)

19 knots (at half load condition)

Range @ 10 knots

2200 nautical miles

TANK CAPACITY

Fuel capacity

26790 ltr (7077 US gal.)

Urea

910 ltr (240 US gal.)

Fresh water capacity

6420 ltr (1696 US gal.)

Holding tank capacity

3130 ltr (827 US gal.)

Sludge tank capacity

2460 ltr (650 US gal.)

Lube oil tank capacity

520 ltr (137 US gal.)

Dirty oil tank capacity

520 ltr (137 US gal.)

ARRANGEMENT

Accommodation

1 owner’s stateroom, 2 VIP guest cabins, 2 twin guest cabins

Crew

7 divided over 4 cabins

A LAND OF ICE AND GREEN

Iceland’s landscape doesn’t allow bystanders. It pours light over its visitors, immerses them in water and salt spray, and asks them to stare down into rips in the earth where unrelenting tectonic plates are engaged in a slow dance of separation. Visiting by yacht, you’ll be thrust into the natural world.

It’s a sensory flood. Still a relative rarity on superyacht itineraries, Iceland offers an ultra-saturated, all-colour experience. It’s a country slightly smaller in area than Great Britain, of which more than three fifths is tundra, and which holds a population sitting well under 400,000. But within that modest footprint there’s a glut of volcanoes rising up out of mosscovered lava fields. There's large glaciers, sheet-like waterfalls which invite you to explore behind their curtains, and the collision of two sides of the earth which have turned their backs on each other.

Winter

In winter frozen water meets salt along the shore. This is the time to experience the deep, still magic of Iceland under its winter blanket. Darker, quieter, colder, the hush of the earth cedes focus to the lights that pulse overhead.

With as little as four hours of daylight to see by as winter drops down, experiences like ice caving, snowmobiling and walking inside the land engage your senses.

Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe, with its bulk gobbling up eight per cent of Iceland’s land mass. This ice titan has submerged several volcanoes, offering up glacial lagoons, rivers, canyons and waterfalls in recompense. Plus the chance to descend into the overwhelming blue of its ice cave.

The famed blue ice cave wraps you in a hollowed nave of icy crystal. Chilled, still and beautiful, it reaches 100 metres in its depth, and is walled by frozen waves.

At Langjokull, another chance to walk into the glassy belly of an ice monolith.

A frozen tunnel allows you to trek through the glacier’s veins; into the ice that was laid down millennia ago. The tongue of Langjokull slides down across the land towards Reykjavik and was formed when woolly mammoths roamed its fringe. Though it’s only the second largest glacier in Iceland, it’s bigger than New York City or Singapore. Walking through the glacier’s tunnels places you inside the river of ice’s exhalations as it cracks and shifts its mass around you. At the end of the tunnel, a frozen chapel waits for couples to wed.

Walking across glaciers and into the ice itself is a well-established pastime in Iceland, but you’ll need a guide with you.

They’ll provide you with crampons and helmets, and take you safely through this immensely-powerful environment.

Back on thawed ground, Icelandic ponies are the right locals to show you through the stark winter scenery. Sure-footed, sturdy, teddy-like in their shaggy winter coats, they make short work of scenery that drifts from quaint farms to lava flows. An experience best combined with your own thick coat and a warming drink on dismount.

Warm up any lingering chill in one of Iceland’s famed hot springs. With Iceland straddling a tectonic rift, geothermal activity is rife. Filling the primeval landscape with

drifts of steam, bathing in hot springs has been a popular activity across the waves of people who’ve settled Iceland since 9 AD

Hot pools dot the land where water heated by geothermal activities rises to the surface, and run the gamut of developed, polished spa facilities, to hand-placed rock pools. Winter’s low sun glosses the icy countryside with gold as it hovers close to the horizon in slow, luminous sunsets. Enjoy the performance from your hot spring and wait for the celestial second act.

Inky black skies slowly surrender to a breath of green that reaches out its fingers and parts the night sky. Viking

mythology pinned the aurora borealis as light reflecting from the shields of valkyries. Other Norse legends named it a physical manifestation of their gods lighting up the sky, or the exhalation of fallen heroes whispering above them.

However you see it, the power of stellar lights pulsing above you inspires reverence, as you sink into the pool, and the primal landscape it sits in, eyesskyward.

Summer

Summer coats the hills in velvet neon green.

As the aurora retreats from the sky above, the sun’s light plasters itself on the land below. Purple lupins are gilded in their march to slather themselves over the landscape. Iceland’s land comes alive, as do its sea cliffs; it’s puffin season.

In sync with stretched out days under the midnight sun, ocean-weary puffins make their pilgrimage home after eight

months at sea. Iceland is home to half the world’s breeding puffins, with more than four million couples creating vast colonies spanning ocean cliffs. Deeply loyal, they choose a mate when they’re around five years old, returning to each other year on year, to raise one puffling in a tandem effort each season.

Depart Reykjavik and cruise for 20 minutes to two islands in Faxafloi Bay; Akurey and Lundey, to spot cliffside puffins from on deck. There’s another excellent reason to include Faxafloi Bay in your itinerary.

‘SUMMER COATS THE HILLS IN NEON GREEN, WHILE PURPLE LUPINS SLATHER THEMSELVES OVER THE LANDSCAPE. ICELAND'S LAND COMES ALIVE.’

Iceland’s largest bay is a well-known whale watching spot and is home to minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, with occasional cameos from blue and fin whales, orcas, and basking sharks.

The long days under the midnight sun mould interactions with the land. Summer strips the ice from tracks and roads, opening Iceland’s Highlands and Westfjords to you for exploration. Both are remote; lacking in people and spilling over with the powerful colour, raw landscapes and volcanic geology that are quintessentially Iceland.

Long days also invite you to step inside the land. Close to Reykjavik meet the forces working beneath the surface. Iceland squats atop the North American

plate and the Eurasian plate as they flee each other. Trudging inexorably apart, they’ve stamped their rift across the land, leaving tense fissures in Iceland’s Þingvellir valley; the largest of which is Silfra.

The Silfra fissure crosses a major aquifer, pumping glacier melt into Silfra from groundwater springs to create a gap in the earth ripe for diving. You’ll want a drysuit. It’s clear and cold, and in summer, dappled with waves of light, with over 100 metres of visibility. Filtered through porous underground lava for 30-100 years, the water is said to be the clearest in the world.

To go deeper into the forces of the earth, descend into dormant volcano, Thrihnukagigur. Intimidating, inspiring, it’s the only accessible lava chamber on earth.

With a height greater than the Statue of Liberty, you’ll be placed in a modified commercial lift and lowered into the heart of the volcano. Terrifying, achingly beautiful, it’s a place washed with the raw colours of the earth and shocking in its enormity.

At the surface, round out your time in the landscape with a taste of what it produces. Dill is the Michelin star-rated brainchild of chef Gunnar Karl Gislason and offers up traditional Nordic ingredients with an experimental approach to fine dining. Honouring Icelandic ingredients, the seven course tasting menu will carry you through flavour combinations like birch, almond and honey.

Belly full, senses drenched, restored; Iceland leaves you sated.

MEETING A MODERN MASTERPIECE

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

In our modern era, which is often characterised by discord, disagreement and – at the very least – by strong opinions, it is rare to find something about which there is close to universal approval. One such item, however, can be found in the form of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, located in the Basque Country in Spain.

Designed by the celebrated Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, this museum of modern and contemporary art first opened its doors on 18 October 1997 and showcases a truly spectacular sculpture-like structure constructed from titanium, glass and limestone. The design incorporates 33,000 extremely thin titanium sheets which create a rough and organic effect, and whose colours change depending on the prevailing weather and light conditions.

Built between October 1993 and October 1997 on the site of a former wharf with port and industrial use, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao represents part of a wider effort to recover the banks of the river for the city for cultural and leisure purposes. Blending in seamlessly with Bilbao’s urban landscape and the surrounding area, the mathematical complexity of Gehry’s design required him to harness advanced CATIA software which was initially conceived for the aerospace industry, in order to translate his concept into reality. Now seen as a true icon of contemporary design, the museum

was the building most frequently named as one of the most important works completed post-1980 in the 2010 World Architecture Survey.

Stepping inside, the Guggenheim boasts 9,000m2 of exhibition space across three levels organised around a central atrium and connected by means of curved walkways, staircases and titanium and glass elevators. These include a total of 20 galleries of varying shapes and sizes which represent the perfect environment for showcasing a huge variety of contemporary works, from large format pieces to smaller and more intimate shows.

Located in a newly-developed and attractive area of the city, the museum is easy to find and offers affordable entry tickets for visitors, including free entry for under 18s and discounts for booking online. Having showcased numerous groundbreaking artists in its 27-year history to date, unmissable works on display include Puppy and Tulips by Jeff Koons, Richard Serra’s The Matter of Time and Jenney Holzer’s Installation for Bilbao

Find out more about the Guggenheim Bilbao by visiting www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en, or call the museum on +34 944 35 90 00.

And the three winners are…

LADY LENE

The major annual award presentations in the superyacht industry are a fine opportunity for Van der Valk and our clients to showcase yachts to judging panels of peers, which also include owners and the media. This past year was an excellent one as Lady Lene, Blue Jeans and the EDGE 65 all triumphed at their respective ceremonies in Italy, Turkey and France.

Lady Lene followed her special commendation at the 2022 World Superyacht Awards by winning a major prize at the 2023 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. The valued Neptune trophy for Best Interior Design for Motor Yachts under 499GT was presented to our yard and Carla Guilhem Design in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Elegant treatment

The multinational panel of designers, naval architects and industry professionals who decided the winners had this to say about Lady Lene: “We responded favourably to the elegant interior treatment on board this pure custom yacht, which was designed to accommodate a family member with compromised mobility. It was

clear that the designers and builders understood and interpreted the owner’s brief well.

“That brief included requirements for the feel of a beach villa, plenty of light, two owner’s suites, good space for crew and extra staff, and smartly positioned grab rails. Wrapped in supple leather, the latter are visually unobtrusive. There is easy flow all around the decks, from the stable boarding passerelle wide enough for a wheelchair all the way to the cabins, which are accessible via a lift – a feature seldom seen in a yacht this size. But remove the requirements for wheelchair access and the interior design of Lady Lene stands on its own merit as elegant, thoughtful and practical.”

Secret ballot

Our second prize of the past year came at the World Superyacht Awards in Istanbul. “A very pleasant all-rounder that certainly met the owner’s challenge,” was how the panel of experienced owners explained their decision to single out Blue Jeans in the ‘Semi-displacement or planing motoryacht 30 to 34.99m’ category. This fully custom entry won by a significant margin in a secret ballot of 23 current and former superyacht owners.

“We admired her striking appearance, her comfortable cruising speed of 25 knots, her spacious maintenance-friendly engine room, high-quality build and optimum layout,” read the panel report. “To meet the owner’s performance needs, naval architects Diana Yacht Design drew a

semi-displacement hull with large propellers positioned in tunnels to increase efficiency and decrease draught. Her interior by Guido de Groot Design, who also drew the exterior lines of Blue Jeans, was laid out in the classic manner with the master cabin well aft on the lower deck where movement is at a minimum, and a formal dining room forward on the main deck.”

Cabana on the water

Last but not least, Van der Valk’s EDGE 65 won Best Custom motoryacht at the World Yachts Trophies ceremony in Cannes. Some 700 guests had gathered for a gala dinner on the beach as the best launches of the past year were recognised by their industry peers. “This award is a tribute to the creative thinking of the owners,”

said Van der Valk technical director Bram Kooltjes. “The EDGE 65 is a true cabana on the water with an optimised amount of enclosed real estate while offering guests the chance to be as close to the sea as possible on a 20-metre boat. With a foldout platform spanning 48 square metres of deck space, this World Yachts Trophies award confirms her as the ultimate weekender.

“The EDGE 65 is also the first Van der Valk to benefit from Petestep hull technology, helping her four Mercury V12 Verados offer a powerful top speed of 40 knots. An exceptional exterior design by Cor D. Rover, exquisite interior by Carla Guilhem and expert work by Studio Delta Naval Architects came together to create a boat that fully deserves the Best Custom name.”

The Van der Valk team was thrilled to accept a World Superyacht Award for Blue Jeans in Istanbul.

EDGE 65

Exhaust expertise

As Van der Valk clients request ever more sophisticated and powerful propulsion solutions, the engine rooms and exhaust systems on our yachts have become increasingly complex. Fortunately, we have the experts from MarQuip on our side in a partnership that ensures all demands are met to the highest standard.

It is one of the key challenges that all modern superyacht builders face. The more custom you go, the greater the requirements from clients in terms of speed and range. This in turn entails working with a wider variety of engine manufacturers and types while incorporating diverse power solutions. At the same time, owners of these bespoke builds will accept no compromises when it comes to comfort, especially in relation to noise, soot, smells and the like. Emissions, too, have become subject to ever stricter regulations, not least the new IMO Tier III requirements.

Shared mindset

“Our partnership with MarQuip is a natural extension of our increasing commitment to truly custom yachts,” says Van der Valk’s technical director Bram Kooltjes.

“MarQuip is a leading expert when it comes to designing and manufacturing fully bespoke exhaust systems. It carries out all its engineering in-house, offering a level of

flexibility and dedicated knowledge that is invaluable to us as a yard. The same goes for the streamlined lines of communication with our office, design and development teams and the engineers installing propulsion systems onboard. And the fact that MarQuip is based in the Netherlands means we have a shared mentality and understanding of how to strive for maximum quality.

“While the main engine suppliers have their own exhaust systems, secrecy requirements mean they cannot provide us with all the data upfront regarding soundproofing. This information is critical to custom builds, however, where clients expect decibel levels to be specified in the contract. We have to be able to keep to our commitments, both in financial terms and to maintain our reputation as the best bespoke builder in our size range. Placing MarQuip’s exhaust solutions on top of the engine installer’s system gives us that certainty.”

Ambitious approach

MarQuip project engineer Wiebe Voorneveld enjoys working with Van der Valk. “The yard is very proactive with a no-nonsense approach which saves lots of time and money. We always have a dedicated contact person for each project who we can directly approach and Van der Valk is far less bureaucratic than larger yards. The vast majority of our client base involves yachts of 60 metres and it was ambitious of Van der Valk to start working on custom systems for yachts half that size.

“We have grown into this segment together as the sizes of the engine rooms in relation to the installed power requires lots of creativity. What’s more, the yard works for clients who are pushing the window of innovation and at MarQuip we welcome the challenges this brings.”

Fitting challenge

Wiebe and his team have recently been working on comprehensive after-treatment systems for ONE and Samba. “The yard must now comply with IMO Tier 3, which brings with it a host of new challenges and materials. As the owners of ONE wished to run twin commercial Volvo Penta 750 hp continuous duty engines, we successfully designed a small enough exhaust system to work within the engine room, including after-treatment and urea injection. It was quite a jigsaw.”

Is this the most challenging Van der Valk project for Wiebe to date? “It’s a close-run thing but the most complex for me was Blue Jeans as she had such enormous engines and some very high requirements from the owner. We integrated the cooling system into the silencer to make it as small and as quiet as possible and the results were superb. Everyone as MarQuip is looking forward to more of these types of challenge!”

MY Blue Jeans

CREW REPORT CARD

We might build yachts at Van der Valk but there’s plenty more people involved in making them so special. Crew will become a yacht’s closest colleagues, knowing her inner workings and personality better than anyone. They are also uniquely qualified to report on our performance, as this interview with Lady Lene’s captain makes clear.

While shipyards like Van der Valk are the creators of yachts, the crew have an integral role in bringing them to life and keeping them in tip-top condition. If yards shape the form of a vessel – her potential and ability –it is when they pass the baton onto the crew that the yacht truly moves into a living, animated movement.

It’s a partnership, and like all partnerships the more reliable they are the better. “This boat has given me the least possible problems,” confirms Captain Guilherme (Gee) Passow from onboard Van der Valk’s explorer yacht Lady Lene, launched in 2021.

When talking with Captain Gee, there’s one phrase which quickly becomes apparent. Peace of mind. Captain Gee has travelled with Lady Lene extensively through different oceans and different conditions.

He and his wife, who forms one half of a captain and chief stew duo, joined Lady Lene in the United Kingdom from where they sailed the Atlantic coasts of France, Spain and Portugal. A passage through the straits of Gibraltar was next and on to Barcelona, and the Balearics. Before a further stint to St Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monaco led to a spectacular flourish, finishing the season in Italy and Sicily.

Plenty of time to shake down any issues then, and Gee tells us he didn’t skimp on putting the yacht through her paces.

“I think it’s the whole combination of factors which provided us with such good peace of mind, and the opportunity to enjoy these places without being worried about machinery breaking down, or interior

features falling apart. There was nothing like thatand given we have an elevator onboard - the effect of the systems Lady Lene provides us with is safety and comfort.”

Captain Gee is speaking to us now from the Bahamas, where he says the features Van der Valk has created for enjoyment of this yacht, really come to the fore.

“The Bahamas themselves are a little paradise and it’s such an amazing boat to be here with, because of the windows, the layout; it immerses you. Once you’re in this paradise, it’s like 50 shades of blue, and you just open your window in the morning and you can see in the distance all the shades and colours of beautiful blue water.

On a boat with smaller windows or a different layout, I don’t think the owner would enjoy it as much. But thankfully, Van der Valk provided us with the conditions to really enjoy being in paradise onboard this boat.”

alongside on any systems according to the manualthe Van der Valk team always supports us the whole way through; always asks if we want any help with logistics. They’re always there. I know if I call them right now, they’ll answer. They’ll be there to support.”

Making life easier for crew has a knock-on effect for the owner and guests. Captain Gee tells us the technical support, the peace of mind, and all the enjoyment the owners have had onboard with family and friends, means the owner is thrilled to own a Van der Valk.

“They’ll be there for you when you need them.”

While what happens on-deck and for the guests’ enjoyment is crucial, there’s another key element for yacht operations; maintenance.

“Anytime we’ve been for yearly maintenance onboard with Lady Lene - whether a dry dock or for work

“Van der Valk’s Lady Lene has been the vessel which has given me the smallest amount of concern in my time onboard yachts. It’s been two years and I’m really looking forward to staying longer - or if not this one, onboard another Van der Valk for sure. I can only thank Van der Valk and the team for making my life so easy.”

So what report would Captain Gee give us for our performance in delivering a yacht which works for crew?

“What I’d tell other captains and crew is Van der Valk is not only a brand that gives you a yacht, it’s a brand which gives you peace of mind. They’ll be there for you when you need them.”

VAN DER VALK CUSTOM

CHARTING HER OWN COURSE:

THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF LAURA DEKKER

If you were looking to find someone who embodies determination and resilience in the face of adversity, you would need to go no further than 28-year old Laura Dekker.

Becoming the youngest person to sail solo around the world at the age of 16, Laura had to contend with numerous court battles with the Dutch state, the removal of her boat and the prospect of being taken away from her parents before she was able to achieve her dream.

Born in Whangārei in New Zealand to keen sailors, who were completing a seven-year circumnavigation at the time, Dekker describes having an instant love of the ocean which grew throughout her childhood. She built her first ever sailing raft from scratch at the age of six. After saving up and buying her own yacht – a

“It is in facing these hard times that we become stronger and learn”

Hurley 700 – at the age of 11, by the age of 13, Dekker had already embarked on a solo sailing expedition from the Netherlands to the UK.

With a seaworthy boat, some savings and the appropriate navigation skills under her belt, it seemed the logical next step for Dekker to fulfil her dream of sailing around the world. However, the Dutch state disagreed. As well as having her upgraded Hurley 800 sailing boat confiscated by the courts, Dekker and her parents had to contend with a total of eight court cases which aimed to stop her trip, during which she was also placed under a guardianship order. After a gruelling 10 months, responsibility was granted back to her parents and Dekker could finally begin her trip.

At 14 years old, in August 2010, Dekker set off from Gibraltar on board a 12-metre red ketch called Guppy Following trade winds, she sailed to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands and across the Atlantic to Saint Martin. After this, she made her way through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean, through the Torres Strait, across the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and travelled back to Saint Martin via the South Atlantic. Upon arrival in Saint Martin on 21 January 2012 at the age of 16, she was the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the world.

Fast forward to 2023 and Dekker is using her experiences to inspire the next generation of sailors through her organisation, the Laura Dekker World Sailing Foundation. This offers teenagers all around the world the chance to learn to sail for themselves and to take part in life-changing trips.

These expeditions can range from a few weeks to six months and take place on board Dekker’s secondhand Robert Perry-designed Scorpio 72 (also named Guppy) upon which she lives with her partner, Sander Vogelenzang, and their sons, Tim and Alex.

Finally, for those youngsters keen to take the helm for themselves, Dekker has some advice: “Don’t be afraid to climb the mountain of tasks which will face you! Take it step by step, day by day, just as a mountain climber would, and never be afraid to make mistakes and detours. It is in facing these hard times that we become stronger and learn.”

WEEKENDS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN

Has living life on the EDGE ever looked quite so cool? While this sporty synthesis of a luxury cruiser and an offshore speed machine is ideal for exploring shallow waters anywhere on the planet, our launch model for this bespoke line was tailor-made with the Bahamas in mind.

The EDGE 65 is the third motoryacht we’ve created for three generations of owners, hot on the heels of the 90foot LeVen (2019) and 34-metre explorer Lady Lene (2021).

Designed as the ultimate weekender with a home berth in Nassau, she can easily reach the Exumas within four hours of cruising at 30 to 35 knots. And if the family are in a hurry for a Friday dinner date, their four Mercury V12 Verados can swiftly power up to 41 knots.

Patio on the sea

If you’re going to spend the weekend in such gorgeous parts of the world, having the chance to chill out close to the crystal-clear water is a must. That’s certainly been the philosophy of the EDGE 65’s owners who have highly optimised the outdoor experience on their latest build.

A fold-out platform spanning some 48 square metres of deck space makes for a fantastic patio on which to embrace the al fresco life in style. A crane on the flybridge enables the yacht to carry a small tender and/or jet ski,

The relaxation options are further facilitated by having fully opening doors aft of the main deck interior structure (below), where we see a fine open-plan galley area. While this first EDGE 65 revolves around entertainment, you could adapt your GA to a more conventional lounge and/ or dining area layout should you so desire. A cabana on the water with a remarkable amount of enclosed real estate, the blend of these assets in a 20-metre yacht helps set the EDGE 65 truly apart.

In fact, we’d say that the EDGE 65 is going to open up a new market for luxury boats that are relatively fast and facilitate both shallow water access and ocean trips. While the combined 2400 horsepower of her mighty outboard engines facilitates an exhilarating trip, the yacht’s firstclass engineering package keeps her incredibly quiet, with just 72db of sound in the salon/kitchen at 40 knots. The EDGE 65 is very stable too, with no slamming even in choppy waters.

Trailblazer

All this and a draught of less than three feet have been achieved by exterior designer Cor D. Rover, Studio Delta Naval Architects and the Swedish company Petestep Hull Design. This project is the first Van der Valk to feature the latter’s revolutionary technology and her hull was subjected to an exhaustive series of simulations using

computational fluid dynamic software to ensure she performs well in all waters. Three Petestep deflectors have been installed in a V-shape to push water down and aft. With a lower wetted surface, greater degree of lift and forward thrust from the redirection of the spray, the EDGE 65 has a low resistance, is capable of high speeds and offers the driest of rides for owners and guests.

The interior of the first EDGE 65 is equally impressive, showcasing a unique take on an Art Deco-inspired beach style by designer Carla Guilhem. The owners did not want a traditional lounge, opting for a country-kitchen galley arrangement with bar. This reflects the fact that they spend little time indoors when day-tripping around the Bahamas and their arrangement offers an informal yet welcoming spot to sip cocktails and reflect on the day when the time comes to finally come indoors.

This relaxed vibe is heightened by a blend of modernclassic marine elements with a colourful beach feel. The interior’s natural style features lots of oak wood, clean grey & white tones, round corners and textured panels. A few darker hues are found in the ensuite master and the two cabins with a shared bathroom. The queen-size bed in the owner’s suite has been shaped to remove any sensation of triangularity. It’s all part of an approach aimed at generating relaxed open rooms that feel very spacious on overnight excursions. Frankly, it’s a beautiful place to be.

Future life on the EDGE

As you can see below, the first EDGE 65 has an Aston Martin Racing Green hull livery that makes her appear absorbed by the water. This custom choice – future

owners can pretty much go for any colour you like –superbly complements a powerful and snazzy exterior design with a masculine feel that is seamlessly blended with her feminine interior.

Other options include having for a two-cabin layout with a larger master and separate bathroom. You can also switch to inboard propulsion should that be preferable for the places you’ll be heading. The EDGE 65 could even serve as a high-end chase boat for larger superyachts, providing access to shallow bays while the mothership stays out at anchor. A second hull is now available along with fresh new inspiring interior renderings from Carla Guilhem Design. Get in touch today to explore how we might translate your vision of life on the EDGE.

Yachts for good

With a growing number of superyacht industry charities, there’s one to suit every owner’s interests

Take a look at the line up of superyachts on a dock and it’s easy to see their owners come with myriad interests. Sailing and motor, explorer and classic, relaxed and lounging, or adventurous and quick, the array of leisure pursuits on display are wide-ranging.

The Water Revolution Foundation

Putting sustainability at the heart of everything it does, the Water Revolution Foundation was created to accelerate sustainability throughout the superyacht sphere. The foundation describes its work as aiming to neutralise yachting’s footprint and preserve the world’s oceans while creating a sustainable business model for industry companies to carry forward into the future. With a number of digital tools available, including a yacht assessment tool and yacht environmental transparency index, it allows yachts’ sustainability credentials to be benchmarked and informed decisions made. → waterrevolutionfoundation.org

But there is something which usually pops up as a common theme; a love of the ocean. A burgeoning number of industry charities and organisations are helping owners translate their love of our seas into action helping them.

YachtAid Global

With the tagline ‘Changing the World Without Changing Course’, YachtAid Global is one of the industry’s longest-standing superyacht charities. It has an extensive portfolio of projects that span disaster relief, education, humanitarian aid and conservation. The team at YachtAid Global has also perfected the art of matching yachts and crew with philanthropic projects and volunteering in the communities they visit. Founded by captain Mark Drewelow, YachtAid Global has worked with a whopping 300 yachts, over more than 250 projects, in 25 countries.

→ yachtaidglobal.org

The PASIFIKA collective

This New Zealand-based, Pacific-focused initiative, brings together connections and cultural ties through the Pacific and matches them with superyachts cruising the region. With a particular focus on education, the empowerment of women and encouraging yachts to immerse themselves in community activity when they drop anchor, it’s a culturally-focused approach to using yachts as a conduit for good. Formed during Tonga’s 2022 eruption, the Collective also swings into action for disaster relief when needed, coordinating the collection and delivery of goods from New Zealand throughout the Pacific.

→ thepasifikacollective.org

Yachts for Science

With a mission to match private yacht owners with marine scientists, researchers and content creators, this organisation sees the superyacht fleet become a wide-ranging research platform.

Utilising yachts to provide experts with access to the ocean has a dual benefit. Our global knowledge of the world’s oceans increases - it is estimated that less than 10% of marine life has been discovered and only a fraction of the ocean floor mapped - and adds interest, engagement and exploration for the owner and crew. → yachtsforscience.com

FUTURE-PROOF FACILITIES

SEVEN HALLS, ONE MISSION

Spanning well over 9000 square metres, the seven different halls at Van der Valk include a brand-new construction facility that came into full use in November 2023. Technical director Bram Kooltjes has seen the yard expand over the past 23 years since he joined Van der Valk Shipyard. Here he reflects on a period of strong growth and looks at how the latest new hall is further adding to client options.

It has been quite a journey for me personally and for everyone connected to Van der Valk over the past two decades and more. Our growth in terms of facilities and the size of the yachts we create has been strongly driven by our clients and it’s been genuinely exciting to be a part of this adventure.

Growing fast

When I arrived at the yard in 2001, Van der Valk had three halls that were being used to build six projects under 20 metres. These were halls 2, 5 and 6 in the

current numbering, one of which was then being rented from the neighbours. If you look at the map today (overleaf), you can see that we have expanded considerably as more and more owners came to Waalwijk to tap into the high degree of quality on offer.

Wim van der Valk, who founded the yard in 1967 and was still very much at the helm when I arrived, was always ahead of the competition when it came to pioneering designs, engineering and facilities.

VAN DER VALK SHIPYARD PREMISES

H1 Opened in 2017, Hall 1 is used to outfit larger hulls.

H2 Carpentry workshop and teak deck loft.

H3 This former construction shed is now the main warehouse.

H4 Opened in 2008, this outfitting facility has offices at the front.

H5 In use since 1986, this hall is used to build aluminium hulls and superstructure elements separately; engineering office and canteen on first floor.

H6 Paint facility for large components, masts, hull doors, hardtops and vessels up to 24m.

H7 The new facility for building aluminium hulls and complete yachts.

A Sales office: sales, marketing and PR, accounting and director’s offices.

B Two-floor production office: Production and project management, procurement, mechanical engineering, safety officer and system integration.

C Paved open area of 7000 m².

D Access to river via 120 metres of dock with 30-tonne crane.

Groundbreaking lines such as the Continental series saw Van der Valk enter the superyacht market in the 2000s. And the increasing options to customise these elegant boats were attracting a new breed of clients. Sensing this, Wim took the chance to buy some adjacent land in 2005 to increase the office space and build Hall 4.

This new hall also allowed us to take on the build of the 36.80-metre Santa-Maria-T, launched in 2015 to considerable fanfare as the world’s first motoryacht with a two-axis fin antiroll damping system. This gamechanging superyacht was designed by Guido de Groot and kickstarted a new era of expansion as we worked with acclaimed designers and naval architect firms on forward-thinking and ever-more bespoke projects.

Making the move

Throughout his long and distinguished career Wim and his family had lived in a house on the yard’s premises. When he decided to take things a little easier and leave the day-to-day running to the management team, Wim had a new home built on the other side of Waalwijk. This move allowed us to build Hall 1 in 2017 on the site of the original house. It was an impressive structure

with a 14-metre height that meant larger yachts could be built in their entirety rather than having hulls and superstructures built in separate halls prior to their marriage. The first such project to benefit from this approach was Jangada 2

As new orders for fully custom yachts up to 40 metres in length continued to come in we knew the time had come to expand even further. The answer was the 2,540-square-metre Hall 7 featuring 12 x 12-metre hangar doors and the very latest equipment. As well as providing an optimum build experience and outcome for our clients, these facilities help attract talented people from across the boatbuilding spectrum. This is especially crucial at a time when the superyacht sector – like many others industries – is competing in such a tight labour market.

People power

Skilled staff are an equally important asset as any building and they are entitled to have the best tools at their disposal. We have always applied this approach across all our state-of-the-art halls and this has allowed Van der Valk to recruit very well as we’ve grown.

Sidenote: we’re always open to new colleagues, especially skilled carpenters, so if you like what you’re reading head over to our website and drop us an email.

As I write this article Van der Valk has no less than five 34-metre-plus projects underway at the same time, along with four more under 26 metres. Our 100-strong workforce cover a hugely diverse range of disciplines, including engineering for the integration from naval architects and designers to the production phase. We build complete aluminium hulls, including all piping, plumbing and mechanical engineering and outfitting.

Our specialists in system integration, electronics, navigation and A/V are highly respected, as are our interior joinery experts. Three painters are constantly busy with interiors while another top team is responsible for exterior fairing and painting. Even the teak decking is laid by Van der Valk and the only items we outsource are upholstery, glazing, stainless steel elements and larger steel hulls.

Few yards have all these disciplines in-house with the ability to create totally custom superyachts. I wonder where we’ll be in another 23 years’ time!

Four screens or three, wheel or joystick, integrated into a binnacle or a free-standing element? The choices involved in wheel houses, bridges, helm stations, or however you call the space from where a yacht is steered, have certainly grown over the years. And that’s before we start talking about technology and styles. Involved in the design of many Van der Valks over the past decade, Guido de Groot is ideally placed to talk us through an evolution that is also captured by the images on the coming pages.

At the helm

with designer Guido de Groot

MY Lady Lene

As Van der Valk has developed from a yard building semicustom yachts to fully bespoke superyachts, we as designers have been working closely with clients to fashion many different aspects of these increasingly sophisticated projects. Most of the time today we start with the interior concept then design the rest of a yacht around it, with the role of the ‘wheelhouse’ area and its functions playing a major part.

The bridge, especially elements such as the dashboard, is often a genuinely cool design feature in its own right. In some cases, it becomes part of the main salon and needs to combine functionality with being an integrated part of the overall design. Enormous efforts are made to avoid simply placing a dashboard neatly into the relaxation space. The helm station becomes an integral part of the whole design with all the technical prowess required while also being an attractive aesthetic part of the big picture.

Smooth flows

There are too many superb examples to mention them all here but one of my favourites is the 23-metre Gyrfalcon, launched in 2016 as Grey Falcon. She typifies the challenges involved and it was great fun to create a smooth flowing transition between the various components. The dinette to starboard centres on a table in high-gloss lacquered palisander hardwood and the theme continues in the dashboard to port and the adjacent galley.

Hats off to the craftsmen and engineers at the yard who beautifully translated the original design into reality. Integrating lots of elements at the same time requires real skill and foresight; from staircases descending to the lower deck to high-end kitchen equipment, everything has to be seamlessly incorporated with the screens and storage spaces. (The photo above). There is no clear distinction between the helm station and other aspects so they do not feel like separate items.

MY Gyrfalcon

MY Jangada

MY Nicostasia

Spectacular structures

As the design team it is always essential that we take into account from the get-go the visible impact on the main lounge of a dashboard. That doesn’t mean minimisation. On the contrary, a comprehensive setup is required as lots of clients like to have three or four screens to work with. Raised pilothouse boats like Nicostasia have stunning looking dashboards, with impressive connections between the open galley and pilothouse. The bridge area on Jangada 2 is an integrated part of an overall design that includes a spectacular open staircase. Here, as elsewhere, we spent countless hours optimising the ergonomics of using the dashboard.

Next level

These achievements throughout the 2010s played a key role in Van der Valk’s journey into becoming a leader in the customisation of yachts between 25 and 45 metres. As clients drive the shift to ever-more bespoke superyachts, each project has its own requirements and bridges are less likely to be part of the salon. But that, of course, does not lessen the demands on the design team, with clients adding many additional complexities and personal preferences to their briefings.

Modern wheelhouses are often places where owners like to spend time and, on occasions, even steer their yacht. There is a greater demand for sofas where they and their guests can sit and watch the world sail by, requiring careful seating arrangements with good visibility and sightlines. Styling and upholstery are critical elements and it is good that there are so many options currently for helm seats on luxury yachts. Some owners opt to make the wheelhouse very much the captain’s sole domain. Either way we have to ensure the captain’s working area is of a suitably high quality and practicality.

Solving puzzles

I thoroughly enjoy devising these wheelhouses as there are so many issues to consider in terms of physical, cognitive and organisational ergonomics, including finding ways to optimise the surrounding spaces. On Blue Jeans, for instance, the raised pilothouse flows seamlessly into the galley and we used all the room underneath the dashboard for galley equipment.

It is a real-life jigsaw puzzle to merge a wheelhouse with the rest of a superyacht while also creating all the technical areas which are connected to the bridge equipment. This includes all the gear, cabling and wiring that you don’t want to see and

MY Jangada

yet has to remain accessible. Close cooperation with a yard you can trust is essential in making the shift from drawings to actuality.

Space age

What does the future hold? Dashboards are becoming more space age with even larger screens, while the advent of joysticks is clearly allowing for even greater creativity with aesthetics. Clients rightly expect designers and yachtbuilders to be up to date with the stream of new technologies and equipment while still ensuring that the layout works well. It’s all very well having glass bridges with everything tucked away flush, for example, but experience shows us that in urgent situations captains want to be able to feel a button. Everything must operate to perfection in an emergency and

safety always has priority over clean design. We emphasise the need to find the right blend, preferably with involvement from captains so that they feel fully confident.

Fold-away

Talking of blending, it’s fitting perhaps to conclude with one of the very latest new orders at Van der Valk. The repeatclient owners of the 35-metre Jangada 3 are not opting for a completely separate wheelhouse, preferring the same integrated approach as on their two previous Van der Valk builds. This time around, however, the dashboard will have screens which can be folded away when the helm is not in use. With no obstruction of views when the yacht is at anchor, the lounge and dining area will become just that. I am very much looking forward to seeing the results.

MY Blue Jeans

Scaling new heights

All about the eight-thousanders

When it comes to mountaineering as a sport, this enduringly popular pastime offers something for participants at all levels, covering everything from easygoing backpacking through to ridge walking, summit scrambling and multi-pitch climbing up treacherous icy rock faces.

However high the mountain summit you are aiming for, in order to ensure success, essential requirements for taking part include a good degree of physical fitness, the appropriate technical knowhow and the right mindset to successfully complete the challenge. But, you might be wondering, where in the world would you go if you were looking to truly push yourself and reach the highest-possible heights?

Step in, the eight-thousanders. Consisting of the 14 highest mountains in the world, of which the most famous is Mount Everest, all of these are 8,000m (26,247 ft) above sea level and are located in the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges of Asia. They also all have summits located in the ‘death zone ’– in which atmospheric pressure is insufficient to sustain human life for an extended time span – and are characterised by inhospitable conditions including avalanches, high winds and punishingly low temperatures.

Despite the risks involved with completing these climbs, there is a certain type of person keen to push the boundaries of human endurance to their absolute maximum. An estimated 44 people claim to have climbed all 14 of these peaks as of 2023, although some ascents remain disputed. The first person to climb all 14 eightthousanders was the Italian mountaineer, Reinhold Messner, who completed the feat in 1986 without the use of supplementary oxygen.

The first woman to successfully summit all the eightthousanders was the Basque-Spanish mountaineer, Edurne Pasaban in 2010, with the Austrian Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner becoming the first woman to summit all of the peaks without any supplementary oxygen in 2011. The Nepalese mountaineer Sanu Sherpa became the first person to climb all of the eight-thousanders twice in 2022: a task which he completed in the period between 2006 and 2022.

In more sobering statistics, many people have also lost their lives in the attempt. The Nepalese Annapurna I is both the deadliest eight-thousander, and the world’s most lethal mountain, with roughly one person dying for every three people who successfully summit. Thankfully, statistics gathered by the Himalayan Database report indicate that the death rate for climbers attempting the eight-thousanders between 1990-2009 is roughly half that of the period 1950-2009, suggesting that it is becoming safer over time.

In short, scaling any of the eight-thousanders is not something to be done lightly, or without the necessary technical, emotional and physical support. However, as the record-breaking climber Sanu Sherpa explains to the Everest Chronicle, “I find peace of mind in the mountains.” Whether it’s at 600 or 8,000 metres, in today’s ever more hectic world, this is something we would all surely like to find.

Into the light

A

new generation of onboard wine storage is turning bottles into bespoke design as wine cellaring moves to the main deck.

There’s two liquids irrevocably woven into the fabric of yachting; water and wine.

And while being on deck, or on a sun pad, can inspire ample appreciation for watery horizons, it also has a knack for bringing out the lover of other liquids in all of us. Enter the onboard wine cellar.

From champagne closets to designated wine tasting rooms, climate-controlled wine cellars to floor-to-ceiling glass walls displaying bottles as works of art, new

generations of onboard cellars are bringing the noble grape out of storage.

With space at a premium on yachts the latest modes of wine presentation combine the need for somewhere to put it, with the need for something to look at.

“Storage is always an issue, however many metres the yacht is,” says Liam Steevenson, the youngest person in the world to become a Master of Wine. Steevenson is also CEO and founder of

‘WITH SPACE AT A PREMIUM ON YACHTS THE LATEST MODES OF WINE PRESENTATION COMBINE THE NEED FOR SOMEWHERE TO PUT IT, WITH THE NEED FOR SOMETHING TO LOOK AT.’

Global Wine Solutions; a world leader in superyacht wine supply with offices in the United Kingdom, France and the United States. “The trick really is to design the wine cellar for the owner at the start, with storage space to satisfy the needs of the boat.”

With increasingly creative - and beautifulforms of storing wine onboard, combining the upkeep needs of wine with build and design solutions like backlighting brings bottles out of the bilge and into the light.

And that light can be an issue. Wine is finicky when it comes to how it’s housed, doing its best when kept away from natural rays, with controlled humidity and protection from vibration and movement. A tricky feat on a vessel made to

move. Get those storage needs right however, and you’ll protect the integrity and freshness of the wine by avoiding the chemical reactions caused by light, temperature and vibration, as well as the risk of oxidation which happens when low humidity or movement dislodges corks.

Made-for-purpose wine cellaring systems will help reduce vibration, but it’s also important to position your wine storage as far as possible from the engine room and, ideally, away from foot traffic.

Wine cellar systems also monitor the all-important temperature and humidity factors. Temperature should be kept between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius, and a careful level of humidity will keep corks from drying out, as well as avoiding the

‘BRING BOTTLES OUT OF THE BILGE AND INTO THE LIGHT.’

peeling of labels that can come with too much moisture. While wine can cope with gradual seasonal shifts in temperature, rapid changes raise the risk of premature aging and resulting distortions in colour, taste and aroma.

“Good wine fridges - and I particularly favour the ones by EuroCave - are excellent and ensure wines are stored at the right temperature, so they are always ready to serve,” adds Steevenson.

As well as the no-no of natural light, some artificial lights can also cause the lightstruck effect. Making them the illumination source of choice for wine storage, LED lights emit low-to-no UV rays and keep heat to a minimum.

Installing digitally-controlled LED lighting which can be codified to display the correct level of brightness for each type of wine, ratchets up the protection of the wine again, though it’s still best practice to turn off the lights when the display isn’t needed.

If wine is key to the experience, a thorough consultation should be carried out prior to the build to ensure space onboard for the owner’s wine is given the forethought to make it a favoured feature.

Once the build is underway, there’s the fun task of selecting what goes into it. “There are some key staples to any onboard wine cellar,” says Steevenson.

“Champagne, Provence rosé, a collection of whites that cover both crisp, fresh aperitif requirements, and more foodbased wines, which can rely quite heavily on white wines from Burgundy. Classically we see a leaning towards red wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy, northern Italy and, depending on the guests, California.”

Steevenson points out that people are often conservative with wine choices, and staying the course with wines they know and love can be the surest bet for an onboard collection. Though he strongly recommends including local offerings

while cruising popular destinations like Sardinia, Mallorca and Greece; which he says offer outstanding wine. Plus throwing in a wild card or two.

“I think it is always good to include a few challenging and unexpected wines. You don’t have to go too crazy in terms of wine style to provide people with something they have never tasted before. Austria, Portugal and Greece all produce incredible wines which frequently sit within the style parameters of wines we drink every day from better known wine regions.”

Plenty to think about, but the payoff to creating and then curating a cellar space is high. From adding a unique attraction like a tasting room to the yacht, to blending form with function as you turn a plain hallway into a backlit glass wine display, bringing wine into the (LED) light is a winning formula.

With thanks to Master of Wine, Liam Steevenson, Global Wine Solutions.

VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

The 34-metre superyacht ONE is a testament to experience, with the clients deploying all the expertise gained from three decades of ownership. As a yard we made the most of our long history with Volvo Penta to fit commercial engines. And ONE takes the proven hull of our award-winning Lady Lene as a platform for a fully custom superstructure and four decks of entertainment facilities.

The bespoke requests from the owners included having four guest suites, a full-beam master on the main deck, a sky lounge, a main deck salon, good crew quarters and a multifunctional beach club/ garage. They also required us to install twin Volvo Penta 750 hp continuous duty engines, which Van der Valk last did on Santa Maria T. The latter has not had a single problem since her launch in 2015 and we were pleased to use this area of propulsion proficiency again on ONE, which has a top speed of 14.4 knots.

Fresh design

The owners also sat down with Guido de Groot to create a fresh exterior design. “They had clear ideas about what they wanted having been unable to find anything suitable among the semi-custom and series options available on today’s market,” says Guido. “Four decks on a 34-metre yacht is no small feat and every deck has its own specific requirements. The choice to have a chase boat rather than an onboard tender freed up space in the aft for a fold-out platform and a lovely lazarette entertainment area.”

‘THE OWNERS ARE HAPPY FOR GUESTS AND CREW TO REGULARLY MINGLE. THIS WILL BE A FUN BOAT FOR EVERYONE WHO STEPS ABOARD.’

Another key design element offers functional benefits. “The bulwarks have been dropped to provide seamless views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the salon. The doors open aft and to one side in the dining area. The owners are happy for guests and crew to regularly mingle and they like being in a country-kitchen galley while entertaining large groups of people onboard. This will be a fun boat for everyone who steps aboard.”

ONE also has expansive al fresco relaxation options. A forward-facing jacuzzi on the sundeck is surrounded by seating and a bar, while the centre deck has a U-shaped

lounging area around a folding table that facilitates everything from formal dining to cocktail parties. Aftfacing sunbeds complete the picture of a space well used, with an ingenious system of doors and panels creating a partition when the weather requires.

Carte

blanche interior

The interior of ONE is equally inspiring says designer Carla Guilhem. “She has a futuristic feel with supersmooth rounded shapes and a monochrome look with trims and frames that emphasise the neutral colours. With oval-shaped windows, chunky chairs,

a large elliptical chandelier in the lounge ceiling and an even larger oval shape recessed into the ceiling of the master suite, the interior of ONE shifts away from organic shapes and towards imperfect geometric forms.

“It is all very elegant and gives the sensation that you’ve never seen anything similar. We worked closely with the yard to simplify construction of the elements and frames, with most furniture being loose. And the final results are simply superb.”

Partnership pays

This kind of close cooperation between all parties involved is vital to the success of a complex superyacht like ONE. Among the many other truly custom features is an asymmetrical lounge on the bridge deck, built semi-full-beam to stay under 300 GT volume and avoid the class implications of going above that size. The yacht comes under the commercial charter class.

EXPLORING THE BEAUTIFUL BAHAMAS

The Bahamas, with its 700 coral islands and 2400 cays, boasts white pristine beaches, crystal-clear sapphire waters, exotic wildlife, and historical footprints. There are few better places to spend the first few months of the year.

Exploring the diversity of the country's anchorages, traveling aboard a yacht emerges as the ultimate way to experience all the beauty that the Bahamas has to offer. This lively country serves as the perfect destination for those seeking an escape from everyday life, adding vibrant colours to the otherwise grey and cold winter. The high season, spanning from mid-December to mid-April, blankets the Bahamas in a spectrum of hues, accompanied by abundant sunshine and water temperatures ranging from 23°C to 26°C.

Cruising between the picturesque islands grants you the utmost flexibility for discovering the Bahamas. It empowers you to chart your own course, determine your daily activities, and explore this sanctuary at your preferred pace. This freedom allows you to switch from the lively atmosphere of Nassau to tranquil bays along the Exuma chain as you see fit.

The Bahamas offers far more than what initially catches your eye — it's a country steeped in historical significance, once frequented by pirates and drug barons. Among the array of notable landmarks, perhaps the most renowned is concealed beneath the waters of Norman's Cay, which served as the playground and headquarters for the Medellin cartel and its key figures, Pablo Escobar and Carlos Lehder.

The plane resting at the bottom of these shallow waters not only serves as an intriguing dive site but also stands as a reminder of the island’s tumultuous history. It provides an opportunity for visitors to come as close as possible to Pablo Escobar’s legacy, offering a unique connection to the past.

For those seeking an escape from the tourist crowds and a chance to find themselves in the most authentic Bahamian experience, Acklins and Crooked Islands stands out as the ideal choice. These very remote islands, rarely associated with heavy tourism, offer a glimpse into a world where time appears to have stood still, a place where natural beauty has been preserved for centuries.

Separated by the expansive 500-square-mile lagoon known as the Bight of Acklins, these islands host a vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful marine life and flourishing coral farms. This makes both Acklins and Crooked Islands an idyllic destination for activities like fishing, diving and leisurely days spent under the sun aboard a yacht.

Forget everything you’ve seen in pictures and any preconceived expectations you may have about the Bahamas, and let reality take over. Once you arrive and commence your day with a tranquil breakfast on the aft deck, basking in the slowly rising sun’s gentle light that bathes the colourful huts on the pristine white beaches, or conclude your day with an intimate dinner up on the flybridge, surrounded by a sky ablaze with colours before transforming into a star-studded night, you’ll come to realise that the true essence of this place can only be fully appreciated in person.

Despite its proximity, just 50 miles off the southeastern coast of the United States and Miami, the Bahamas feels like stepping into an entirely new world. With every mile you venture south, you’ll be greeted with a fresh spectrum of blue hues, white sandbanks seamlessly merging with the inviting waters, and beaches that stand unmatched by any other on our planet.

THE

ICONIC WATERWAYS OF

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam’s 165 canals hint at the rich maritime heritage of the Dutch capital and a lot of the magnificent architecture we see either side is a direct result of the country’s Golden Age of globetrotting trade. Like much of the Netherlands, the story of Amsterdam revolves around water.

Translated from medieval Dutch, the name Amsterdam means ‘Dam in a Watery Area’, referring to the barrier built in the 1200s to protect the new settlement from the wrath of the seas. The last section of the river leading to that dam was filled in just over a century ago and today a new metro line flows beneath the street called Damrak.

Trade up

The canals were initially dug for water management and defence, with the latter purpose becoming less important in the Middle Ages as a growing Amsterdam built some impressive

protective walls. The waterways then became a vital link for the transport of local merchandise and the increasing number of goods coming in from overseas. By the mid-1600s around half of the world’s trade was conducted on Dutch vessels, with the famous East India company (VOC) – which, like many great ideas, began in an Amsterdam café – giving the small country an astonishing amount of power.

And money. Amsterdam’s Golden Age led to a huge expansion of the canals that took around half a century to complete. It was at this time that

the Herengracht (patricians’ canal), Keizersgracht (emperor’s canal) and Prinsengracht (princes canal) were built, all of which will be well known to visitors today. Extraordinary houses (many of which survive) rose alongside these waterways as the city quadrupled in size and the wealthy merchants made their residences on the world’s most intricate and efficient system of navigable waterways.

Into the maze

Thousands of small barges transported goods from the giant ships arriving in Amsterdam’s harbour to over a

thousand warehouses on the canalsides and nine specialised floating markets. Historians have calculated that these man-powered barges were moving more wares on this maze of canals in the 17th century than would be possible in the 21st century if we used lorries along the adjacent streets.

It’s not a hypothesis that can be tested in practice for several reasons. Firstly, the city has been a pioneer in its efforts to minimise the number of motor vehicles polluting its environment. Secondly, that became necessary partly because many canals were filled in during the last century to make

Back in time

streets and parking places. Sadly, perhaps, almost half the original water in Amsterdam was lost to such landfill activities. Nonetheless, the city is still home to over 100 kilometres of navigable waterways which account for some 25 percent of its surface.

Much of it is also open to pleasure boating so next time you’re in Amsterdam take a canal boat tour or hire a pedal-boat. There is no better way to soak in many centuries of history and experience for yourself why these amazing waterways were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2010.

When you’ve finished your tour of the canals, make time to visit Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum (below). It houses a phenomenal collection of paintings, ship models, navigation instruments and sea charts, as well as a stunning replica of the East Indiaman Amsterdam from 1748.

Yachting heritage

As well as giving us the word yacht (jacht), the Dutch were among the first people to take up recreational sailing. The prosperous elite of the Netherlands spent lots of money on the construction of boats not intended for transport and some of these speeljachten were berthed in the world’s first dedicated yacht harbour, opened in Amsterdam in 1604.

Preserving our beautiful surroundings

The world offers us boundless opportunities, and yachts serve as our means to access some of the most secluded and breathtaking locations on our planet. Places that have been around for centuries and, with careful consideration, will continue to thrive in the future for generations to come.

Although the yachting industry constitutes a mere fraction, less than 0.1%, of global concerns, Van der Valk Shipyard is dedicated not only to complying with governmental regulations but also to meeting the changing preferences of its clients. Our aim is to play a significant role in preserving the splendour of the destinations that yachting allows us to explore.

In line with this commitment to sustainability, the shipyard works daily to create a more environmentally friendly product. This dedication

is evident in the various changes introduced to the production process.

One of the most significant alterations is the shift from laser and plasma cutting to milling, which has led to a substantial reduction in power consumption. Additionally, we have committed to using exclusively reusable aluminium. This approach not only allows for the reuse of waste generated during the milling process but also enables the recycling of hulls once they have reached the end of their lifespan.

To address clients’ recurring desire to minimise fuel consumption, the shipyard has implemented several measures such as outfitting the hulls with Hull Vane hydrofoils and equipping all yachts measuring 24 metres or more with exhaust catalyst SCR units.

Propelling a heavy vessel has always been linked to substantial fuel consumption, a concern rooted in economic considerations for clients.

Any attempts to save on fuel must be implemented without compromising the at-sea experience in terms of performance and speed. Achieving this delicate balance relies to some extent on constructing the vessel to be as lightweight, hydrodynamic and aerodynamic as possible, although there are limits to what can be achieved in this regard.

But there is a change in what clients want, and why. Van der Valk Shipyard has observed that this desire has evolved beyond mere cost considerations. Nowadays, clients also

show a strong interest in minimising fuel consumption due to environmental concerns. This shift in perspective is noteworthy as it signifies a distinct transformation in the expectations and preferences of future clients. An increasing number of people are now willing to sacrifice speed, even if it affects their experience, to align with the perspective on responsible yachting.

As we strive to reduce the environmental footprint of our yachts, our focus is on the future of electric sailing and perhaps even hydrogen propulsion. However, these initiatives are in their early stages. At Van der Valk we believe that, just as the automotive industry tackles sustainability challenges, the yachting industry will follow suit.

As the world gradually shifts towards electric and regenerative propulsion systems, the yachting industry is closely observing and drawing lessons from sectors currently in the trial stages of these technologies. In some ways, the automotive industry is taking the lead in navigating the challenges associated with this transition, providing valuable insights for adaptation.

Looking ahead, there is a promising opportunity to embrace electric and hydrogen propulsion systems in the near future. While it's true that no single entity can address every aspect of this transition, everyone has a role to play. Through its initiatives and willingness to embrace change, Van der Valk Shipyard is dedicated to making a significant contribution to preserving the natural beauty concealed in every corner of our magnificent planet. This commitment ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to cherish and enjoy these treasures.

Fabulous Felis showcases the finest in bespoke yearround living on the water, designed and built to reflect the preferences of a family of seasoned sailors. This charming explorer was custom designed inside and out around the specific length of 23.56 metres required for the owners’ berth in the Balearics.

FELIS

A UNIQUE FAMILY EXPLORER

As you look at the wheelhouse above, it’s not hard to imagine the pleasures of helming Felis in the Mediterranean. The owners are often found at the wheel so, like everywhere else on the yacht, this area really benefits from their rich experience. An extra settee allows people to come together on the bridge while underway and lots of smart thinking went into optimising the dual function of this sophisticated wheelhouse.

Expert input

The owners also gathered a team of leaders to join their build adventure. Big fans of Guido de Groot’s work, they partnered closely on developing the exterior and interior design. First-class naval architecture was provided by Diana Yacht Design and Jaron Ginton:

a round-bilged steel hull with bulbous bow and the low centre of gravity of an aluminium superstructure make for a super-comfortable ride and efficient performance.

Stylish spaces

As you can see in the lounge above right, Felis has good interior volume for her relatively compact size. Light and airy, contemporary and cosy, a wealth of small details, exquisite joinery work and integrated lighting and handrails nestle within a layout which uses all available space. The exterior has a distinctly masculine and rugged look while taking inspiration from elements of previous Van der Valks such as the hardtop on Seawolf, now with straight windows, and the stern area of Blondie

Food for thought

The galley (below left) is the social hub on Felis with the rest of the interior designed around it. The owners love cooking for and with the family, which is why this ‘country kitchen’ is seamlessly merged with the openplan lounge and dining areas in an inviting whole. Close connections are further facilitated by the skylight, which opens up to the flybridge in order that the chefs can chat with those relaxing on the deck above.

Light materials make for a fresh atmosphere, with darker accents such as walnut adding a rustic feel. Bookshelves and niches are designed to make the boat feel ‘home like’, as do the wooden strips blended

into the flat panels of the walls. The challenges set by Guido and his team for the Van der Valk craftsmen were comprehensive and, as you can see, well met.

Shared pleasures

Felis was created with ambitious plans in mind for family expeditions. All key members were personally involved in the everyday decisions that make such a difference to inner wellbeing when on a yacht. Everything was written down in detail and taken into account during the design and development stage; working together with such dedicated clients made the process great fun for all who participated in this highly personal project.

The lovely lower deck accommodations are further testament to these joint efforts. A generous fullbeam master suite has a bedroom to starboard and bathroom to port; sliding doors open up to form one large area. Felis also has a three-berth cabin, with a bunk bed and pullman laid out to ensure all occupants their own cupboard. Storage is optimised in the twin suite too, while a fourth cabin located forward makes superb use of the limited bow volume and extra height of the foredeck. Another skylight helped solve this layout puzzle in a further sign of the exceptional customisation levels deployed.

Voyages to remember

The same applies to the engineering onboard Felis where great attention was paid to noise and vibration attenuation and self-sufficiency. The yacht’s low fuel consumption combines with a range that facilitates lengthy spells away from busy ports. Heavy-duty 1800 rpm MAN industrial engines with RCD 2 approval add to the autonomy while the engine room is easily accessible. Admiring her lovely lines and perfect proportions one more time as Felis sails off into the sun, we wish all onboard bon voyage.

COLOPHON

Cover Project

Published by

Van der Valk Shipyard

Industrieweg 45

5145 PD WAALWIJK

The Netherlands

www.vandervalkshipyard.com

info@vandervalkshipyard.com

+31 416 651 562

Concept and production

AK marketeers

Design & Layout

AK marketeers

Spore Creation

Editorial team

Marina Bijker

Yoeri Bijker

Merlijn van Brink

Andreas Gran

Anco Kok

Isla McKechnie

Georgia Tindale

Andrew Rogers

Special thanks to

Wim van der Valk

YachtShot

Tom van Oossanen

Stuart Pearce

Marco Tognon

Ledgendary Productions

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

MarQuip: Wiebe Voorneveld

Captain Guilherme Passow

Global Wine Solutions: Master of Wine, Liam Stevenson

Laura Dekker Foundation

Atelier Munro: Filipe Ricardo Wemerman, Jasper Willems, Laura de Thouars

Guido de Groot Design

Carla Guilhem Design

The Water Revolution Foundation

YachtAid Global

The PASIFIKA collective

Yachts for Science

© VAN DER VALK - Shipyard.

All rights reserved. VAN DER VALKShipyard and VAN DER VALK - Yachts are registered trademarks of Van der Valk Shipyard B.V. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the express written permission of the copyright owners (Van der Valk Shipyard B.V.).

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