A WELL-DESIGNED TEAM Meet the team takes on a different meaning when it comes to the build of a yacht. Not only does our in-yard workforce spread across an extensive number of disciplines, there are many other key personnel which contribute to the DNA of each Van Der Valk yacht. Central to the pedigree of each yacht is its designer. The designers we work with have become an integral part of the Van Der Valk team; here, we flipped the script and asked some of our design partners what they enjoyed about working with us. By Isla McKechnie
Which Van der Valk projects are highlights for you? GdG: I have great memories of our first project which started the ball rolling. I was brought in by the owner’s representative, and wasn’t too familiar with the shipyard, but it was so successful that we moved on to do more projects together. From there, we immediately went to one of Van der Valk’s largest yachts, it was a big step because of size, and the elaborate interior design.
What innovation are you proud of?
DESIGNER:
GUIDO DE GROOT DESIGN. As the designer with the most-extensive body of work with Van der Valk, what do you think makes your combination special? GdG I think we both benefit from each other. I turn Van der Valk’s clients’ special requests into reality, they bring me into contact with clients, so it’s good for us all round. Our very short design and build phase is special - almost within two years for some big boats - so if clients are interested they can design and have their boat built within a short period of time.
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GdG: We worked to create a specialised, wheelchairaccessible yacht, with elevators and no seals in the flooring throughout, so it’s great seeing the shipyard grow in that way. It’s also been great seeing Van der Valk’s facilities grow bigger in order to make those bigger yachts.
What has changed and what has stayed the same during your work with Van der Valk? GdG: At Van der Valk they do everything in-house; they don’t sub-contract, which makes it very easy to oversee everything. This keeps things fast, streamlined and efficient. The numbers of carpenters, engineers, welders, and technical people have grown during the years I’ve been involved, but there’s the same great relationship between client, shipyard and designers, and the clients enjoy watching the process.
