A Closer Look into Royal Dutch-Built Yachts
Yachts are more than just boats for the rich and powerful—they represent prestige, privacy, and, in some instances, also diplomacy. Many yachts owned by or hosting royal and influential figures prove this, each with its own stories of famous guests and their relevant legacies. These yachts have a special charm, sparking curiosity with their fascinating histories, luxurious interiors, and distinctive features.
In this article, we take a look at a couple of Dutch-built yachts with fascinating histories:
JUMBO
Moonen Yachts 25 meter motor yacht JUMBO, built in 1990 after an exterior design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, was formerly owned by Dutch Royal Family member Prince Bernhard. Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld was the husband of the late Queen Juliana, and was Prince consort of the Netherlands from September 1948 to April 1980. During 1998 and 2005, the Moonen Yachts Long Range Cruiser 85 JUMBO was part of the Dutch royal fleet. In August 2000, there had been a fire on the yacht, and Moonen Shipyards was selected by the Prince to carry out the works. The fire had destroyed the dining, store, wheelhouse and the galley, so Moonen rebuilt the damaged areas and at the same time the opportunity was taken to repaint the yacht completely and replace the upholstery throughout the yacht.
JUMBO is best described as a displacement motor yacht, suitable for long range cruising. She has always been excellently maintained, and her equipment on board facilitates a cruising range of 1900 Nautical miles. Furthermore, her classic teak interior can accommodate up to 8 guests across 4 capacious staterooms, with additional room for crew member accommodation.
STALCA
Visch Holland 24 meter motor yacht STALCA, built in 1971, was commissioned by Princess Grace and her husband Prince Rainier II of Monaco in the early 1970s, after previously owning 44 meter GRACE (formerly known as DEO JUVANTE II). Princess Grace of Monaco was an American actress until she married Prince Rainier II in 1956. While other Royal families were cruising luxurious superyachts, full with crew and guests, turning heads everywhere they went, STALCA was a conscious decision, to keep a low profile and hide in plain sight. A 25m yacht was not considered small by that time’s standards, but it was too small for guests and did not require many crew members. Most importantly, it did not attract any unwanted attention. Maybe the reason why there are so few photographs of Stalca today is because the Grimaldis’ discretion worked.
Even STALCA’s name displays the family focus, given that it’s an acronym for the names of Princess Grace’s children: St(ephanie), Al(bert), Ca(roline).
STALCA is powered by twin 315Hp Caterpillar diesel engines, which allow a cruising speed of 9 knots and a top speed of 12 knots. Moreover, she features a cruising range of 1400 Nautical miles and is equipped to combine relaxed cruising and serious sailing under abundant weather conditions. Lastly, her luxurious and voluminous interior, after a design by Andrew Winch Design and with plentiful luxurious amenities, reafirms the former royal status of STALCA.
PIET HEIN
Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr. Yachts 31 meter motor yacht PIET HEIN, constructed in 1937 after an exterior design and naval architecture by De Voogt Naval Architects, was the national wedding gift to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard from the Netherlands. Princess Juliana was Queen of the Netherlands, ruling from 1948 until her abdication in 1980 when her daughter Beatrix became her successor. Since 1980, PIET HEIN has been a sailing national maritime heritage that can be rented by groups of up to 30 people for sailing the national waters. Due to the exceptional commitment of volunteers of the Piet Hein Foundation, the royal yacht has preserved her original condition as much as possible.
PIET HEIN offers comfortable facilities, a voluminous layout, and an experienced crew. She is powered by twin 210Hp DAF diesel engines, which allow a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 12 knots, and she is equipped to combine simple handling and easy maneuvering under abundant weather conditions. Furthermore, PIET HEIN was designed to accommodate up to 6 guests across 3 capacious staterooms, with 3 additional cabins for crew member accommodation. PIET HEIN is a yacht of royal class with a wealthy history, whose royal charm has been excellently maintained.
FOREVER
Amsterdamsche Scheepwerf G. de Vries Lentsch Jr. Yachts 24 meter motor yacht FOREVER was built in 1892 for King Leopold II of Belgium. King Leopold II ruled Belgium between 1865 and 1909, and is most infamous for his brutal exploitation of the Congo Free State, which he privately controlled, leading to the deaths of millions due to forced labor and violence. While he oversaw modernization projects in Belgium, his colonial rule in Africa remains one of history’s darkest episodes of imperialism.
FOREVER served as the model for Queen Juliana’s Royal PIET HEIN, both designed by De Vries Lentsch. She has a worthwhile reputation, as Brigitte Bardot was captivated by her, while Salvador Dalí found that her elegant onboard atmosphere sparked the inspiration he needed to paint. This is in part owing to her romantic character from the 19th century, which was excellently preserved.
Performance-wise, FOREVER is powered by a single 380Hp M.A.N. diesel engine, which allows a cruising speed of 11 knots, a top speed of 13 knots, and a cruising range of 5600 Nautical miles. Her stylish and cozy interior can accommodate up to 6 guests across 3 capacious staterooms, making her a suitable family world cruiser. One additional cabin can be used for both crew member accommodation or to welcome family and friends on board for unforgettable adventures. FOREVER combines 19th-century romanticism with modern-day comfort, offering unforgettable experiences on board no matter her destination. The yacht is currently offered for sale with Yachtzoo, offering a once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the owner of royal heritage and the world while enjoying a unique luxury yacht experience.
George Bush visits GRIFFIOEN
George Bush, former president of the United States, visited Bloemsma & van Breemen Shipyard 27 meter motor yacht GRIFFIOEN. George Bush served as the 41st president of the United States between 1989 and 1993. As the story goes, Mr. Bush had spotted GRIFFIOEN from a distance in a marina and was impressed by her timeless design. A little while later, a man (later turning out to be part of the Secret Service) approached the crew of the yacht and arranged for the president to receive a guided tour onboard GRIFFIOEN to have a closer look at this Dutch-built yacht.
GRIFFIOEN was built in 2006 after an exterior design and naval architecture by De Vries Lentsch. She is powered by a single 535Hp Kevin diesel engine, which allows a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising range of 4700 Nautical miles. Her interior, after a design by Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design, can accommodate up to 6 guests across 3 capacious staterooms, making her a suitable family world cruiser with two additional cabins that can be used as preferred.
Dutch-built royal yachts embody a blend of history, luxury, and prestige, serving as symbols of heritage and influence. From Dutch-built yachts once owned by royalty to those graced by world leaders, each yacht carries a rich legacy, offering a glimpse into the lifestyles of the elite. Whether as historic maritime treasures, family cruisers, or modern luxury experiences, these yachts continue to captivate and inspire, preserving their royal allure for generations to come.
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