Two new orders for fully custom Van der Valk
Van der Valk in the Netherlands is making major inroads into the superyacht world with its custom approach, and the boutique yard has set another benchmark by announcing not one but two new orders for 34-metre and 35-metre projects. While both are based on the proven hull design of the multi-award-winning Lady Lene, everything from the waterline up on these all-aluminium tri-deck yachts is being custom-designed to meet the specific wishes of the clients.
From styling to layout, from facilities to engines, the 34-metre Project 111.11 and 35-metre Project Samba will be siblings only in the sense of sharing the same naval architecture and the same exquisite degree of finish. Each has a very different exterior design by Guido de Groot who will also be responsible for creating the interior of Project Samba together with her owners. Carla Guilhem has been given the interior design brief for Project 111.11. The clients for Project Samba were introduced to Van der Valk by Will Noftsinger from Denison Yachting.
Unique choices
Both yachts will be built for highly experienced owners who knew exactly what they were looking for – and that Van der Valk is one of the very few yards offering such a comprehensive choice in this size range. Even the hulls are being adjusted to client wishes. Project 111.11 will be a full displacement vessel with twin Volvo Penta 750 hp commercial continuous duty engines and a top speed of 14.4 knots. In contrast, Project Samba’s fast displacement hull and twin MAN 1450 hp diesels will ensure top speeds around the 17-knot mark.
“The proven hull design and naval architecture platform allows us to offer the choice between a full or fast displacement vessel,” says Van der Valk’s head of sales, Yoeri Bijker. “Using the engineering packages and part of the cutting files generates significant cost synergies yet allows for an entirely different look and feel. It’s a highly efficient way of building that provides clients with exceptional freedom to customise their yacht above the waterline. Everything you see on the renderings for Project 111.11 and Project Samba has been chosen by the owners as they implement their own style and make a statement of personal taste.”
Going the extra mile
As an example, key differences in the exterior profile of Project 111.11 are the arch rising diagonally from the main deck to the hard top in a single straight line and the expansive windows. Project Samba has an extensive focus on outdoor leisure spaces, including a larger swimming platform.
There are many more differences between these remarkable motoryachts, as will become apparent once the builds get underway. As a taster, here are four examples of highly specific requests being met for each owner that showcase the lengths to which Van der Valk is prepared to meets its full custom promise.
Project 111.11
1) The sky lounge will have an asymmetrical semi-full-beam layout in order to stay under 300 GT volume. This allows the vessel to be built under full commercial charter class without requiring a rescue tender/davit and also gives a sidewalk from bridge to aft deck to avoid crew having to go through the lounge.
2) As Project 111.11 is more of an explorer vessel in terms of design, significant attention is being paid to storage and waste facilities. All spaces under the sunbeds and sofas will be utilised.
3) The full beam master suite will have a large walk-in wardrobe aft that includes a chute which leads directly to the laundry station on the lower deck.
4) Further enhancing self-sufficiency, the lower deck has a very large washer/drier capacity and a walk through from the laundry into the guest corridor, requiring a watertight bulkhead door for damage stability reasons.
Project Samba
1) A large aft deck that includes a relaxation lounge zone featuring a large aft-facing sofa and a formal dining table for alfresco lunches and dinners.
2) The lower deck will feature an impressive beach club with a chill-out area, sauna, day head and lots of washer/drier capacity for towels. Extra space will become available in the garage once the William Sportjet 395 tender is launched
3) The galley will be regularly used by the owners and have lots of working space and a cooking island. Air extractors will be imbedded in the ceiling in front of both doors to the galley to ensure no culinary aromas reach elsewhere on the vessel.
4) A central staircase with a single large column moving through the yacht from lower to bridge deck will serve as a piece of art in its own right as well as optimising freedom of movement.
Enjoying the process
As the above makes clear, the amount of personal attention to detail on Project 111.11 and Project Samba is very high for yachts of these size. “Both owners have been very involved in the development of the design and specs,” concludes Bijker. “Our yard is attracting clients who love to immerse themselves in creating something special and are not prepared to settle for an off-the-shelf product. It’s a lifestyle choice and they enjoy the process of developing their perfect yacht as much as they do the ultimate end result.”
