Dutch superyacht builder Van der Valk has started on its largest yacht in terms of length and volume. A week after the yard’s founder retired, Van der Valk announced Project EVO—a full custom, 40m (131ft.) all-aluminum yacht. Senior managers obtained a minority share, and a US client became the yard’s majority shareholder.
The yard has only named the latter to say he previously bought three Van der Valk yachts. The company has, to date, built pocket superyachts of 25 – 45m (82 ft-148 ft) but plans to build to 50m (163ft) or even 60m (197ft).
Van der Valk identified the designers as SFG Yacht Design, Fancy by Dada, Cristiano Gatto Design, and Diana Yacht Design. Ginton Naval Architects created the naval architecture, which gave the all-aluminum bluewater cruiser a round bilge, fast displacement hull, and a top speed of 24 knots.
The owners came to Van der Valk, keen to buy Dutch quality. The team of experts developing the yacht has also included the naval architects from Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects. Built to ABS class, Project EVO will also fully comply with the latest IMO Tier III emissions regulations.
Project EVO will have an impressive volume for her length, which was extended several meters during a design and consultation process that closely involved the clients at every step. A beautiful design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada inspired the owners. Cristiano Gatto Design initially became involved in the project, working on the layout and interior style, as Gatto explains.
While details of the entirely bespoke interior style are being kept under wraps for now, Designer Cristiano Gatto says the owners are delighted with the final result. “The process from first renders to the interior concept took around 10 months, an exceptional timeframe for a 40m project,” he said.
Project EVO will include first-class accommodations for 10, including a master stateroom on the main deck, twin guest suites and two VIP accommodations on the lower deck. Three ensuite double crew cabins will be in the forepeak next to the mess, while the captain’s cabin will be on the bridge deck.
“It is clear that Van der Valk is one of the few yards with the capacity and flexibility to build fully custom superyachts in this size range,” says Sales and Marketing Manager Yoeri Bijker.
“Project EVO is a fine example of how clients can come to Van der Valk with their own exterior designers without reinventing the wheel with a new hull, safe in the knowledge that their yacht will excel in performance, speed and stability.”
https://vandervalkshipyard.com/
Photos: Van der Valk Shipyard
