WAALWIJK – Van der Valk Shipyard reported last May it would build two superyachts – one of 34m (112ft), the other of 35m (115ft).
Both are based on the proven hull design of the yard’s 2021-built Lady Lene, which won a Judges Commendation at the 2022 World Superyacht Awards and a ‘Best Interior Design’ award at the 2023 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards.
The 34m yacht (Project 111.11 that Van der Valk now works on ) is starting to look like something. A launch date has been set for Q3-2024.
According to Yoeri Bijker, head of sales at Van der Valk, using an existing engineering platform has many advantages. He adds, “The owners have taken full advantage of this highly efficient build method which offers exceptional freedom to customize a yacht above the waterline.”
The clients wanted five passenger cabins, a main deck master cabin and saloon, a sky lounge, spacious crew quarters, a beach club and a sports garage. Project 111.11 is built for charter, and the clients insisted on twin Volvo Penta 750HP engines. Bijker says he built a 37m yacht with such an engine in 2015 that has had no downtime since its launch.
Designer Guido de Groot says the owners looked in vain on the semi-custom and series market. “Four decks on a 34m is hard to find when each deck has its own specific requirements. Instead of a tender, the choice of a follow boat freed up space for a fold-out platform and a beautiful lazaretto and entertainment area with room to store jet skis and a gym.”
The open bulwarks at the main salon level provide seamless views. The doors themselves open aft and to the port-side dining area. Says De Groot, “The owners want guests and crew to have regular fun together and enjoy being in the galley while entertaining large groups of people on board.”
The sun deck is a good example with a Jacuzzi amid a large seating area and bar. The middle deck has a U-shaped lounge around a folding table. Rear-facing loungers complete the picture of a well-used space where doors and panels can form a partition.
Interior designer Carla Guilhem was given a carte blanche. “We chose a futuristic look with super-smooth rounded shapes, oval windows, thick chairs, a large elliptical lounge ceiling chandelier,” she says. “We work closely with the yard to simplify the construction of the elements and frames, with most of the furniture sitting loose.”
