Dutch shipyard Van der Valk has announced the launch of the 39.9-metre superyacht Project EVO, now officially christened Shine. The yacht hit the water at the yard's facilities in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, becoming the largest yacht built by Van der Valk in both length and volume to date.
The ceremony was attended by the owners, craftsmen, representatives from the design and engineering teams, the owner’s representative, Thom Conboy (who introduced the owners to Van der Valk) and other members of the project team. Following her launch, Shine will now undergo sea trials and final commissioning ahead of delivery in time for the summer season.
Commissioned by clients who have previously owned "a number of high-performance yachts", the all-aluminium yacht is based on a proven platform and features a round bilged, fast displacement hull with naval architecture owed to Ginton Naval Architects and Diana Yacht Design.
The owners were inspired by an "exceptionally attractive design" from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, with Cristiano Gatto Design brought in to develop the general arrangement and interior design, and later contributing to the yacht's sporty and dynamic exteriors.
“The project began with a preliminary concept of around 36 metres based on a profile drawn by SFG Design, while the clients were searching for an interior designer to develop the layout and style,” explained Cristiano Gatto, founder of Cristiano Gatto Design. “We met during the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2023 and started discussing furniture, including a collection I was designing at the time. That shared interest created a strong connection, and from there we were able to shape the concept into the 40-metre yacht she is today.”
According to the shipyard, a key consideration in the build was the request for the yacht to be an "owner-friendly size", allowing for complete autonomy at sea. “The goal was not simply to build a boat,” Gatto added. “The owner wanted a micro-megayacht built to the same standards as a 60- or 70-metre project. The result exceeded my expectations.”
Inside, interiors were created to feel sophisticated while ensuring a visual dialogue with the exterior. As a result, the design features around 78 different materials, according to the studio, including ebony wood and fine leather finishes, with custom furniture also integrated throughout.
Accommodation is for up to 10 guests, including a main deck master cabin, two twin guest cabins and two VIP cabins on the lower deck. Three en suite double crew cabins will be located in the forepeak next to the mess, while the captain’s cabin will be situated on the bridge deck.
"The aft section was particularly complex,” added Casper Marelis, designer and naval architect at Diana Yacht Design, who supported the project with structural engineering, while ensuring that the exterior styling, interior layout and fast-displacement hull remained cohesive.
Marelis continued: “The transformer multifunctional swim platform, outboard rudders, aft transom door and two drop-down balconies all needed to be incorporated seamlessly into the profile. At the same time, large main deck windows and an open interior layout reduced the number of structural support points, which required careful engineering.”
“When we joined the project in 2023, two major challenges were immediately clear,” shared Jaron Ginton, principal of Ginton Naval Architects. “There was a maximum beam restriction of 8.5 metres due to canal lock limitations, while the yacht also needed to meet the requirements for unrestricted navigation.” To combat this, the studio undertook extensive computational fluid dynamics studies to refine the hull form alongside new innovations such as outboard placed rudders, which allow for a shallower shaft angle.
With twin MTU 16V2000 engines, Shine is expected to achieve a top speed in the low 20-knot range and a cruising speed of 19 knots.
“From the earliest discussions with the owners and design team, it was clear this project would push boundaries in both design, engineering, and craftsmanship,” concluded Yoeri Bijker, commercial director at Van der Valk. “Shine stands out as a refined and highly capable 40-metre yacht, combining sleek exterior lines with a carefully considered interior and versatile layout. As the largest yacht launched by Van der Valk to date, she reflects the skill and dedication of every department within our shipyard.”
According to BOATPro, Van der Valk has four yachts currently in build or on order. This includes the 47.8-metre Project Zen, which will be the shipyard's flagship once delivered.
Read More/Van der Valk begins construction on largest custom build to date