Van der Valk begins construction on largest custom build to date

Dutch shipyard Van der Valk has started construction on its largest custom build to date: the 47.8-metre Project Zen.

Project Zen was commissioned by her experienced owner as an "intimate" family yacht, beginning as a 36-metre design before inevitably evolving. "It quickly became clear that we couldn’t quite fit everything in," explained Bram Kooltjes, the yard's technical director. "We extended to 38 metres, then 40, and from there the design gradually grew – first to 42 metres, and finally to her ultimate length."

The all-aluminium RPH model is characterised by a low-profile exterior and full-metallic finish by Dutch designer Guido de Groot, with the design borrowing cues from sports cars, one of the owner’s personal passions.

A Fast Displacement Hull Form by Dutch studio Van Oossanen Naval Architects provides fast, efficient cruising rather than "outright speed", with a 17.5-knot maximum and cruising speed of 16 knots. This is complemented by a Hull Vane, an aft-mounted underwater foil that significantly reduces drag and fuel consumption while extending the range to 4,400 nautical miles.

"Project Zen is built on an entirely new platform, developed with efficiency as a top priority," added De Groot. "The owner wanted a hull shape that would support smaller engines and maximise range. As top speed wasn’t a concern, we focused on a long, sleek form that also supports the yacht’s elegant styling."

The owner and his design team have been "deeply involved" in every stage of the project. "He loves to swim and and enjoys viewing his yacht from the water while swimming around it," explained De Groot. "With that in mind, the owner specifically asked us to show renderings of how the yacht would appear from that perspective, which was a first for us."

As such, the main deck aft has been designed to cascade down to a large sea terrace, which opens on three sides thanks to fold-down bulwarks. Retractable self-levelling swim stairs ensure easy access to and from the water while, just forward, electric sliding doors lead to a spacious sports garage and toy store.

The emphasis on "family living" is seen in the remainder of the main deck, with the main saloon connected to a country kitchen with dining area and show galley that can be used for show cooking – or for the owner and guests themselves to gather and prepare informal meals and snacks. The full-beam owner's suite is on the main deck, too, in close proximity to a full-beam wellness area with a glass-fronted gym and yoga room.

Other highlights include the bow lounge, fitted with a spa pool and dedicated tender garage, and the split-level sundeck. The latter has its aft portion dedicated to sunbathing and socialising, while beneath the hardtop forward lies an open-air lounge with a wet bar, grill, seating and al fresco dining.

"Project Zen will be the largest yacht we’ve built to date and more importantly, will exemplify everything a Van der Valk stands for," said Kooltjes. "Crafted to the highest Dutch standards, she will showcase our ability to deliver a true custom design, developed from the ground up in close collaboration with the owners. Throughout the process, we’ve adapted every detail to reflect their vision, resulting in a truly bespoke dream yacht."

According to BOATPro, Van der Valk has four superyacht projects on order or under construction. The Dutch yard celebrated the delivery of another custom yacht, the 35.3-metre Lalabe, earlier this year.