Trawler yachts bring to mind far-flung voyages, and enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Santa Maria T, delivered by Van der Valk Continental Yachts, fits that description. She’s the biggest delivery in the Dutch yard’s Continental Four (previously Continental Trawler) series. Interesting enough, the idea of enjoying the journey applies also to the shipyard. With Santa Maria T, it intends to prove to global buyers that it’s competitive in the megayacht market.
Van der Valk Continental Yachts is capable of building up to 138 feet (42 meters). Santa Maria T, at 120’7” (36.8 meters), is its biggest yacht so far. Perhaps more important than size, she’s the first yacht anywhere to feature a new roll-damping system by AntiRoll. It’s a two-axis, retractable fin system that works underway and at anchor. The fins rotate when Santa Maria T is cruising and move vertically when she’s at zero speed. The fins are further curved, a departure from other systems. AntiRoll says this reduces drag and therefore benefits fuel consumption.
Having a client who embraces new technology like this was a bonus for Van der Valk Continental Yachts. So, too, was the fact that the client wanted a custom project. In conjunction with Guido de Groot Design, the owner personalized both the profile and the interior of this round-bilge, steel megayacht. Even things like the aft-deck overhead (above) received special treatment. Mahogany surrounds what appears to be just a decorative panel. Pindot lighting actually filters through it, however.
The atmosphere inside Santa Maria T is quite formal, following an art nouveau style. Rich mahogany, madrona burl inlays, and herringbone-pattern soles catch your eye. So, too, do walls and ceilings adorned with embossed Alcantara fabric, and specially selected artwork.
Surprisingly, given current trends, the owner of Santa Maria T requested his suite (above) be below decks. The area certainly doesn’t suffer in terms of comfort (below-decks accommodations are more comfortable in swells). It also doesn’t suffer from lack of space. In fact, about half of all the below-decks accommodations are devoted to Santa Maria T’s owner. The amidships suite includes both an office and lounging area. It, plus the three guest staterooms, show off marquetry akin to that above decks. Each stateroom gets a special en suite head, using two different tones of marble. None of the colors are found in the other heads.
For outdoor enjoyment, the owner and guests can relax on the aft deck or up on the flying bridge. The latter spans nearly 66 feet (20 meters) in length. The chef can cook up lunch or dinner on the barbeque here, while the guests sun or lounge. Santa Maria T’s tender, a custom 21-foot (6.4-meter) carbon fiber boat by Beachlander, can be deployed by the crew if guests want to pursue a little shoreside fun.
Here’s more of Santa Maria T:
Nauticon Yacht Services
Santa Maria T is presently for sale at Nauticon Yacht Services, more information can be found at http://www.santamariat.com.