While she peeked out of her build shed in May, Van der Valk’s Blue Jeans formally celebrated her launch with her happy owners this past week. With an apropos blue paint job, the raised-pilothouse megayacht is just weeks from hand over.
Measuring 111 feet (33.74 meters), the project is strikingly unusual for her size range. For instance, the owners, from Asia, commissioned her as a fully custom yacht. Semi-custom craft dominate the small end of the superyacht sector, of course. And, because some of the shipyards and designers don’t allow moving non-structural bulkheads among their models, customization is limited even more. By contrast, these customers took full advantage of tailoring everything to their cruising wishes.
Their wish list includes some pretty fun things, in fact. With accommodations for six, Van der Valk’s Blue Jeans has fold-down bulwarks on the main deck. These further serve as diving boards. On the foredeck, meanwhile, a pop-up table lets the owners and guests enjoy cocktails, snacks, or meals, for flexibility. It’s part of a recessed chill-out zone. Throughout the interior, the owners and designer Guido de Groot use color, surface treatments, and even lighting to create distinctly different ambiences. Additionally, they combine marbles, metals, and woods, along with special furniture. The end result of all of this eliminates any possible hint of white.
Representing what the yard says is its most complex commission in its history, Van der Valk’s Blue Jeans even carries a big custom tender. The aluminum craft matches her mothership, naturally, plus stows in a dedicated garage.
Van der Valk says sea trials should confirm a cruising speed around 22 knots under twin 2,600-hp MTUs. The maximum speed should be an equally fast 28 knots.
Diana Yacht Design dianayachtdesign.nl
Guido de Groot Design guidodegroot.com
Van der Valk Shpyard vandervalkshipyard.com
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