Dutch Falcon Yacht Takes Flight From Van der Valk Shipyard

While the owners of the Dutch Falcon yacht from Van der Valk Shipyard have been cruising aboard since 2020, the project has stayed out of the spotlight. The builder is finally able to provide a few looks onboard, since she represents the new direction for its Flybridge range.

The 83-footer (25-meter) is one of a long line of Flybridge deliveries from Van der Valk. In fact, the shipyard has sold 15 hulls in the series since 2007. Like some of her predecessors, Dutch Falcon has an aluminum hull designed for use with Volvo Penta’s IPS system. Notably, she runs with a triple Volvo Penta IPS package, marking the 10,000^th IPS pod drive (a.k.a. IPS30 drive) from the engine manufacturer. Van der Valk’s history of using IPS drives goes all the way back to 2007, when its 66-foot (20-meter) Amara became the world’s first aluminum yacht to carry them. The propulsion system allows Dutch Falcon to hit a reported 25-knot top speed, while still burning about 25 percent less fuel than comparable motoryachts with traditional diesels.

The new direction for the Flybridge series, though, is all about design. It starts with the styling, by Cor D. Rover. The Dutch designer amplified the use of glass in the superstructure and the hull, for instance, for enjoying the views more. Additionally, the yacht’s lines have a little more modernity, while retaining the classic flared bow and soft superstructure shapes. Altogether, the changes make the Flybridge series more contemporary without risking looking out of date in a few years’ time.

Also in keeping with modern tastes, the aft deck stretches nearly 15 feet (4.5 meters) in length. This allows the owners of Dutch Falcon to enjoy one of their favorite things about cruising. They can watch the world go by, from the comfort of lounge chairs while cruising or at anchor. Furthermore, the extra space affords stowing and launching their Williams 395 SportJet tender. Naturally, the aft deck is the perfect place to leap off the boat for a swim as well. Finally, the owners can enjoy alfresco meals with a little more elbowroom—something they can do on the flying bridge, too.

Inside, designer Carla Guilhem, who also worked with the shipyard on the wheelchair-friendly Lady Lene, preserves the spacious ambience. Firstly, none of the furnishings in the saloon are fixed to mullions or side walls. Secondly, the overall look and feel is calming, especially thanks to abundant round shapes and organic forms. Furthermore, off-white and grey hues set the backdrop to color pops from accessories and upholstery. The owners say everything is as comfortable as it looks.

The flush-deck nature of the main deck from the saloon (top) straight through to the wheelhouse makes getting around more comfortable as well. This includes the galley, eight-seat dining area, a bar, and a day head. The day head, by the way, was important to the owners, since they wanted the lower deck solely for sleeping without interruption. The staterooms down there include the full-beam master (above) with a vanity in lieu of an office, a VIP, and a double stateroom. Notably, the two-person crew cabin in the bow can accommodate kids instead. Conveniently, it has a connecting door to the VIP.

From all of these touches to the metallic-blue hull paint—with purple and grey tones, too— Dutch Falcon is highly customized for most yachts her size. Buyers who like the Flybridge line can tailor the design even more, too. Office areas in the master suite, for example, and reconfigured guest staterooms are just two of the options.

Carla Guilhem Design carlaguilhem.com

Guido de Groot Design guidodegroot.com

Van der Valk Shipyard vandervalkshipyard.com