Although they are both entirely aluminum and sprang from the same hull design, two new contracts for Van der Valk Shipyard are about as different as they can get. Project 111.11 and Project Samba reveal how true customization can still happen in small superyacht sizes.
The aptly nicknamed Project 111.11 (below) is 111 feet (34 meters), while Project Samba (above) is 115 feet (35 meters). The hull for Lady Lene, a 2021 Van der Valk delivery, was the starting point for each. Even so, though, the owners of each made special requests. Project 111.11 will have a full-displacement design, with twin 750-hp Volvo Pentas projecting a top speed upwards of 14 knots. A fast-displacement hull design and twin 1,450-hp MANs for Project Samba, meanwhile, should permit a top end around 17 knots.
“The proven hull design and naval-architecture platform allows us to offer the choice,” explains Yoeri Bijker, the shipyard’s head of sales. “Using the engineering packages and part of the cutting files generates significant cost synergies yet allows for an entirely different look and feel.”
They’ll certainly look different in profile, and inside. Interestingly, Guido de Groot is working with both sets of customers for styling. Project 111.11 has a prominent diagonal line from the main deck to the hard top. More space aboard Project Samba goes toward alfresco enjoyment (below), including a bigger swim platform and bigger aft deck for lunches and dinners.
General arrangements differ, of course, too. Guido de Groot and the owners of Project Samba are finalizing the looks, but are still sharing some details. For example, a central stairway will connect all the decks while simultaneously being artwork. Since the owners enjoy cooking, they’ll use the galley and its cooking island, too. To prevent odors from traveling throughout the decks, powerful air extractors will sit above the entries to the galley. The beach club will include a sauna and day head, along with a washer and dryer capable of handling everyone’s towels, handily. Finally, the guests will get extra beach-club space when the tender launches.
Interior designer Carla Guilhem is working with the owners of Project 111.11. Notably, the master suite will have a laundry chute in the walk-in wardrobe, connecting to the lower deck’s laundry. That laundry has not only high capacity for washing and drying, but also direct guest-corridor access via a watertight door. Overall, the 111-footer puts a big priority on practical needs for stowage and waste, since long periods of cruising are in mind. Additionally, the owners are crew-minded, including a side deck adjacent to the wide sky lounge (full beam on one side, below). This allows crew to move between the bridge and aft deck without cutting through the lounge. And, finally, the unusual skylounge layout helps keep volume beneath 300 gross tons, allowing charter class without needing a rescue tender and davit.
Project Samba sees delivery in 2025. Project 111.11 sees delivery next year. More specifics will come once each set of owners finalizes the interior design.
Carla Guilhem Design carlaguilhem.com
Guido de Groot Design guidodegroot.com
Van der Valk Shipyard vandervalkshipyard.com
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