Yacht Lalabe Welcomes a Cruising Family of Kids & Grown-Ups: Sunday Superyacht Video

One hundred and sixteen feet (35 meters) of pure custom joy launched on May 24 in The Netherlands. The yacht Lalabe lowered into the water that day at Van der Valk Shipyard, for a family who cannot wait to spend more time together at sea.

The owners commissioned her as Project Samba, to satisfy multi-generational family fun. Because of their experience owning yachts, and because they’re taking two other generations of family with them, they had a mental checklist of must-haves that semi-custom shipyards couldn’t accommodate. They were attracted to Van der Valk because of its fully custom approach, plus its focus on modest sizes with solid engineering.

yacht Labele launch at Van der Valk Shpyard

An all-aluminum project, the yacht Lalabe derives her engineering and naval-architecture backbone from another Van der Valk. Specifically, it’s the yacht Lady Lene, and the shipyard suggested it to save the owners some time. The yard also knew Lady Lene’s hull design could undergo modifications to permit somewhat higher speeds, to 17 knots.

Being technical minded, the owners welcomed the shipyard’s input. They themselves brought some behind-the-walls ideas to the table, too. They even had a hand in selecting the electronics for the wheelhouse, a most-unusual step.

Not that anyone involved in the creation of the yacht Lalabe minded. “It is a pleasure to work with clients so invested in their yacht on a personal level,” says Guido de Groot, who tailored the styling and interior design with them. Outside, for instance, the bulwarks are a little over three feet high (1 meter), purposely for the youngest cruisers’ safety. The glass wrapping around three sides of the upper-deck saloon slides entirely open as well. Even the galley departs from what you’d expect. While it has good space, including a cooking island, the owners plan to work some culinary magic here in addition to their chef.

Most surprising of all, however, the main aft deck is more like a cozy garden terrace in look and feel. It’s in keeping with the owners’ desire for the yacht Lalabe to truly be a floating residence. She promises to be quite the inviting residence at that, with a sauna and steam room in the beach area, casually chic relaxation areas throughout, and of course alfresco dining.

The owners are permitting Van der Valk to showcase the yacht at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. Before that, though, “we know she will be a very happy home away from home for her owners and their family,” says Yoeri Bijker, the yard’s commercial director.

Guido de Groot Design guidodegroot.com

Van der Valk Shipyard vandervalkshipyard.com