Yacht Project Zen Begins Build at Van der Valk Shipyard

What originated in her owner’s mind as a 118-footer (36-meter) will now be a 157-footer (48-meter). The custom yacht Project Zen, which has just started construction, has grown as much for the family-focused amenities as for one particularly surprising feature.

That feature is a full-beam wellness area on the main deck. Adjacent to the master suite, also full beam, it features a dedicated gym opposite a yoga room. Both the gym and the yoga room further have sliding-glass doors to the outside. “It’s a standout element of the yacht, not just visually, but functionally, too,” notes Arno de Wit, the yard’s project manager. Firstly, it allows refreshing breezes to flow through. Secondly, it brings greater appreciation of the natural surroundings. Thirdly, the wellness area is a flexible space. “It can serve as a private retreat for the owner when combined with the master suite, or remain open for family and guest use by closing off that suite,” de Wit explains.

Since the wellness area is largely responsible for the yacht Project Zen growing in size, how did the superyacht get to 157 feet as the final LOA? The shipyard and design teams, which include Guido de Groot Design, realized the dual desires for spaciousness and special amenities necessitated it. Initially, the 118-footer became a 125-footer (38 meter), but soon became 131 feet (40 meters). When the related general arrangement still didn’t have the right balance, she grew to 138 feet (42 meters). A few additional adjustments later, and the final figure hit the right marks.

De Groot, who recently collaborated with the shipyard on the yacht Lalabe, says spaciousness was especially important. “Nothing feels cramped, and even the staircases are wide and gently sloped,” he points out. “In fact, this is the most relaxed set of stairs we’ve ever designed, offering more like a gentle stroll than a climb.”

Yet another highly important idea was ensuring the family could gather for meals. “Dining together is more important to the family than lounging,” the designer explains. “They’re unlikely to spend much time in the saloon and will regularly gather to enjoy meals in the show galley.” Specifically, the yacht Project Zen has a country kitchen, on the main deck to port. It’s for the chef to dazzle everyone, plus for the owner and guests to make their own meals when wanted. “It’s the heart of the space,” de Groot asserts.

It additionally speaks to what the owner has at heart: “personal involvement and intimacy,” the designer says. “Despite the yacht measuring 48 meters, the owner intends to remain hands-on, continuing to treat her with the same personal involvement and intimacy as if she were a much smaller vessel.”

While the yacht Project Zen is the biggest megayacht from Van der Valk Shipyard, she actually hasn’t changed in one particular respect. Efficient cruising rather than speed is the priority when underway. Van Oossanen Naval Architects tailored its Fast Displacement Hull Design for her, anticipating a top end of 17½ knots. Furthermore, a Hull Vane foil should reduce drag and improve fuel economy. Ultimately, the yacht should have a strong range of 4,400 nautical miles at 10 knots.

She’ll cut a nice profile at any of those speeds, too, plus at anchor. The owner’s love of sports cars reflects in the styling, along with the metallic paint she’ll bear. Interestingly, the notion of her at-anchor stance led to a first for de Groot’s studio. Since the owner has always enjoyed looking at his previous yachts while swimming, he purposely requested the designers “show renderings of how the yacht would appear from that perspective.”

With three fold-down sides aft at the waterline to close-by sliding doors yielding access to a “toy” store, the yacht Project Zen will be active at anchor, too. Seabobs, wakeboards, and eFoil boards are just some of what they plan to play on, for example. In a separate garage, a Williams DieselJet tender and a waterbike will await.

The all-aluminum megayacht should see delivery in 2028.

Guido de Groot Design guidodegroot.com

Van der Valk Shipyard vandervalkshipyard.com

Van Oossanen Naval Architects oossanen.nl