Dutch shipyard Van der Valk has begun construction on a 39.9-metre superyacht known as Project EVO. Commissioned by clients who have previously owned "a number of high-performance yachts", Project EVO will be the largest yacht built by Van der Valk in both length and volume.
The all-aluminium yacht is based on a proven platform and will have a round bilged, fast displacement hull and a target top speed of 24 knots. Naval architecture is owed to Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects.
The owners were inspired by an "exceptionally attractive design" from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, with Cristiano Gatto Design brought in to develop the exterior design further and devise the bespoke interiors.
"My participation began on a micro level as we worked with the owners to leverage on some specific furniture design concepts I had previously created," explained Gatto. "They were looking to recreate a similar ambience onboard their yacht and the interior design emerged from this point. Welcoming the results, the owners asked us to add some of this aesthetic flavour to the exterior design, further evolving the DNA of the preliminary concept."
He continued: "We changed some of the proportions and lines while extending the stern by around two metres. The overall design and profile, however, remains very much the brainchild of all who have been involved."
Accommodation is for up to 10 guests, including a main deck master cabin, two twin guest cabins and two VIP cabins on the lower deck. Three ensuite double crew cabins will be located in the forepeak next to the mess, while the captain’s cabin will be situated on the bridge deck. Interior details are undisclosed but took approximately 10 months from first renders to interior concept, "an exceptional timeframe for a 40-metre project".
"It is clear that Van der Valk is one of the few yards with the capacity and flexibility to build fully custom superyachts in this size range," added head of sales Yoeri Bijker. "Project EVO is a fine example of how clients can come to Van der Valk with their own exterior designers without having to reinvent the wheel with a new hull, safe in the knowledge that their yacht will excel in terms of performance, speed and stability."
Project EVO will be built to ABS class and be fully compliant with the latest IMO Tier III emissions regulations.
According to BOATPro, Van der Valk has four yachts currently in build or on order. This includes the 34.1-metre Project 111.11, which is scheduled for delivery this year.
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