Van der Valk’s 48-metre flagship takes shape

Boutique Dutch shipyard Van der Valk has officially started construction of its most ambitious and largest custom build to date: the 48-metre "Project ZEN" (Yard no. WV01490). This sleek, low-profile raised pilothouse design combines the refined exterior and interior vision of Guido de Groot with the cutting-edge expertise of Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Commissioned by an experienced owner, the aluminium yacht promises to deliver an exceptional balance of style, performance and substance.

GROWING TO PERFECTION

The project originally began as a 36-metre design, aligned with the owner’s vision for a family yacht that felt intimate while offering all the comforts and amenities they were used to enjoying on the water. As with all great designs, however, evolution was inevitable – and Van der Valk, along with its trusted design partners, was as always ready to adapt.

“As Guido de Groot began shaping the general arrangement, it quickly became clear that we couldn’t quite fit everything in,” explains Bram Kooltjes, technical director at Van der Valk. “We extended to 38 metres, then 40, and from there the design gradually grew – first to 42 metres, and finally to its ultimate length of 47.8 metres.”

EFFICIENCY IN MOTION:
DESIGNING A LONG-RANGE FAST DISPLACEMENT YACHT

Van Oossanen Naval Architects’ fast displacement hull form (FDHF) was selected for this project, offering the ideal balance of performance and efficiency. The hull was designed from scratch – initially for the early 36-metre concept, and then again as the yacht evolved to its final length of 47.8 metres. Designed for fast, efficient cruising rather than outright speed, she will reach a top speed of approximately 17,5 knots and comfortably cruise at 16 knots, with a transpacific range of over 4,500 nautical miles at 10 knots. Enhancing efficiency even further, the hull is fitted with a Hull Vane – an aft-mounted underwater foil that significantly reduces drag and fuel consumption while extending the range.

“Project ZEN is built on an entirely new platform, developed with efficiency as a top priority,” says Guido de Groot. “The owner wanted a hull shape that would support smaller engines and maximise range. As top speed wasn’t a concern, we focused on a long, sleek form that also supports the yacht’s elegant styling.”