LALABE was designed and built around the needs of a multigenerational family who intend to spend extended periods on board, with space for up to 10 guests plus owners. This presented a serious challenge – how could we combine a fast-displacement hull capable of transatlantic range with extensive outdoor areas, an aft beach club with sauna, and 299 GT of exceptional interior in a yacht of just 35 metres?

The success of LALABE is thanks not just to our own highly skilled team, but also to our incredible design partners: Guido de Groot for interior and exterior design, and Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects for structural engineering and naval architecture.

The result defies expectations – a seaborne sanctuary with the essence of a relaxed beachfront home. There’s seamless flow – from the main aft deck into main saloon, for example, or in the upper saloon with its floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open on three sides to create a truly flexible inside-outside space. And there’s attention to detail both in the décor – which blends natural materials in earth and terracotta tones with oak – and in design and safety features that cater to older family members and young children alike. There’s also space enough for eight permanent crew, including a crew mess large enough for all of them to eat dinner together.

Her naval architecture couples a fast displacement hull with outboard-located rudders that also allow for a reduced shaft angle which, in turn, helps reduce vibrations and improve comfort – an important factor when spending extended periods cruising.

“Taking home such prestigious awards once again at the world’s premier superyacht design awards is something that we are hugely proud of on behalf of the entire shipyard team and our design partners, without whom such magical projects couldn’t be realised,” enthuses Yoeri Bijker, Commercial Director at Van der Valk.

“This is also our opportunity to thank LALABE’s owners, who presented us with a detailed brief that was both challenging but incredibly rewarding to realise,” Bijker continues. “Their expansive vision for the yacht and the lifestyle they want to enjoy on board led us to push the boundaries of yacht design and construction, and the result is one of the most complete 35-metre yachts ever built. We are also grateful to the expert judging panel for recognising the extraordinary levels of design and construction that went into creating LALABE.”