“This award is a tribute to the creative thinking of the owners of the EDGE 65,” says Van der Valk general manager Bram Kooltjes, pictured with the trophy in his hands. “They deployed all their rich experience on this project, including the family’s two previous builds at our yard, LeVen and Lady Lene. The EDGE 65 is a true cabana on the water with an optimised amount of enclosed real estate while offering guests the chance to be as close to the sea as possible on a 20-metre boat. With a fold-out platform spanning 48 square metres of deck space, this World Yacht Trophies award confirms her as the ultimate weekender.

“The EDGE 65 is also the first of our yachts to benefit from Petestep hull technology and her four Mercury V12 Verados offer a powerful top speed of 2400 hp. An exceptional exterior design by Cor D. Rover, exquisite interior by Carla Guilhem and expert work by Studio Delta Naval Architects came together to create a boat that fully deserves the Best Custom name.”

The award was also a fitting climax to a successful Cannes Yachting Festival for Van der Valk where we met lots of potential new clients. Having another beautiful bespoke Van der Valk on display – the 23.65-metre explorer Felis – again showcased why our yard has carved out a unique niche for one-off projects up to 45 metres in length.