Overview

A dream of a new build

Van der Valk has received an exciting commission to build a distinctive 52-foot weekender on behalf of Dutch company Waterdream. The California is a bespoke motoryacht with a radical yet at the same time timeless design from the boards of Vripack. Unlike the vast majority of dayboats, the California will be built in aluminium, offering a versatile range of layout options as well as enhanced safety and comfort.

The California offers a modern classic take on the increasingly popular 50-foot weekender market. Designed to ensure up to six guests the most memorable of times onboard, the 14.62-metre yacht will feature a smart layout that makes good use of the available space.

The bow seating area can be converted to a bed, for instance, while the single beds under the cockpit floor will slide together to make a double bed when required. The super-strong construction in aluminium dispenses with the need for bulkheads, further enhancing both the flexibility and the amount of interior space on offer.

Premium assets
Building in aluminium has other benefits compared to the mainly polyester dayboats currently available in this premium end of the sector. The California will be sustainable and hold its value well in addition to offering the traditional assets of aluminium in terms of strength and performance. The lightweight construction will be combined as standard with twin Volvo Penta IPS 800 engines for speeds of up to 35 knots, with an option to up the pace with IPS 950s and reach over 40 knots.

In addition to the superb exterior profile, the design experts at Vripack have also created a smooth and elegant interior style which includes light oak panels, teak, various marbles and leathers, brushed steel and brass elements, and a relaxing colour palette.

This is the second joint full-custom project that Van der Valk has embarked on with respected parties in the motoryacht world. The previous partnership was with YachtCreators on the Leven 90 motoryacht, winner of the Best New Series prize at the 2020 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards.