Overview

Dutch Falcon spreads her wings

The 26-metre Dutch Falcon is the launch model for an innovative new take on our award-winning Flybridge range. Her highly experienced owner is delighted with the way the yacht blends a proven-in-practice aluminium hull with a sleek-lined superstructure and show-stealing slabs of glass.

Dutch Falcon is also a major milestone for Volva Penta as she carries the 10,000th IPS 30 drive unit. Our two companies have an impressive shared history as the 20-metre Amara was the world’s first aluminium yacht to feature such a drive in 2007. This partnership in power provision has benefitted many Van der Valk clients, including the owners of Dutch Falcon who are reaping the rewards of her triple IPS 1050 drives.

“With a wide-open throttle Dutch Falcon easily attains 25 knots,” says Head of Sales Yoeri Bijker. “That’s an impressive speed for a 26-metre yacht and there are other benefits too. The IPS was revolutionary at the time of its launch and still is for efficiency savings of around 25 percent on fuel consumption and noise. It’s also virtually plug & play for yards like ours who are very experienced with installing the IPS. Most importantly, owner-operators find it easy to manoeuvre with a joystick in all directions and when rotating, offering the assets of a bow and sternthruster.”

Smooth sailing
Comfort levels are further assured by Humphree zero-speed stabilisers with carbon fibre fins, a highly efficient system for roll reduction at anchor and underway. “As they glide smoothly through the water, all aboard Dutch Falcon areenjoying splendid views through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the main salon,” Yoeri continues. “As well as vistas on the outdoor world, this liberal use of glass creates a bright & open ambience within the interior and reflects the way clients enjoy spending time on the water.”

Room for more
The same philosophy is seen on the outer areas. The aft deck is 4.5 metres long with a delightful al fresco dining area and Dutch Falcon‘s owners have placed lounging chairs in their favourite spot to watch the world go by. Spacious enough to house and launch a Williams 395 SportJet tender, the aft deck serves as a great platform from which to go swimming. Meanwhile, a large sunbathing area on the foredeck offers more relaxation options and the flybridge has another dining area behind the exterior helm station.

Signature looks
These outdoor assets form part of a new exterior profile by Dutch designer Cor D. Rover. His rethink of the Van der Valk Flybridge line – 15 of which have been sold since 2007 – gives extra élan to the lines and shapes while bringing more glazing to the hull and superstructure. These modern touches are part of a harmony between classic features like the flared bow and the softer superstructure shapes. The result is the kind of timeless aesthetic that’s become a signature for Van der Valk – motoryachts that are never excessively avant-garde and always emphasise contemporary elegance.

Light infusion
Talking of elegance, Dutch Falcon has a lovely Horizon Blue metallic livery, a favourite colour of the owners that also includes tones of purple and grey. It helps the exterior design draw attention to the windows, with the gunwale dropping down to allow more natural light to infuse the interior as well as further enhance the views outside. The main salon furniture is not attached to the side walls or window mullions to accentuate this feeling of freedom

The entire main deck is on a single flush level, from the bridge to the aft deck via the galley, eight-seater dining room, lounge and bar. There is also a large day head here in order to keep the lower deck strictly private for those staying overnight, with room for 20 or more people to party on the main deck without intruding on the accommodations. Having a bathroom on the main deck is also handy when people pop in from the water and prefer not to go below deck. Those staying onboard will certainly enjoy their sleeping quarters as Dutch Falcon has good volume for a 26-metre yacht.

Residence on the water
Interior designer Carla Guilhem made the most of this spaciousness to create a calm and contemporary style. Mirroring the design theme of the Flybridge that revolves around relaxation and homeliness, the interior has a wealth of round shapes and organic forms. A palette of off-white and grey hues is mixed with pop-up colours in the accessories and upholstery. The owners tell us that Dutch Falcon’s interior feels as good as it looks…

Future proof
Flexibility is key throughout this new addition to the Van der Valk fleet, with space translating into a lots of choice for future owners. On Dutch Falcon the full-beam master suite has a vanity table but you could easily create an office area instead. There are two amidships cabins, a VIP and another that can be converted from a double to a twin. The two-person crew cabin in the bow can also serve as a children’s cabin, with a connecting door to the VIP. Contact us to discuss how you might shape this reimagined Flybridge concept to your requirements and preferences