Of course, none of this would be possible without our collaboration with key project partners which, in the case of LALABE, include Guido de Groot Design for the exterior and interior design, and Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects for the naval architecture and structural engineering of the vessel.

LALABE – which was known as Project Samba during her build after the rhythms of life that reflect the lifestyle of the owners – is, in our view, a real masterpiece. Core to the brief was not only to deliver extensive outside areas that catered to their love of the outdoor lifestyle, but also to create an interior that would be comfortable for extended liveaboard stays while still giving plenty of space for eight crew. The result is a project that not only carries stylish, purposeful and timeless lines, but which also offers an impressive 299 GT of volume.

On this canvas, and with detailed design and space optimisation, LALABE’s interior was developed with an elegant yet informal interior style that captures the essence of beach house chic and family living practicality, as well as ensuring indoor-outdoor connectivity and flow.

Underpinning this is a fast displacement hull that allows for a top speed approaching 17 knots while still catering to transatlantic range with appropriate seaworthiness and efficiency. This includes an optimised aft underwater body that reduces shaft angles, improving efficiency and reducing vibration that can propagate into the interior.

As her thrilled owner already notes: “The purpose of building Lalabe was to enjoy life at sea with our multigenerational family. Our goal was to have the ability to cross the Atlantic and keep full explorer capability without the rigid design of some of the explorer yachts we previously visited. The freedom with the design and full customization allowed us to have all our dreams materialized in this project. But probably most important is the confidence we have gained with such a seaworthy yacht. We have already experienced severe sea and weather adverse situations without any problem.”

We find ourselves once again in the esteemed company of our fellow finalists, and we’ll be hoping we can repeat the success of our award-winning 34-metre Lady Lene when the awards ceremony takes place in Kitzbühel, Austria, at the start of February 2026.

To talk to our team about realising your own boutique project, please contact info@vandervalkshipyard.com to find out more about how we work, what we build, and why Van der Valk Shipyard could be the perfect choice for your next yacht.

Please click here for more information on the website of Boat International Media.