Overview

Launch of our Largest Yacht to Date

Dutch boutique shipyard Van der Valk has launched a 39.92-metre motor yacht named Shine at its facilities in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, the largest vessel the yard has ever built. The yacht, formerly known as Project EVO, was christened at a ceremony attended by her owners and the various design and engineering teams behind the project. Owner's representative Thom Conboy introduced the clients to Van der Valk.

Exterior styling came from Cristiano Gatto Design, which developed the project from an original concept by SFG Design. The two parties first connected at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2023, and the design subsequently grew from an initial 36-metre concept into the current 40-metre vessel.

A key part of the brief was keeping the yacht manageable for an owner who prefers to captain his own boats, while delivering the fit and finish typically associated with much larger vessels. The interior incorporates around 78 different materials, including ebony wood and fine leather, alongside custom furniture pieces.

On the performance side, Shine features a round-bilge fast-displacement hull developed by Ginton Naval Architects and built in lightweight aluminium. Twin MTU 16V2000 engines are expected to push the yacht to a cruising speed of 19 knots, with a top speed in the low 20s. A maximum beam restriction of 8.5 metres — dictated by canal lock dimensions — shaped the hull design, with outboard-placed rudders allowing for a shallower shaft angle to reduce vibration.

Structural engineering was handled by Diana Yacht Design, with the aft section presenting particular complexity. A transformer swim platform, outboard rudders, transom door and two drop-down balconies all had to be integrated alongside large main-deck windows and an open interior layout.

Shine is now undergoing sea trials and final commissioning, with delivery expected ahead of the summer season.