AWARD 1 : Best Naval Architecture – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts.

While it’s the carefully crafted lines and exquisite interiors that get much of the attention, at Van der Valk we recognise that what happens under the skin and under the water are at least as important, which is why we are excited that our custom 35-metre yacht LALABE has been recognised at the 2026 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards where she won the trophy for Best Naval Architecture – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts.

A carefully designed hull not only delivers performance and efficiency, it is also essential for elements of comfort such as reducing conducted noise and vibrations – things that have a direct impact on the owner, guest and crew experience.

For Lalabe, we turned again to our design partners Diana Yacht Design for help with the structural engineering, and Ginton Naval Architects for the underwater body. In both cases, the design teams delivered brilliant results. For the structural aspects, the Diana Yacht Design team had to contend with a voluminous superstructure, acres of glass, an upper saloon that opens fully on three sides, and a lightweight aluminium superstructure. The team achieved an incredible result, which also minimised the number of parts in order to make construction more efficient.

Meanwhile the Ginton Naval Architects team developed a semi-displacement hull that not only delivers top speeds of 17 knots but which also offers a transatlantic range. They also optimised the positioning of the rudders outboard, which not only contributes to a slight increase in efficiency but which also reduces the shaft angle, in turn mitigating vibrations and improving comfort on board.

That Lalabe came away from Kitzbühel not just being recognised both for exterior and interior design (for each of which she also won Minerva trophies!) but also for her naval architecture is a huge achievement for Van der Valk and all of our design partners, and it’s proof that there is always an advance to be made if you’re prepared to go the extra mile for your clients.

AWARD 2 : Best Interior Design – Motor Yachts, 24m to 39.9m

Capturing the essence of a relaxed beachfront home, LALABE ports residential ideas to a superyacht to create the very best of waterside living for a multigeneration family who intend to cruise far and live on board for extended periods. Translating that into both an effortlessly stylish look and an exceptionally well-conceived layout fell to our design partners Guido de Groot, who delivered comfortable chic that blends natural materials in earth and terracotta tones with oak while also ensuring copious space for up to 10 guests plus owners, as well as eight permanent crew who get a mess large enough to be able to eat dinner together.

The judging panel pointed out not just the look and feel of the interior but also the practicality of the layout, in particular highlighting how the design team managed to incorporate many elements of the owners’ brief into just 35 metres. “The interior was relaxing, soft and quiet while also feeling very personal,” said one judge. “It felt good being on board.”

As specialists in boutique building of yachts up to 45 metres, our ability to translate complex owner briefs into sublime yachts that surprise and delight is something that we’re very proud of – with help, of course, from our exceptional design partners! Lalabe’s awards success is proof that we have a winning formula that can surpass any owner’s expectations.

AWARD 3 : Outstanding Exterior Design – Motor Yachts, 24m to 39.9m

Squeezing 299 GT of volume into a 35-metre yacht with extensive deck areas while keeping sleek lines and balanced proportions in is a difficult feat to achieve, but that’s what we managed with our custom 35.3-metre yacht Lalabe, which took home the trophy for Outstanding Exterior Design – Motor Yachts, 24m to 39.9m at the BOAT International Design & Innovations awards on 1 February.

The delicate balancing act between space – as requested by Lalabe’s owners, a multigenerational family who intend to spend extended periods on board – and elegance fell to our design partners Guido de Groot. The panel of judges were impressed with the space planning of the outdoor areas, with BOAT International saying one judge commented that, “she has a spa tub, a beach club, a proper bar and seating and dining where everyone can sit together… packs in quite a punch in terms of what’s being offered for this size.”

We think she is one of the most complete 35-metre yachts yet built, but she is also testament to the vision of her owners, the talents of our design partners Guido de Groot, Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects, and the artisanal craftsmanship of our shipyard team who consistently turn amazing designs into incredible superyachts.