The yacht, previously known as Project Samba, hit the water at the builder’s Waalwijk facility on May 24, 2025, marking a major milestone ahead of her delivery this summer. Lalabe is expected to make her public debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
A Fully Custom Design
Based on the same proven fast displacement hull as the award-winning LL, Lalabe has been crafted as a true custom yacht from the waterline up. Naval architecture is a collaboration between Diana Yacht Design and Ginton Naval Architects, while Guido de Groot has handled both exterior styling and interior design in close collaboration with the owners. This long-standing design partnership has resulted in a sleek, low-profile aesthetic with integrated balconies, wide-open deck spaces, and a focus on indoor-outdoor living.
Built in lightweight aluminum across three decks, the superyacht measures 35.29 meters in length with a 7.8-meter beam and a draft of 2 meters. Her interior volume comes in at 298 GT. Power comes from twin 1,450 hp MAN diesels, giving her a cruising speed of 13.5 knots and a top speed of 17 knots.
Decks Designed for Family Relaxation
Lalabe has been designed with relaxed family living in mind, providing generous outdoor spaces across all decks. The aft deck features a large relaxation area with an aft-facing sofa and a formal dining table, while the bridge deck saloon opens on three sides for an open-air feel. A standout feature onboard the yacht is the expansive beach club, which includes a secondary lounge, a sauna and steam room, a day head, and a laundry station for towels. A transformer platform at the stern enhances access to the water for swimming and tender activities.
Safety has also been considered, with one-meter-high bulwarks for child-friendly operation, while the integrated balconies by the wheelhouse enhance both safety and views for the captain.
A Contemporary Interior
Inside, Lalabe offers accommodation for up to 10 guests across five cabins, including a main deck owner’s suite with a private office, lounge area, and his-and-hers wardrobes. Two VIP cabins and two twin cabins complete the guest layout. Crew quarters provide space for up to seven, arranged across four cabins.
The interior of the motor yacht is styled in a “pretty and practical” palette, with curved, low-profile furniture, light woods, and integrated LED lighting creating a soft, contemporary atmosphere. The galley, designed for regular use by the owners, features ample worktops, a cooking island, and functional flow. A striking central staircase connects all decks and has been described as a “piece of art in its own right” by the yard.
A Family-Centric Design Process
The owners of Lalabe were introduced to Van der Valk by Will Noftsinger of Denison Yachting and have been deeply involved in the design and build process. Their hands-on approach extended from the technical systems to the final material choices, ensuring every detail aligns with their family’s vision for a yacht that will serve as a comfortable home on the water for three generations.
Guido de Groot, the yacht’s designer, praised the collaborative process, noting, “It is a pleasure to work with clients so invested in their yacht on a personal level. Their knowledge has also been deployed on the technical side and in choosing the best possible equipment for the wheelhouse.”
Van der Valk’s commercial director, Yoeri Bijker, added, “Lalabe encapsulates everything we stand for – superb engineering, custom design, Dutch quality, and bespoke construction. She is another perfect example of the Van der Valk difference, and we can’t wait to showcase her at the Cannes Yachting Festival.”
A Busy Year for Van der Valk
Van der Valk’s launch of Lalabe follows a series of recent milestones for the Dutch shipyard, underscoring its focus on full-custom builds that combine precision craftsmanship with tailored design. Earlier this year, the yard opened a new 2,540-square-meter construction hall in the Netherlands, a facility designed to support its growing portfolio of bespoke projects.
Among these is the 40m Project Evo, the largest build in the yard’s history, now under construction. Project Evo features a fast displacement aluminum hull and exterior styling by Fancy by Dada, with interiors by Cristiano Gatto Design. With a top speed of 24 knots and a sleek silver-grey profile enhanced by bold glazing and integrated lighting, Project Evo is designed for an experienced high-performance yacht owner and is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
Also in the works is Project May, a 33m semi-displacement motor yacht featuring exterior and interior design by Guido de Groot. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, Project May is engineered with a semi-displacement aluminum hull and offers accommodation for 10 guests across five suites, including a main deck owner’s cabin. Powered by twin 1,920 hp MTU engines, she will reach a top speed of 23 knots and cruise comfortably at 18 knots.
With sea trials now underway, Lalabe remains on track for delivery in summer 2025. She is set to embark on her first season as a family yacht, designed for comfort, safety, and versatile living on the water.
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