Previously known as Project EVO, the yacht was christened during a ceremony attended by her owners, their representative Thom Conboy, and the design and engineering teams behind the build.
Exterior styling was developed by Cristiano Gatto Design, evolving from an original concept by SFG Design. The two studios first connected at the 2023 edition of the Palm Beach International Boat Show, where discussions began around a 36m platform. Over time, that concept expanded into the near-40m yacht now afloat, marking a step change in scale for the Dutch yard.
A Tailored Interior Shaped by an Owner-Operator Brief
A central part of the owner’s brief was clear from the outset - the yacht had to remain manageable for an experienced owner who prefers to captain his own vessels. At the same time, the expectation was for a level of finish more commonly associated with larger custom superyachts.
The interior reflects that direction. Around 78 distinct materials have been used throughout the yacht, including ebony wood, fine leather, and a wide range of bespoke furnishings designed specifically for the project. The approach favors layered textures and craftsmanship rather than overt styling gestures, resulting in a tailored environment that aligns with the yacht’s custom status.
Large main-deck windows introduce natural light deep into the living spaces, supporting an open-plan layout that connects interior and exterior areas. The emphasis throughout has been on balance - maintaining intimacy and usability while delivering the visual weight and detailing of a substantially larger vessel.
A 40m Yacht Shaped by Dutch Waterways
While Shine stretches just under 40 meters in length, her maximum beam of 8.5 meters was dictated by practical considerations. Dutch canal lock dimensions imposed a strict width limitation, directly shaping the hull’s proportions and overall naval architecture.
The yacht features a round-bilge fast-displacement hull developed by Ginton Naval Architects and constructed in lightweight aluminum. The configuration aims to support efficient cruising while preserving responsive handling for an owner-operator.
Outboard-positioned rudders form a notable technical feature. By placing the rudders further apart, designers were able to adopt a shallower shaft angle, which in turn reduces vibration and contributes to onboard comfort. This solution also supports the yacht’s shallow draft profile, aligning with the operational flexibility required for both inland passages and coastal cruising.
Engineering a Multifunctional Stern
Structural engineering was overseen by Diana Yacht Design, with particular focus on the aft section, which presented the most intricate challenges of the build.
The stern incorporates a transformer swim platform, transom door, outboard rudders, and two drop-down balconies. Integrating these elements alongside expansive main-deck glazing and an open interior layout required careful structural planning to maintain rigidity without compromising weight targets.
The result is a multifunctional beach club environment that extends usable space close to the waterline while retaining clean exterior lines. For a motor yacht built within tight beam constraints, the aft arrangement demonstrates how technical problem-solving can preserve both practicality and visual cohesion.
Fast-Displacement Efficiency
Power comes from twin MTU 16V2000 engines, expected to deliver a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed in the low 20-knot range. The fast-displacement hull form is designed to support efficient operation across a broad speed band, rather than focusing solely on peak numbers.
Lightweight aluminum construction plays a central role in meeting performance targets, while the refined shaft geometry and hull optimization aim to reduce noise and vibration under way. The platform is intended to offer confident coastal and cross-channel capability without moving into fully planing territory.
With the launch complete, Shine has now entered sea trials and final commissioning. Delivery is scheduled ahead of the summer cruising season.
Further Builds Underway at Van der Valk
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, Van der Valk currently has 5 yachts either in build or on order, including Shine. Due for delivery in 2027, the 31m Project Berlin pairs interior and exterior design by Guido de Groot Design with naval architecture from Diana Yacht Design. Built in aluminum with a semi-planing hull, she will reach 24 knots and accommodate six guests across three suites, including a full-beam owner’s stateroom on the main deck.
Looking further ahead, the 48m Project ZEN is scheduled for 2028 delivery. Also styled by Guido de Groot, with naval architecture by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the 499 GT aluminum yacht is designed for long-range cruising, targeting 4,400 nautical miles at 16 knots and hosting up to 12 guests in six suites. The 36m Jangada - launched in late 2025 and due for 2026 delivery - features a steel displacement hull by Ginton Naval Architects.
With Shine now afloat and progressing through sea trials, Van der Valk advances its largest project yet while reinforcing a growing custom order book across multiple size segments.
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