Yachts Middle East

Tag: Guido de Groot

RÉN: THE AUTONOMOUS SEMI-SWATH SUPER YACHT

Rén (Chinese for ‘benevolence’) is the result of a master thesis by Karel Nguyen initiated at the Delft University of Technology in cooperation with Guido de Groot Design. The goal of this project was to design an advanced yachting concept tailored to the future Chinese elite.

The fictional client of Rén, named ‘Jasmin’ (originally ‘Jiaying’), is a 34 years old self-made billionaire, married, and has two children. Having reached a peak in her career, her new goals are to focus more on her children, educating the next generation, and helping society. Jasmin believes that yachting can help her achieving her new goals. As a strong believer of ‘Responsible yachting’, the purpose of Rén is to enjoy leisure time with family and friends, organise social events, initiate maritime research projects to restore local waters, and to help coastal disaster areas during the typhoon season.

Regarding these scenarios, the semi-SWATH hull was chosen, due to its excellent sea keeping abilities, static and dynamic stability, and its large usable areas on board. With 2 diesel-electric propulsion systems and 4 supportive gen sets, Rén can cruise fully electric in protected areas and diesel-electric for a boost to avoid storms.

Main features for the owner are the social deck, which can host 36 people to have dinner and 70-100 people for receptions, the health deck with relaxation area and growing garden, and the aft beach lounge. Research areas are provided on the lower deck, with extra cabins, laboratories, office and cooled storage. All situated close to the tender launch for quick access to ocean equipments. For rescue missions there is a ROV drone, touch-and-go heli pad, and rescue tenders.

April 7, 2017
Van der valk experience event 23-26 MARCH 2017

We are happy to announce that we will again be hosting our annual Van der Valk Experience Event this March, giving you a first-hand insight into both our yard and the projects currently under construction.

Highlights will include the hull of the first yacht in our innovative new BeachClub line, offering an unprecedented amount of space indoors and out. You will also be able to take a first look inside our brand-new 42-metre construction hall, which will be completed later in the spring. We’ll also be marking the golden jubilee of the Van der Valk yard so make sure you join us from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 March.

The doors will swing open at 10.30 and close when the last person leaves! Drinks and a buffet will be available, while relaxing music accompanies you as you wander at leisure throughout the yard. All the current projects below will be accessible and available for viewing:

18M Van der Valk – Flybridge
2 x 23M Van der Valk – Flybridge
27M Van der Valk – Flybridge
2 x 26M Van der Valk – Raised Pilothouse
24M Van der Valk – Explorer (Trawler) (available, can be delivered this year)
20M Van der Valk – Aft Cabin
19M Van der Valk – BeachClub 600 (hull construction)

Personal meetings with designers Guido de Groot and Cor de Rover and naval architect Jaron Ginton are available upon request. Please inform us in advance if you’d like to make an appointment.

Click here for more info

February 23, 2017
AN OUTSTANDING INTERIOR FOR MY “GREY FALCON”

The new 23 metre Continental Two “Grey Falcon” has a serene and sophisticated interior. Designed by Guido de Groot, her interior is a blend of contemporary design with a few classic flourishes.

The yacht has carefully integrated technology and well thought out use of storage. The entertainment and furniture elements form part of a cohesive whole, with forms flowing from one into another. For example, the flat screen television and the Bowers and Wilkins speakers are placed into the side tables next to the sofa, all in a single arrangement. The dashboard extends and becomes an integral part of the well equipped galley, which in turn manages to include two wine coolers. The dining table can accommodate larger groups of guests and there has been careful consideration for storage with a number of clever solutions.

The master stateroom, VIP and guest cabins provide comfortable accommodation for up to six guests, whilst the crew area, which boasts a crew mess, has two berths. The master cabin is a large open plan space, though it naturally has a separate toilet.

The Continental Two’s interior uses a pale grey palette of colours (suitable for a yacht named “Grey Falcon”), prominent amongst which was the choice of a very elegant grey oak. Complimenting this are attractive details using Alcantara, real suede, granite plus a combo of wenge flooring and high gloss Palissander woods.

The design team has chosen to include a number of geometrical shapes, which add visual interest, with the overall effect being one of warm, inviting modernity.

September 30, 2016
MORE THAN JUST A NAME

Guido de Groot’s studio does not only design luxury yacht exteriors and interiors. From time to time the design office is asked to take on other kinds of projects and offer services to complement their core disciplines. Characteristically one such service comes in the form of graphic design, mainly of yacht logos and accompanying nameplates.

Normally, a yacht will proudly display her name on her transom and on her side along with her registered home port. However, her logo may also be included in a plethora of items ranging from towels, linen, cutlery, crockery, glassware, stationery and crew uniforms as a way of creating a coherent identity for the yacht. We believe that the design of each one of the logos illustrated capture the essence of the yacht exterior and interior design.

September 28, 2016
VIVANTE 73 BY JETTEN SHIPYARD

The Vivante 73 is a 22.5m fast-displacement aluminium motor yacht, currently under construction at the Jetten Shipyard in the Netherlands. Her graceful exterior lines are by Guido de Groot, as is her interior design. Construction is a coordinated effort between Vivante Yachts and the Jetten shipyard, with the latter also fitting her interior out. Her naval architecture was done by Van Oossanen.

Designed as a family yacht, but primarily aimed at experienced yacht owners; she is thoroughly practical and planned for use all year round. She features, for instance, a fully integrated sliding Bimini cover with a wrap around awning which completely encloses the aft area, allowing her to be used in colder climates and all seasons.

Her interior is both modern and inviting. She features a full beam master cabin on her lower deck along with two identical cabins planned mainly for use by children, with ample space for toys and kitted out with gaming consoles.

Thanks to her ‘Fast Displacement Hull Form’ her performance is a very respectable 27.5 knots achieved by the use of her twin Scania DI-16 engines. The Vivante 73 benefits from the use of twin gyros and an interceptor system, which greatly enhance her stability, coordinated control of trim, list and turn. The deployment of this technology and her no-nonsense design make her a very comfortable, practical and livable yacht.

September 26, 2016
SERENITAS. “IT’S LIFE JIM, BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT”

Every now and then as a studio we are able to take on a project that is quite unconventional. It is one of the aspects of our job that makes it so interesting. Serenitas is one such project. Serenitas’ interior is a real departure from the Guido de Groot Design office in terms of her design language, but the studio was happy to boldly go where they had not been before…

Describing her interior poses a little challenge. Guido admits that the studio sought inspiration from the interiors of the very first series of Star Trek, a popular science fiction TV programme of the 1970’s. “We took a close look at the interior of the original Enterprise space ship, and looked at re-creating some of the retro-futuristic elements.” The result is an interior that has modern soft shapes for the furniture with the purpose of making an interior that is friendly in nature. “We also selected light coloured marbles in blue and white to give a fresh and calm feeling, combined with grey and blue leathers and white lacquer finishes.”

The 32m motor yacht is currently being built in Turkey at the Mengi Yay shipyard under the supervision of Yacht Marine. She is to be delivered to her owners in 2017. Beam us up Scotty.

September 24, 2016
VANQUISH YACHTS: ATTAINING THE NEXT LEVEL

Vanquish yachts is a brand that offers a very full spectrum of designs, ranging from the VQ16 (waverunner/tender) right up to the VQ90 Veloce, an all aluminium thrilling beast of a vessel. The latter’s name gives a clear indication of her staggering high-speed capabilities. The complete range is characterized by spectacular levels of performance and exciting styling; a product of the collaboration between Vanquish Yachts and Guido de Groot Design.

The VQ48 by Vanquish Yachts is the first of this exciting series of “Pure Power” vessels. She offers awe-inspiring acceleration, immense agility and excellent sea keeping thanks to her hull developed by Studio Delta. Her clean and unfussy lines are characteristic of Guido de Groot’s design office. The complete Vanquish range is linked by sharing similar looking hull forms and detailing, making them instantly recognisable.

Almost simultaneous to the construction of the VQ48 are the first models of the VQ16 Waverunner/Tender, currently receiving their finishing touches at the yard. This compact craft has very nimble handling; she handles much like you would expect a marine equivalent of a go-kart to. She looks dynamic and is so too, offering the performance expected of the brand. The intention is that this tender can be configured and specified to match the colours and trim of the “mother-ship”; a way to make them instantly familiar and visually linked to the larger Vanquish yacht.

Last, but by no means least (quite the contrary in fact) is the VQ90 Veloce. This range-topping vessel, built entirely in aluminium, has a sleek and elegant exterior profile, the manoeuvrability of a vessel a third smaller and a swiftness that seldom is found in vessels of her size and kind. She will be capable of electrifying speeds in excess of 55 knots, achieved by the use of three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines coupled to Arneson Surface drives and an optimised hull. When the VQ90 Veloce is built she will be one of the ten fastest yachts of her size in the world.

September 23, 2016
Two beautiful VAN DER VALKs on show in Cannes

With just one week to go before the Cannes Yachting Festival opens its doors on 6 September, the VAN DER VALK team is very much looking forward to this fantastic boat show.

After the success of last year, we’re delighted to present two of the latest members of the VAN DER VALK fleet. The Continental Two Grey Falcon and Continental Three Jangada will be on display on the Super Yacht Extension at berth number SYE039. We will also have a dedicated lounge tent next to the yachts at SYE228, ready to welcome you and discuss how VAN DER VALK might be of service.

As we sit down for a morning coffee or cool drink, the view will certainly be inspiring. With an exterior designed in-house and an interior by Guido de Groot, Grey Falcon is the 19th Continental Two we’ve launched to date and – with a top speed of 32 knots – one of the fastest. The 25-metre Jangada is the second Continental Three and her design was created in close cooperation with Nick Top, Guido de Groot and the experienced owner.

Both these superyachts have distinctive designs and showcase the many options available from a VAN DER VALK. We look forward to meeting you in Cannes any time from Tuesday 6 September to Sunday 11 September. If you’d like to make an appointment, please feel free to email or call us.

See you in Cannes!

August 30, 2016
Van der Valk receives order for third Continental Three

Van der Valk in the Netherlands has been commissioned to build a new Continental Three semi-custom motoryacht. This is the third order for this successful new line which, features a distinctive design by Guido de Groot. Like all Continental Three builds, this 26-metre superyacht will combine an overall modern appearance with subtle classic touches and include various unique features chosen by her owners. It is due for completion in 2016.

One of the specific characteristics of this latest new Continental Three will be a custom mast ensuring the vertical clearance is lower than six metres in order to suit the preferred sailing regions of the client. In addition, the yacht has an extended hydraulic tender launching platform which will double as a beach lounge and a swim platform. Housing the tender in the stern area will enable the flybridge to be kept free for other functions. The interior of this impressive new Continental Three will be mainly realised in teak and other woods to create a classic ambiance, with lots of rounded shapes adding to the sense of elegance.

Private relaxation
The spacious flybridge offers an outdoor steering position and two L-shaped sofas for dining. Distinctive relaxation areas will ensure optimal privacy. Two large sunbeds will be placed, one in front of the steering position and the other on the roof of the master stateroom, accessible via the foredeck. There will also be two lounge seats near the anchors. The wet bar behind the helm seat and a barbecue at the aft part of the flybridge will make the whole boat ideal for al fresco entertaining.

The yacht’s main deck includes a large eight-person table for outdoor dining on the aft deck which also gives access to the flybridge. Beautifully crafted foldable stainless steel doors will open up to the spacious saloon, which will offer stunning views all around.

Spectacular views
Another standout feature of the Continental Three is its raised pilothouse, which is centrally located on the main deck. The master suite is situated forward and offers spectacular panoramic views from its high location. The clear separation from the guests areas also enhances privacy levels for the owners. In addition to a comfortable double king bed, it includes an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, a seating and office area as well as plenty of storage space.

The lower deck includes three guest cabins, all of which are ensuite: two double VIP cabins aft and one central guest cabin with two Pullman’s which accommodates four people. This deck also features a utility storage room with cooler/freezer department, and a laundry area in the corridor. The crew area, located further forward, has two crew cabins as well as a crew mess, shower and head.

Technical specifications of the new Continental Three include two MTU engines with a maximum of 1502 hp each, a 45 hp hydraulic bowthruster and a 35 hp hydraulic sternthruster. The estimated maximum speed is 25 knots, with a cruising speed of 20 knots. In addition, the yacht has a Naiad 302 fin stabilisation system and two 26kW Northern Lights generators on board.

Van der Valk – Continental Yachts has been constructing both steel and aluminium motor yachts since 1968. The family-owned shipyard is located in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, with founder Wim van der Valk still a driving force behind the company. The yard offers its semi-custom Continental series of motoryachts, the layout, interior and style of which can be customised according to clients’ special needs and wishes.

July 25, 2016
Van der Valk launches Continental Two Grey Falcon 32 knots of power and a Guido de Groot interior

Van der Valk in the Netherlands has delivered the 23-metre aluminium motoryacht Grey Falcon. With an exterior profile designed in-house and an interior from the boards of Guido de Groot, the 19th member of the Continental Two family is one of the fastest built to date by this leading Dutch yard.

Grey Falcon’s stylish exterior style is traditionally Mediterranean, with lots of space on the decks. She has no radar mast bracket – instead she features only a boom, allowing full freedom of movement on the flybridge. The large main deck aft features a large seating area and several seats with beautiful views all around, as well as a substantial dining area. There is a steering position outside on the flybridge, with a spacious daybed adjacent and a mini wet bar to port. All of these al fresco spaces make Grey Falcon a delightful place to relax during the day and on long summer evenings.

Thanks to her triple third-generation Volvo Penta IPS 1050 engines, Grey Falcon is one of the fastest vessels ever built by Van der Valk, and will clock a maximum speed of 32 knots.
She also contains a wealth of other smoothly integrated technological elements, including twin 26 kW Northern Lights generators. There are two electrically adjustable seats at the helm, and the suede-lined dashboard comprises comprehensive navigational equipment by SIMRAD.

A fine blend
Grey Falcon’s interior is a fine combination of the modern and classic, with a smooth flowing transition between the various components. It is characterised by a pale colour palette based on elegant grey washed oak, counterbalanced by darker elements of granite, suede and Alcantara, and dark wengé floors. The interior comprises many geometric shapes, generating a sleek contemporary appearance without subtracting from its warmth.

The lounge area provides a cosy setup of multiple settees, as well as a seat by the renowned Italian brand Promemoria. Bowers & Wilkins speakers are incorporated into side tables next to the settee, providing superb sound. The dinette to starboard centres on a table in high-gloss lacquered Palisander hardwood. This is continued in the dashboard to port, which extends into the adjacent, well-equipped galley with Corian countertops. The dining table can easily accommodate large groups.

Luxurious suites
The main corridor on the lower deck connects to the luxurious guest accommodations, which provide comfortable room for six in one master, one VIP and one twin guest cabin. The full-beam master suite includes an office, a vanity table and lots of lockers and closet space, as well as a spacious full-beam bathroom with striking granite elements. The adjacent crew area consists of two berths, a pantry, mess and dedicated bathroom.

Another Continental Two yacht is currently under construction for an experienced owner. This 27-metre version features a fast displacement hull design and will be launched in the spring of 2017.

Continental Two 23M MY Grey Falcon’s basic specifications

Project number: WV0110
Hull: Aluminum (AlMg4.5Mn – H321)
Superstructure: Aluminum (AlMg4.5Mn – H111)
Hull form: Hard Chine, Semi Displacement
Classification: CE-A (ocean)
Length over all: 23.20m
Length waterline: 18.48m
Beam moulded: 5.40m
Beam over all: 5.60m
Draft full loaded: 1.80m
Fuel capacity total: 10.000 L
Fresh water capacity: 1.600 L
Sewage: 800 L
Exterior design: Van der Valk – Continental Yachts
Interior design: Guido de Groot Design
Naval architecture: Van der Valk – Continental Yachts
Main engine: 3x Volvo Penta IPS-1050 D13-800 588kW @ 2.300rpm
Reduction gear: Reduction 1,99:1
Generators: 1x 26 kW Northern Lights 400V – 1x 26 kW Northern Lights 400V
Stabilizers: Rotorswing 140
Maximum speed: 32.00 knots (approx.)
Cruising speed: 25.00 knots (approx.)
Range at displ. cruising (11,2kn): 810 Nautical miles

July 15, 2016