Van der Valk: Launches its largest yacht

In March 2026, the 39.92 metre motor yacht "Shine" was launched at Van der Valk in Waalwijk. The yacht, built under the project name EVO, is the Dutch shipyard's largest vessel to date. The naming ceremony was attended by the owners, craftsmen, representatives of the design and engineering teams and Owner's Representative Thom Conboy, who brought the owners together with Van der Valk. The exterior design is by Cristiano Gatto Design, based on an original concept by SFG Design. Cristiano Gatto Design developed the layout and interior design and later refined the deck areas and exterior lines for a coherent overall aesthetic.

From concept to 40-metre yacht

"The project started with a preliminary concept of about 36 metres, based on a profile by SFG Design, while the clients were looking for an interior designer for the layout and style," explains Cristiano Gatto, founder of Cristiano Gatto Design. The first meeting took place during the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2023. There they discussed furniture, including a collection that Gatto was designing at the time. This shared interest created a strong bond that developed into the concept for today's 40-metre yacht.

Gatto's design team focussed on harmonising the interior architecture with the sporty exterior profile. "With its dynamic lines, it clearly expresses performance," says Gatto. "The interior had to feel sophisticated while maintaining a visual dialogue with the exterior design."

Performance with MTU drive

Performance was another key priority. "Shine" has a round bilge displacement hull that was refined by Ginton Naval Architects. Combined with a lightweight aluminium construction and two MTU 16V2000 engines, the yacht is designed to achieve a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed in the 20-knot range. "When we joined the project in 2023, two major challenges were immediately clear," says Jaron Ginton, owner of Ginton Naval Architects. "There was a maximum width restriction of 8.50 metres due to canal lock restrictions, while the yacht also had to meet the requirements for unrestricted navigation." Extensive computational fluid dynamics studies helped to refine the hull form.

After launching, "Shine" will undergo sea trials and final commissioning before being handed over in time for the summer season. The yacht marks a milestone for the Waalwijk shipyard. Further information: Van der Valk