Dutch shipbuilder Van der Valk has begun construction on its largest and most ambitious yacht to date, the 48-metre Project ZEN (yard number WV0149). The fully custom aluminium yacht brings together the styling expertise of Guido de Groot Design and the technical innovation of Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Commissioned by an experienced owner, the project represents a major step forward for the yard, combining elegance, efficiency, and family-orientated functionality.
The yacht began life as a 36-metre concept based on the owner’s desire for an intimate family vessel that still offered all the comforts of a larger yacht. As the design evolved, so did its size. First extending to 38 metres, then 40, and eventually reaching 47.8 metres as new features were added and spatial needs refined. Technical director Bram Kooltjes said the growth was a natural process as the team sought to include all the desired elements without compromising design or performance.
The hull is based on Van Oossanen’s Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), known for its balance between speed and range. Initially created for the earlier 36-metre design, it was later re-engineered to suit the 47.8-metre structure. The yacht is expected to reach a top speed of around 17.5 knots, cruise comfortably at 16 knots, and achieve a transpacific range of 4,400 nautical miles at 10 knots. A Hull Vane foil beneath the stern further enhances performance by reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
According to Guido de Groot, efficiency was a driving factor throughout the project. The owner wanted a hull shape that would allow for smaller engines and maximise range, prioritising long, elegant lines over raw speed, a decision that also complements the yacht’s refined styling.
Taking inspiration from the owner’s love of sports cars, the exterior will feature a sleek, metallic finish that enhances its low, streamlined form. Despite its aerodynamic appearance, Project ZEN will offer a substantial interior volume of 499 gross tonnes. The design has been developed around an active, family-orientated lifestyle, with the owner deeply involved in every creative decision, even requesting visual renderings from a swimmer’s perspective to see how the yacht would look from the water.
The aft deck opens onto a spacious sea terrace with fold-down bulwarks on three sides and retractable, self-levelling swim stairs for quick access to the sea. Just forward lies a garage equipped for a full range of water toys, including eFoils, Seabobs, and wakeboards, ensuring effortless family fun on the water.
Inside, the main deck has been designed around the social and culinary habits of the owners. A bright, open country kitchen acts as the heart of the yacht, merging a dining space with a show galley that can be used by both crew and guests. De Groot explains that dining together is a central part of the family’s routine, and this area will see more use than the traditional main salon.
Forward on the main deck, the full-beam owner’s suite connects to a versatile wellness zone, featuring a gym to port and a yoga room to starboard, each with large sliding glass doors opening directly to the outside. Arno de Wit, project manager at Van der Valk, noted that the space provides exceptional ventilation and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. It can function either as part of the owner’s private suite or as a shared area for guests. This addition, he said, was one of the key reasons the yacht’s overall length increased during development.
A defining feature of Project ZEN is its sense of openness and flow, with wide staircases, expansive windows, and generous circulation areas throughout. De Groot describes the design as one that “maintains a close connection to the sea”, with a relaxed, easy-to-navigate layout that avoids the feeling of confinement. The interior style is still being finalised but is expected to combine casual sophistication with practical, homelike comfort. Despite the yacht’s scale, the owner plans to remain closely involved and hands-on in its operation, maintaining the personal touch of a smaller vessel.
“Project ZEN will be the largest yacht we’ve built to date and, more importantly, will exemplify everything a Van der Valk stands for. Crafted to the highest Dutch standards, she will showcase our ability to deliver a true custom design, developed from the ground up in close collaboration with the owners. Throughout the process, we’ve adapted every detail to reflect their vision, resulting in a truly bespoke dream yacht.”
– Bram Kooltjes, technical director at Van der Valk.
Construction of Project ZEN is now underway, with delivery scheduled for Q2 2028.
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