New Van der Valk 26m Raised Pilothouse close to completion
by Van Der Valk 9 Oct 2020 17:11 AEDT
New 26m Raised Pilothouse MY `Helga` © Van Der Valk
Progress is being made at the Van der Valk yard on a new 26-metre motoryacht in the Raised Pilothouse line. With delivery scheduled for later this year, the owners of Helga are looking forward to embarking on a maiden season of adventures in the Mediterranean region in 2021.
The fifth Raised Pilothouse model has been created as a family superyacht for the owners and their adult children. Like all boats in this range the layout and interior are fully customised to the client's specific preferences and requirements.
Close cooperation
A warm relationship with the owners has been at the heart of this project, which has taken our Raised Pilothouse to new heights of sophistication. The all-new interior for Helga revolves around their choice for a layout with a spacious main salon and large seating area in the wheelhouse, with a galley forward. The decision to place the dining facilities in the wheelhouse frees up space in the saloon for the sofas and chairs, enhancing the cosy family lounge feel.
The owner and guest suites are located amidships on the lower deck while good accommodations have been created for 3 crew members in the forepeak. The interior style features a blend of contemporary design with classic friendly details. The homely ambience is further complemented by the contrast between whitewashed oak and walnut.
Freedom of choice
"This project illustrates once again the versatility of the Raised Pilothouse concept," says designer Guido de Groot. "Owners have tremendous freedom to establish a set-up and style that completely matches their tastes and the way they intend to use the yacht. For Helga we explored in depth the various options for the interior, including the staircase leading up to the wheelhouse. This highly visible part of the yacht was the subject of various design iterations until the owners were totally satisfied. It is a genuine pleasure to see clients become so involved in this way."
The owners also made a series of modifications to the exterior, especially in relation to fine detailing. Examples include the transom gate doors and a range of additional stainless steel work in the aft swimming platform area. The large flybridge - always a very popular location on these yachts - has been optimised for the al fresco life and will house a rowing boat for off-boat adventures.
Propulsion power
Another choice that owners have with the Raised Pilothouse is between a Volvo Penta IPS system with counter-rotating forward-facing propellers or a shaft-driven propulsion system. The owners of Helga have opted for twin 12-cylinder MTU engines, giving an estimated top speed of 27 knots.
The broad range of options are a crucial part of the ongoing success of this Van der Valk line. Owners welcome the chance to choose between a large raised pilothouse or a somewhat smaller one paired with a larger lounge area and possibly a more expansive flybridge area. There is also the choice within this concept to place the master suite amidships, as is the case on Helga, or on the main deck.
Previous models in the Raised Pilothouse collection have ranged from 25 to 32 metres: read more about Jangada, Nicostasia, Mr Maverick and O Noso Uno via the links.