Imagine owning not just one, but three luxurious yachts, each bearing the same cherished name. That's the reality for the owner of the newly launched Jangada, a stunning 35.9-meter custom yacht from the renowned Dutch shipyard Van der Valk. This isn't just any yacht launch; it's the latest chapter in a story of collaboration, innovation, and a growing family's love for the sea. But here's where it gets intriguing: this Jangada is more than just a vessel; it's a testament to the evolving needs of its owner, who has outgrown previous 25-meter and 32-meter versions, the latter of which was even nominated for a World Superyacht Award in 2020.
Van der Valk, known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, has once again delivered a masterpiece. The new Jangada, built at their Waalwijk facilities, is set to begin sea trials soon, marking the culmination of a project that addresses both the owner's expanding family and structural changes to their home berth in the glamorous Bay of St Tropez. To meet the owner's request for enhanced comfort, the shipyard opted for a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, paired with extensive sound insulation to minimize noise and vibration—a feature that’s sure to make life onboard even more serene.
But here’s the part most people miss: this yacht isn’t just about luxury; it’s about adaptability. Designed with a growing family in mind, Jangada boasts a family-friendly layout that includes a full-beam owner’s suite forward of the main deck and customized cabins on the lower deck for the owner’s children and grandchildren. The interiors are a blend of whitewashed wood details and architectural functionality, creating a space that’s both elegant and practical.
Standout features? How about a dedicated gym, ceilings soaring 2.6 meters high, and a jet-stream pool on the flybridge that measures 4.5 meters long and 1.5 meters deep—perfect for relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. And let’s not forget the collaboration behind this beauty: designers Nick Top and Guido de Groot worked closely with the shipyard to bring the owner’s vision to life, just as they did with the first Jangada in 2015, which inspired several notable projects for other clients.
The hull arrived in Waalwijk in August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the build process. Meanwhile, Van der Valk’s pipeline is bustling, with four yachts currently on order or under construction, including their largest custom superyacht to date—the 47.8-meter Project Zen.
But here’s the controversial question: As yachts grow larger and more customized, are we losing the essence of what makes sailing intimate and personal? Or is this evolution simply a reflection of our desire to share the sea with those we love most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For now, Jangada stands as a shining example of what’s possible when vision, craftsmanship, and family come together. To learn more about Van der Valk’s latest projects, including the groundbreaking Project Zen, click the link below.
Read More/Van der Valk begins construction on largest custom build to date
