In its Golden Jubilee year, Van der Valk’s 2017 ‘Experience’ event was a hot ticket.

March 23-26 saw the latest edition of Dutch shipyard Van der Valk’s annual Experience Event. The event gives Van der Valk owners and potential clients a comprehensive look behind the scenes to see the yard’s latest projects under construction. This year marked half a century of operation for Van der Valk, and the quality of the work on display showcased an emphasis heritage while also looking very much to the future.

This year’s enthusiastic were treated to an up-close and personal tour of the yard. Highlights included the hull of the first yacht in the heavily-anticipated new “BeachClub” line. Drinks and food were provided, and visitors enjoyed relaxing music while wandering around at their leisure. The event concluded with an evening reception to celebrate Van der Valk’s golden jubilee.

Visitors were also invited to a viewing of the yard’s brand new production hall, a new development that will enable Van der Valk to build motoryachts over 40 meters in length with up to three decks. The roof and walls of the new hall were finished in time for the Experience Event and the rest is due for completion this spring.

Under construction and available for viewing were four Flybridge yachts (one 18-meter, one 27-meter and two 23-meters), two 26-meter Raised Pilothouse yachts, one 25-meter Explorer, four Aft Cabin yachts (one 15m, one 19m and two 20-meters) and one 19-meter “BeachClub” 600. Visitors also personally connected with some of the creative minds behind the yachts, including naval architect Jaron Ginton and the designers Guido de Groot and Cor de Rover.

For more information: wimvandervalk.com