Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands has delivered the fourth yacht in its renowned Raised Pilothouse semi-custom range. The 26-metre Nicostasia was built for owners who had already enjoyed the experience of owning a Van der Valk motoryacht and now wanted to go larger and all-new. Featuring exterior and interior design from Guido de Groot and the highest standard of Dutch construction and engineering, Nicostasia is an impressive addition to the growing Van der Valk fleet.
The cooperation and coordination between the yard and the owners’ representatives during the design and construction of Nicostasia was seamless. As Van der Valk has ample experience with owners from their country, they were able to conduct all communications in their native language.
The overall design brief for Nicostasia was to create a cool-looking, smart-working family boat, thoroughly adapted to the clients’ wishes. The interior and exterior were both designed in partnership with Guido de Groot. Overall, the interior is typified by bright colours, with whitewashed oak as the principal material – the family had seen this colour scheme on several other Van der Valks and opted to reproduce the palette in an even lighter version. “The interior is quite elegant and minimalistic, yet clearly very functional and robust,” says Guido de Groot. “Nicostasia is a real family boat – the owners are delighted with her and spend lots of time on board.”
The lower deck hosts the main accommodations: the owner’s suite, which takes up the full 6.25-metre beam, two guest cabins, one to starboard and one to port, and a VIP cabin forward. All accommodations include ensuite bathrooms, with the owner’s suite being especially large and also featuring a walk-in wardrobe. The guest cabins are designed specifically for the children in the family, including in terms of décor choices, underlining the fact that Nicostasia is more a family boat than a typical yacht which is intended for charter.
The pièce de résistance of bespoke design on Nicostasia is the compact but state-of-the-art open galley integrated in the saloon. “Normally, of course, the saloon contains the dining space while the galley is located elsewhere in the boat,” says Guido de Groot. “But this family loves to socialise with guests while cooking, so they requested this one-of-a-kind feature.
“They also wanted to have as much natural light as possible in that area. The design allows as much sunlight as possible to reach this space from the oversized windows in the wheelhouse above by making the ceiling in the galley area spectacularly high. Another ingenious element is the extractor hood above the stove that doubles as a lighting fixture. Each of these components was quite complex to implement given that the passage between the sunbathing areas on the flybridge above is directly above the cooking island and the extractors. Only an expert yard like Van der Valk could have accomplished this so well.”
Nicostasia is Van der Valk’s fourth Raised Pilothouse, and while the boats in the series are characterised by tried-and-true exterior lines, there are a wide range of choices in terms of layout and interior architecture options.
“This has a lot to do with the optimised interior space of this particular "Raised Pilothouse" superstructure shape,” explains Yoeri Bijker, Marketing manager at Van der Valk Shipyard. “Some clients place the crew area on the main deck, while others prefer to have an on deck owners’ cabin there instead. The Raised Pilothouse concept offers a great deal of flexibility and its classic flare generates a very elegant appearance. It also gives the vessel a timeless look, ideal for owners who are less enthusiastic about today’s typical straight bows without a lot of flare.”
Nicostasia’s layout includes a graceful elevated wheelhouse position and a wide-open main deck area forward. The flybridge deck boasts an outdoor helm station as well as sun loungers, a wet bar with fridge, wine cabinet and ice maker to port, and a U-shaped lounge dinette settee to starboard. This is also where the 4.45-metre tender and the waverunner are located.
The yacht also has some unique exterior components: for instance, the main deck and the pilothouse are connected with chic floating steel stairs in polished stainless steel which combine with the split-level wheelhouse arrangement to provide a natural flow. She is also characterised by an unusual and lovely grey metallic hull colour, with stylish dark blackout areas and striping.
Nicostasia has a conventional shaft propulsion system, with twin MTU 10V 2000 M93 engines of 1502 hp each which provide a maximum speed of some 25 knots. She is equipped with a 30kW Electric 96V DC 3 phase bow- and stern thruster, and two 26kW Northern Lights PX332K2 auxiliary engines (generators). An electric Seakeeper 26 gyroscopic stabilising system optimises comfort for passengers and crew.
Currently berthed in Montenegro, Nicostasia will cruise the Adriatic Sea for the time being – possibly from a permanent base in Croatia. Eventually her owners will criss-cross the Mediterranean in a superyacht built entirely to their specifications.
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025