Van der Valk’s fleet is expanding with the addition of the 35m all-aluminium tri-deck explorer Samba in mid-2025.
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Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands will add the 35-metre Samba to its growing fleet in the middle of 2025. This all-aluminium tri-deck explorer, custom-built in collaboration with the owners and Guido de Groot, has been designed as a residence at sea for a family planning extended stays onboard.
Taking inspiration from Van der Valk’s Lady Lene, the owners requested expansive outdoor leisure spaces, including an aft deck with a relaxation lounge and formal dining area.
The yacht also features a beach club with a chill-out zone, a sauna, a steam room, and laundry facilities. A large transformer platform allows for easy water access, and sliding doors in the bridge deck saloon ensure a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas.
The yacht’s engineering is based on the platform developed for Lady Lene, featuring a fast-displacement hull and twin MAN 1450 hp engines with an expected top speed of around 17 knots.
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“The owners of Samba have chosen to make the most of the engineering and naval architecture package we developed for Lady Lene,” says Yoeri Bijker, Van der Valk’s head of sales and marketing.
“Leveraging on a proven-in-practice platform in this way is a highly efficient way of building while offering total freedom to customise above the waterline.”
The exterior design, featuring a forward mast, was developed by Guido de Groot in collaboration with the owners, with a focus on rhythmic lines and sculptural elements. The balconies near the wheelhouse provide the captain with excellent views for manoeuvring and enhance the yacht’s appearance.
“As the renderings illustrate, Samba’s exterior profile will have a distinctive explorer-like look and feel with a forward mast,” says Bijker.
De Groot explains: “We have deployed extensive 3D modelling throughout the design phases to give the owners a true sense of how Samba will look and feel when completed. This project is an enjoyable challenge and it is a pleasure to work with clients so invested in their yacht on a personal level.”
The interior design and layout will also reflect the family ambience onboard Samba. “Warm earthy tones will generate a lived-in feel with respect to detailing; never fancy or flashy, the yacht will have a pretty and practical style,” says De Groot. “Superior finishing will be combined with durability in a relaxed and calm environment that will be very pleasing on the eye.”
Safety, comfort, and convenience were key considerations in the yacht’s design. A central staircase featuring a single large column connects all decks and optimises movement. The galley has been designed with ample workspace and ceiling-embedded air extractors to prevent the spread of cooking aromas. The master stateroom on the main deck includes an office and a large bathroom with sliding doors to maximise space.
The lower deck features two VIP and two twin suites, each with its own entrance lobbies. Three crew cabins are located in the bow, separated from the guest area by a watertight bulkhead. The captain’s cabin, located near the wheelhouse, includes an office and ample storage space.
“Samba is an excellent example of why people who appreciate a bespoke building process choose to work with us and Van der Valk,” says De Groot.
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