When we launched the all-custom explorer Pilot last year we instantly knew that this blend of highly innovative owner requirements was a very special boat indeed. The Van der Valk craftsmen worked tirelessly with exterior designer Cor D. Rover, interior designers André Fu and Cor D. Rover and the naval architects from Ginton Naval Architects and Diana Yacht Design to create a 34-metre masterpiece for a client who knew exactly what he wished to achieve.

Combining astonishing looks with an exceptional volume for a 34-metre yacht of 295 gross tonnes, her colour palette of castle tan and stark white heightens the sense of sophistication. And, as the icing on the cake for all this work, the Pilot has now been nominated for the 2024 World Superyacht Awards in the ‘Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m’ category.

She faces stiff competition from five other fine vessels but we are already very much looking forward to the WSA ceremony in early May in Venice when the independent judges panel of current and former superyacht owners will announce the winner.

Van der Valk is honoured to be on quite a roll when it comes to winning awards in recent times. Blue Jeans took home a prestigious trophy at last year’s World Superyachts Awards in Istanbul as you can read here. Lady Lene won a major prize for her interior at the 2023 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards, and last September saw the EDGE 65 triumph at the World Yacht Trophies in Cannes as Best Custom motoryacht.