Dutch boutique shipyard Van der Valk has launched its largest yacht to date, the 39.92-metre Project EVO, at its facilities in Waalwijk, the Netherlands. The yacht was officially christened MY Shine during a launch ceremony attended by her owners, the craftsmen who brought the project to life, representatives from the design and engineering teams, owner’s representative Thom Conboy, who introduced the owners to Van der Valk, and other members of the project team.

Exterior styling for Shine was developed by Cristiano Gatto Design, based on an original concept by SFG Design that initially captured the owners’ attention. Cristiano Gatto Design was appointed to develop the general arrangement and interior design, later refining deck areas and contributing to the evolution of the exterior lines to ensure a cohesive overall aesthetic.

“The project began with a preliminary concept of around 36 metres based on a profile drawn by SFG Design, while the clients were searching for an interior designer to develop the layout and style,” says Cristiano Gatto, founder of Cristiano Gatto Design. “We met during the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2023 and started discussing furniture, including a collection I was designing at the time. That shared interest created a strong connection, and from there we were able to shape the concept into the 40-metre yacht she is today.”

A central part of the brief was to keep the yacht within an owner-friendly size, as the owner prefers to drive his own vessels, while achieving the level of finish expected on much larger yachts. “The goal was not simply to build a boat,” Gatto explains. “The owner wanted a micro-megayacht built to the same standards as a 60- or 70-metre project. The result exceeded my expectations.”

Gatto’s design team focused on aligning the interior architecture with the yacht’s sporty exterior profile. “With her dynamic lines, she clearly expresses performance,” says Gatto. “The interior needed to feel sophisticated while maintaining a visual dialogue with the exterior design.”

The result is an interior defined by craftsmanship and material richness, featuring approximately 78 different materials, including ebony wood and fine leather finishes. Custom furniture pieces that helped inspire the project are integrated throughout the yacht.

Performance was another key priority. Shine features a round-bilge, fast displacement hull refined by Ginton Naval Architects. Combined with lightweight aluminium construction and twin MTU 16V2000 engines, the yacht is expected to achieve a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed in the low 20-knot range.

“When we joined the project in 2023, two major challenges were immediately clear,” says Jaron Ginton, principal of Ginton Naval Architects. “There was a maximum beam restriction of 8.50 metres due to canal lock limitations, while the yacht also needed to meet the requirements for unrestricted navigation.” Extensive computational fluid dynamics studies helped refine the hull form, while innovations such as outboard placed rudders allowed for a shallower shaft angle, reducing vibration and improving onboard comfort.

Diana Yacht Design supported the project with structural engineering, integrating the exterior styling, interior layout and fast-displacement hull into a cohesive structure.

“The aft section was particularly complex,” says Casper Marelis, Designer and Naval Architect at Diana Yacht Design. “The transformer multifunctional swim platform, outboard rudders, aft transom door and two drop-down balconies all needed to be incorporated seamlessly into the profile. At the same time, large main-deck windows and an open interior layout reduced the number of structural support points, which required careful engineering.”

The team developed solutions that preserved both structural integrity and ease of use, including seamless access between the side terraces and aft platform. “The level of detail throughout the project is exceptional,” Marelis adds.

“From the earliest discussions with the owners and design team, it was clear this project would push boundaries in both design, engineering, and craftmanship” says Yoeri Bijker, Commercial Director at Van der Valk. “Shine stands out as a refined and highly capable 40-metre yacht, combining sleek exterior lines with a carefully considered interior and versatile layout. As the largest yacht launched by Van der Valk to date, she reflects the skill and dedication of every department within our shipyard.”

Following her launch, Shine will undergo sea trials and final commissioning ahead of delivery in time for the summer season.