Feadship Launches Valor: Megayacht Built to Sail to the Ends of the Earth

With the launch of Valor, Feadship sets a new benchmark in the evolution of sustainable and exploratory yachting. Measuring 79.50 metres, the steel hull of Feadship 715 was designed for remote cruising, offering oceanic range and a technical specification capable of tackling even the Northwest Passage. After being transferred from the Slob shipyard in Papendrecht to the De Vries facility in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands, the yacht is now in the final stages of outfitting and preparing for her sea trials. Her public debut is scheduled for the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.

Commissioned by a repeat Feadship client, Valor features a bold exterior designed by De Voogt Naval Architects, with a vertical, military-inspired bow echoing the iconic profile of historic Dreadnought warships. This choice gives the yacht a commanding and contemporary appearance, while also improving hydrodynamic efficiency. The vessel is laid out across four main decks, with a forward helipad, a generous aft deck with an infinity pool, and spacious areas for entertainment and relaxation.

"The owner had three key requirements," explained designer Chris Bottom. "He wanted a yacht that stood out completely. No tiered wedding-cake shapes or soft curves — it had to be unique, even recognisable from space."

The interiors, crafted by Bannenberg & Rowell, blend natural materials such as wood, stone, metal, and glass in a refined and uncompromising aesthetic. The décor fuses vintage elegance with contemporary craftsmanship, featuring exceptional pieces from renowned artisans like George Nakashima, Linley, Pollaro, and Silver Lining. Among the standout details are Linley’s custom billet titanium dining chairs for the outdoor spaces, and a monumental staircase comprising 48,001 individual bronze and stone components.

In the main saloon, two stacks of American-made McIntosh stereo equipment — complete with turntable and a curated vinyl selection — pay homage to analogue sound in a high-tech context.

The owner’s suite is located on the upper deck and includes a panoramic forward-facing cabin with helideck views, a walk-in wardrobe, private office, and an outdoor lounge area with Jacuzzi. Guest accommodation includes seven suites (six on the main deck), a sky lounge, a gym on the bridge deck, a wellness-equipped beach club, two Jacuzzis, and both formal and informal dining areas for fourteen guests.

The owner’s deck includes widened bulwarks that conceal a grassed relief area with a shower — designed specifically for the owner’s three Golden Retrievers. This detail exemplifies the deep level of customisation throughout the project.

Valor is equipped with an advanced hybrid propulsion system developed under Feadship’s FAED (Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive) programme. Instead of conventional main engines and auxiliary generators, the yacht uses four variable-speed, high-efficiency generators connected to a DC power grid, supported by a lithium-ion battery bank rated at 5.34 MWh — over five times the capacity of the iconic Savannah.

Mounted on her mast is a high-efficiency array of interconnected photovoltaic panels, powering onboard systems and enabling zero-emission navigation. In full electric mode, Valor can operate silently and emission-free for up to 48 hours. Additional trials will be conducted using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel, with potential carbon emission reductions of up to 90%.

Propulsion is provided by twin Schottel EcoPeller azimuthing thrusters, assisted by a symmetrical-thrust Rim-Drive bow thruster, while stability is ensured by a Quantum package combining XT fins with MAGlift technology.

The hull of Valor includes a four-metre reinforced steel ice belt (two metres above and below the waterline), designed to withstand impacts with floating ice and built to Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 standards, making her suitable for Arctic navigation. Yet Valor is not limited to polar exploration: her luxurious and versatile outdoor areas also make her ideal for warmer destinations — from Borneo to Tasmania — as envisioned by her owner.

©PressMare - All rights reserved