First introduced in 2010 and regularly updated, Van der Valk’s Flybridge range remains very popular today. Its elegant appearance, outstanding quality and state-of-the-art technology have stood the test of time, and the yachts are renowned for their excellent value retention. The 23-metre version was launched eight years ago and ten have been built to date. This versatile model is equally suited for families, lone yachtsmen and sailing with a crew.
Remote monitoring
Joy’s owner hails from the shipbuilding industry himself and has a rich understanding of yachts as well as large commercial vessels. As such, he had a very clear idea of what he wanted – the client opted for Van der Valk after considering several other brands and realising that his particular needs and tastes could not be fully met by any of them.
“The owner did not have a great deal of time for hands-on monitoring of the construction process,” recalls Van der Valk’s marketing manager Yoeri Bijker. “Once the contract was signed, he trusted us and mostly followed the build via progress photo reports received from the yards production management team. Thanks to careful planning and implementation, this remote approach worked very well and the client found the final result to be entirely in line with the images and his requirements.”
Timeless and distinctive
Joy has a classic, timeless exterior characterised by Van der Valk’s award-winning semi-displacement hard chine hull in a moderate V design and a distinctive, elegant dark blue hull. The flybridge deck comprises an outdoor helm station with co-pilot seat, a U-shaped sitting area, a mini wet bar and a large inflatable water slide, as well as space for a Williams Turbojet 385 tender and an Opacmare crane with a capacity of 450 kg.
The main deck has a contemporary style with a traditional touch, represented by rich Pennsylvanian walnut and Zebrano woods. The lounge centres on a U-shaped settee to port, and there is a dining area to starboard opposite the well-equipped galley. The outside dining space aft is comfortable and spacious, and the separate wheelhouse contains an indoor helm station and the latest navigation technology.
Ease and comfort
The lower deck houses well-appointed accommodations, each with ensuite bathrooms. The full-beam master stateroom amidships is flanked by a VIP cabin forward and two guest cabins, one with a double and one with a bunk bed. There is also a separate full-beam crew area with two cabins and a bathroom.
Joy is propelled by three Volvo Penta IPS800 engines with full joystick control. A Seakeeper 26 gyroscopic stabiliser keeps her stable both underway and at zero speed. An unusual bonus is the RINA classification for recreational craft. Rarely seen on a 23-metre vessel that will not be used for chartering, this was a special request by the owner to ensure the highest safety standards and enhance her commercial resale value.
