DESIGNED TO DELIVER
BUILT FOR LIFE |
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| At 28m and built in aluminium for a serial boater, the first LeVen model is a lesson in combining seakeeping, speed and comfort. Built in the Netherlands at the Van der Valk shipyard, the Bahamas-ready yacht (with a shallow draft of just 1.3m) is the first known private yacht to implement Voith's linear jet propulsion system, not to mention Dutch design studio Vripack's innovative slide hull. |
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Enjoyment on the water is the premise of the design. Spending much of his time in the Exumas exploring the many islands and entertaining friends and family, was central to the owner's requirements.
The slide hull (which has been in development at Vripack for the past 13 years) is another key feature of the design, providing plenty of speed from limited power, explains Peter Bouma, Vripack's senior naval architect. "It delivers speed and comfort even in rough seas, and in fact becomes more comfortable the faster the boat travels. The Owner specifically requested for the boat to be Exumas-ready, and the underwater body is what makes it to beneficial for this area." |
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LeVen will deliver speeds in excess of 27 knots provided by a Voith linear jet propulsion system. Akin to a water jet but located under the boat, the Voith linear jet creates a minimal wash of water and is virtually noiseless. "It's the best of both worlds," says Bouma, "the propeller capabilities of a water jet with the noise characteristics of a conventional propeller underneath the boat." And when combined with the slide hull, the advantages are two-fold; heaving over the waves, rather than contouring them like conventional boats, onboard comfort is fully optimised. Durable enough to allow the owner to gently beach the boat while venturing ashore, LeVen delivers on all fronts, and yet sails without drama.
Design-wise, LeVen benefits from an aft-leaning exterior and multiple levels, including terraces (each with a dedicated function) and a single level sundeck. Vast interior spaces set within the yacht's compact 28m are achieved with 3m ceiling heights, a dramatic use of glass and an open-plan layout. "It's very roomy, and no matter where you are on board there is always a clear line of sight," says Vripack designer Joost Mertens. "When combined with the volume in the slide hull, it's a full-functional concept." |
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The dining area has been relocated to a permanent al fresco position - "because in the Exumas open-air dining is king" - while in the owner's suite, the spectacular windows feature paired-back mullions, and are just 30 cm above water level. The use of driftwood for the floors and cabinetry complements the presence of leather and marble creating a harmonious interior with practical appeal.
Built using methods that results in a stiffer construction, LeVen is a boat for life, says Bouma: "This boat has been fine-tuned to the owner's lifestyle, and meets all the requirements for a speedy, comfortable, family yacht that can be flexible in its use
wrapped up in an elegant design." |
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Vripack is a yacht design studio, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. With decades of experience at its disposal and a portfolio that represents over 7,400 designs, Vripack has been able to evolve its processes to be as efficient and as effective as possible.
Vripack’s unique working structure, which provides an holistic approach to the design of a yacht, ensures that we produce better boats in less time. Our involvement in the entire process of designing the safest and most durable yachts ensures that clients and their guests feel at home at sea. |
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