Welcome to the special “20th Anniversary” section of Top Yacht Design. Here, day by day, we present the best stories, yachts, and personalities we’ve covered over the past 20 years of Top Yacht Design, from 2006 to today.
Taken from Top Yacht Design no. 29/2022, pp. 132-137.
The VanDutch 56 keeps its promises
The latest arrival from the iconic Dutch brand acquired by Cantieri del Pardo in 2020 more than keeps its promises.
Life pivots on a second. Sometimes you don’t even need those first seven seconds that science tells us are necessary to form a first impression. And come to think of it, first impressions really do count. Which is good news for the VanDutch 56. Its sculptural lines get straight to the point, exuding the kind of explosive power and character you can’t tear your eyes away from. Their formal purity is such that they will shrug off the passing of time with effortless ease. The VD 56 encapsulates the design philosophy that has underpinned a success story that began in 2008 and received a huge shot in the arm when the Cantiere del Pardo acquired the Dutch brand in 2020.
Along with prestigious names of the likes of Wajer and Vanquish, Van Dutch is part of the “Dutch school” that rules the top-of-the-range open segment. The success of its formula lies in the fact that its line doesn’t just have a strong identity but is also designed to meet the requirements of a broad arrange of clients. It now spans a good five models that range from the “small” VD 32 at one end to the VD 75 flagship at the other. The VanDutches have proved a popular choice as tenders for megayachts – cases in point being Lionheart and Fountainhead. They also often adorn the jetties of the big villas on the Cote d’Azur and beach houses at Miami. The VD 56 promises to continue that successful tradition. The lines adorning its 17 metres are very much a reflection of the brand’s signature styling cues. Its profile has a proud plumb bow and the bodywork a sober, pared-back beau-ly too. Taut lines express both tension and dynamism in equal part. Even the deck plan is equally spare. But the heart of life aboard this boat will be the tried-and-tested open plan al fresco space.
The central cockpit behind the steering position has two large L-shaped sofas and a central table – perfect for lunches, cocktails and candle-lit dinners. The large aft sun pad allows guests to commune with nature with the adjustable-height swim platform creating direct contact with the sea also. Below decks, the VD 56 offers a choice of two configurations. The first, known as Sleep, has two cabins while the second, dubbed Lounge, has a single large lounge. For the first time, Volvo IPSs are available too. In the standard set-up, this translates to twin 800 hp motors. Alternatively, owners can up the ante with two go hp engines. A great choice. Why? Because as Oscar Wilde once said: “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”.
By Matteo Zaccagnino
