At 28m and built in aluminium for a serial boater, the first LeVen model is a lesson in combining sea keeping, 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. In addition to enhance the comfort, Vripack’s innovative slide hull – which has been in development at Vripack for the past 15 years – is added to the design.
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.
Vripack’s 28m LeVen 90 brought forward-thinking design home to Holland by winning the hotly contested Award for Best New Series. Conceived with a serial owner in mind, the compact yacht scored highly with the judges for its innovative design, stating that “there was nothing quite like it for an easy-living, no-shoes-required lifestyle”.
‘The slide hull 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 so beneficial for this area.’
PETER BOUMA - SENIOR NAVAL ARCHITECT
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.” In other words, when combined with the slide hull, the advantages are two-fold. First of all; heaving over the waves, rather than contouring them like conventional boats and secondly; onboard comfort is fully optimized. Durable enough to allow the owner to gently beach the boat while venturing ashore, LeVen delivers on all fronts, and yet sails without drama.
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, dramatic use of glass, and an open-plan layout. The dining area has been relocated to a permanent al fresco position while in the owner’s suite, the spectacular windows feature paired-back mullions, and are just 30cm 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.
‘LeVen 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’.
JOOST MERTENS - FLEET MANAGER
| Current name | LeVen |
| Design number | 7490 |
| Year of built | 2019 |
| Length | 28.00 m |
| Beam | 6.50 m |
| Draft | 1.30 m |
| Designer | Vripack |
| Naval Architect | Vripack |
| Structural Engineering | Vripack |
| Mechanical Engineering | Vripack |
| Interior Design | Vripack |
| Interior Engineering | Vripack |
| Commissioned by | YachtCreators |
| Builder | Van der Valk |
| Type of vessel | Family pleasure yacht |
| Hull type | Slide hull |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Classification | RINA – unrestricted nav. |
| Engine | 2x MTU 12V2000 M96L |
| Speed (cruising/max) | 20 / 27 knots |
| Fuel capacity | 13,450 liters |
| Freshwater capacity | 2,300 liters |
| Grey / black water cap. | 2,200 liters |
| Owner & Guest | 8 persons |
| Crew | 4 persons |
| Credits interior photos | Jim Raycroft |
| Credits drone footage | YachtCreators |
Enter your details below to have the latest news and projects delivered to you.
