Few boats arrived at the 2019 Cannes Boat Show with as much hype surrounding them as the Van der Valk Beachclub 660 Flybridge.
From plans and renderings it looked liked designer Cor D Rover had thrown convention out of the window to create a craft that alters the way we think about cruising boats of this size.
You can’t ignore the enormous bathing platform which houses the twin IPS1050 engines. A huge hatch swings up to allow access to them, though there is a tight inspection hatch accessible from the saloon itself.
And what a saloon it is. Because the side decks are a level above, the room can sprawl right to the very edges of the boat with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing to you to drink in the water-level views.
A light-filled central atrium is the focal point of the Beachclub 660, a modern staircase leading up to the pilothouse deck and then out to a raised aft cockpit which itself links to the optional flybridge.
This main deck is a spectacular living space because the aft cockpit connects unbroken to the foredeck, which is customisable. You can have it with a crane to carry toys, with seating, or even a hot tub – a surprising option for a boat this size.
This Beachclub 660, had a central lobby on the lower deck leading onto guest cabins and a bright master suite in the bows. However, Van der Valk can incorporate an amidships owner’s suite if desired.
Frankly, 250 words isn’t enough to do this boat justice, look out for the full test soon.
Specification
LOA: 67ft 3in (20.5m)
Beam; 19ft 0in (5.8m)
Engines: Volvo Penta IPS1050
Top speed: 30 knots
Price: from €3.38m ex VAT
