The 79.5-meter Feadship superyacht Valor has departed from the yard’s facility in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, marking the beginning of her highly anticipated sea trials. Built for a repeat American client, this extraordinary vessel represents a dramatic departure from conventional superyacht design philosophy, combining military-inspired aesthetics with groundbreaking environmental technology.
The American owner’s vision was uncompromisingly unique from the outset. Chris Bottoms at Studio De Voogt, responsible for exterior design, revealed that the owner had three specific directives. “The first being something that would be recognisable from outer space,” Bottoms explained to Boat International. “He eschewed both the wedding cake and the common curvaceous designs found on yachts.” This unconventional brief resulted in styling that combines a battleship’s dreadnought bow with a modernized missile frigate aesthetic, creating what essentially amounts to a luxury warship.
The design brief’s practical implications extend throughout the vessel. Generous walk-around decks feature widened bulwarks on both owner and bridge decks, creating additional outdoor lounge space. Most notably, the owner’s deck includes a grass-filled relief station complete with shower facilities, thoughtfully designed for the owner’s three Golden Retrievers. This attention to pet comfort demonstrates the deeply personal nature of the yacht’s customization.
The hybrid propulsion system of Valor represents perhaps the most advanced marine technology available today. Under Feadship’s Advanced Electrical Drive initiative, the yacht eliminates traditional main engines entirely, instead utilizing four variable-speed generators connected to a DC power grid. This system is supported by a massive 5.34 megawatt-hour lithium-ion battery bank from Norway, providing over five times the electrical capacity of Feadship’s previous hybrid yacht Savannah. The vessel can operate emission-free for up to 48 hours on battery power alone, supplemented by solar arrays mounted on the mast.
Interior details reveal the owner’s sophisticated tastes and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. The main saloon features vertical stacks of American-made McIntosh stereo equipment, including an iconic turntable and carefully curated vinyl collection. The vessel’s main staircase stands as an engineering marvel, comprising 48,001 individual components crafted from solid bronze and stone elements. Stonework throughout the yacht was personally sourced by the owner from Italian quarries, ensuring complete uniqueness.
The 2,025 gross-ton vessel accommodates fourteen guests across seven suites, with an entire deck dedicated to the owner. This level features a forward-facing stateroom overlooking the helideck, private outdoor lounge with Jacuzzi, and dedicated office space. The yacht’s 8.35 by 2.55-meter infinity pool utilizes latent energy recycling for sustainable heating, aligning with the vessel’s environmental mission.
Valor will debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show following successful completion of her sea trials, showcasing how personal vision can revolutionize superyacht design while advancing marine environmental technology.
