VAAN FUNDAMENTALS

The details that make your Vaan unique.

ALL ALUMINIUM HULL
All Vaan models are made from recycled aluminium. Not just the hull, but also the superstructure and roof. Here’s why:

Aluminium is much stronger than glass/polyester composites
Therefore it is much safer when you hit a rock, a log or a container. The difference between a dent or a hole can be life saving.
It is also much stiffer, reducing the movement/torsian between the two hulls. This results in less (or really zero) cracking noises in the interior. You sleep better and feel/are safer.
The stiffer hull also allows for unique large windows giving the saloon the amazing open 360 view. In GRP boats windows like this would crack due to torsion of the hull.
Last but certainly not least, Aluminium is 100% recyclable. If your Vaan ever reaches end-of-life (with will be much later than GRP due to the higher rigidity), the hull can be 100% recycled. In fact, we already use over 60% post consumer scrap aluminium, further reducing the impact. Read more>>

THE SAILORS HELM
All Vaan’s have a twin helm system, at the back of the cockpit because it:

Provides better views on the sails as you can see from both sides
Greatly improves the performance of the main sail as the boom can be close to the roof and less air ‘leaks’ under the boom
Gives the best view of the boat and crew, as everything is in front of you
Provides he best view when docking since you can be on the side where you need the closest view, or both.
Keeps you closer to the family or friends as you are on the same level and can see each other, even when people are in the saloon.
Is the calmest movement. The higher your helm position is, the more it will swing with the waves. A little bit of roll is a lot of roll when you are 2 or 3 meters above the water.

Because the saloon is all glass, your view is not obstructed by it at all. From the helm you can see nearly all directions. We offer the option for a ‘swing’ helm on both sides, bringing the wheels more inward when you like, and the option for a third helm position inside in the saloon.

EASY AND QUICK TACKING
Due to our well engineered naval architecture, a high quality shaft-driven steering system and easy handling sail plan, tacking a Vaan is very easy and simple. Even in very light winds all it takes is just one person turning the wheel and nothing more, as you can see in this demonstration video.

SILENT ELECTRIC MOTORS
Our mission is to make luxury living also sustainable living. Electric propulsion is a great example of this. Electric motors are very luxurious as they make very little noise, very little vibration and no smelly fumes. At the same time, the reduced emissions and solar and hydro charged batteries mean you burn less diesel, with less emissions.

The motors can also be used ‘backwards’, as a generator. The propellors unfold and charge the batteries using the flow through the water. Another benefit is the instant thrust as electric motors have immediate torque. It allows for easier and more precise manoeuvring.

Electric motors will run roughly 4-6 hours on the batteries alone, enough for 90% of your sailing days. And in a hybrid setup, with a diesel back-up generator, you can motor for 4 days. So there is also no need for range anxiety. Once you experience electric propulsion, you will never want anything else.

THE SPORTY AND EASY V-GRINDER
Our aim is to make catamaran sailing exciting and thrilling when you want it to be, and safe, simple and comfortable when you need it to be. Therefore all the lines controlling the main sail and jib are running back to our signature V-grinder. Inspired by the so called ‘coffee grinders’ found on racers, the V-grinder allows you to easily hoist, drop, adjust and even reef the sails from the comfort and safety of the cockpit. This means that, when conditions are less favourable, there is no need to leave the cockpit, at all. The winches installed on the V-grinder can be manual or electric, which can then be controlled with buttons a the helm.

THE SPOILER IN THREE SIZES
As a Vaan is made from strong aluminium, many customers also want to sail in higher icy latitudes, where it is of course colder. In those circumstances the short Spoiler (S) is best suited as the sun can keep you warm. If your plan is to sail mostly in warm climates, then a larger (L) or extra large (XL) spoiler may be best for you. Please note that the Spoiler can be quickly ‘extended’ with the Vaan Bimini (see below).

Pictured in the photo is the Spoiler S on an R4. The following images show the three Spoiler sizes (S, L, XL) from the side and from the top.

THE FLEXIBLE BIMINI
Depending on the spoiler size you select, you can extend it with the optional longer or shorter Bimini. The super yacht-style Bimini creates an amazing super yacht feeling. All our Bimini’s are very quick to install and remove, in only a few minutes. This means that you can be in the sun if you like, but quickly be in the shade if you need to. So choose your spoiler first and then you can consider a bimini to match it. The fabric can be semi-open or fully closed. The latter one is then also watertight, but also makes for a darker cockpit.

Pictured in these images is the short spoiler with the long Bimini.

INVISIBLE STARLINK
With Starlink becoming more and more available, we have engineered a special mounting system inside the Vaan Spoiler. It is completely out of sight, and protected from sheets, other lines, UV radiation and theft. And since the Spoiler cloth can be opened, you can always reach the antenna if you need to.

The images are both from a Vaan with Starlink installed. The dotted square marks the location.

SUPER STRONG SMART DAVITS
Davits are usually not the prettiest part of any yacht. Partly because of their design, partly because they are not strong and clever enough. The Vaan Davits are completely integrated with the aluminium hull, so not bolted on later, which makes them incomparably strong. And of course they have been designed to match the Vaan design. The mechanism has also been reengineered, so you can lift the tender using the (electric) winches on the V-grinder. The davids extend to the other side of the tender and have a curved shape in the front to match the radius of the tender. No need for extra robes and lines; just pull two tight, and you are good to go.

TRUE SUSTAINABILITY
For us ‘Sustainability’ is not an added green sauce over an allready existing product. Our yachts are designed from the ground up with Sustainability at the core of all design and partner choices we make. Besides the usual considerations such as weight, size, strength and looks, we add an additional criterium to our design process: impact. Some examples:

Using 100% recyclable aluminium for the hull, which is allready even 60% recycled. The energy reduction from post-consumer scrap recycled aluminium is an amazing 95%!
Using cork as decking material instead of teak. Other sustainable woods are also possible.
Using glass wool insulation instead of the common polyurethane foam. The glass wool can be fully recycled and already contains recycled glass. Polyurethane is highly toxic and even dangarous when burned, which is what would happen at end of life.
Using all electric propulsion for about 90% of your yachting days. The batteries are charged from the sun or hydro-generation when sailing. And for critical moments, a diesel genset serves as safety back-up range-extender.
Ceiling and flooring materials contain high shares of recycled PET bottles. This material is lightweigth, strong, and recycled.
The fabrics for cushions are from the Sunbrella heritage collection, containing about 50% recycled Sunbrella.
Etc. etc.

Many of these choices for low-impact, also turn out to be great choices in their use: the aluminium hull is stiffer and safer, the cork is softer and less hot, the electric propulsion is silent and doesn’t smell. Sustainability and luxury really do go hand in hand.

AWARD WINNING DUTCH DESIGN, MADE IN HOLLAND
All Vaans are designed and built in Holland. With its world renowned ship building history, the dutch are world leaders when it comes to luxury yacht building. From our naval architecture partner Dykstra to our hull welders, they are all global leaders in their fields.

AWARDS

For more information on awards and reviews, click here >>