Royal Balk Shipyard has unveiled a proposed ReCraft Edition of Santa Maria T, the 36.8-metre explorer yacht built by Van der Valk in 2015.
Developed with Guido de Groot Design and brokerage partner Nauticon Yacht Services, the concept offers prospective buyers a route to acquiring and personalising an existing vessel.
The shipyard estimates that acquisition and transformation could cost approximately €10 million, with work completed within 12 months depending on the final specification.
It presents the project as a quicker, lower-cost alternative to a comparable Dutch new build, claiming roughly half the investment.
Existing platform
“A ReCraft project does not have to begin with an owner who already has a yacht,” explained Niels Lensen, sales director at Royal Balk Shipyard.
“Santa Maria T shows how we can identify a strong existing platform, develop a clear vision for its transformation and offer that opportunity to someone who wants a yacht that is entirely their own.”
Santa Maria T has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and, according to the announcement, has been used only privately since delivery and maintained throughout.
Propulsion comprises twin Volvo Penta D16 MH engines rated at 651hp each, supported by two 55kW generators.
The shipyard reports fuel consumption of approximately 90 litres per hour at cruising speed with both generators running.
Exterior options
Guido de Groot Design, the yacht’s original design studio, has prepared several exterior and interior interpretations for transformation at Royal Balk.
Options include changes to hull colour, superstructure finishes and upper-deck arrangements, alongside open or more sheltered flybridge configurations. Interior proposals combine traditional architectural detailing with contemporary furnishings and a warm palette.
The yacht already has facilities for a jet ski and support tender. Proposed additions include a stern extension and upgraded crane to increase carrying capacity, plus a swim-platform extension intended to accommodate a U-Boat Works submersible.
Depending on the owner’s requirements, the changes could also allow a larger beach club and dedicated diving facilities.
Royal Balk says the concepts are starting points, with scope to personalise appearance, layout and onboard facilities.
Working with selected partners, the yard aims to clarify the project’s possibilities before a buyer commits, while making further use of the vessel’s existing structure and the resources invested in its original construction.
