VanDutch 40

Vanguard Dutch Marine, started in 2008 and already making waves on the European scene, has created an exceedingly well-bred day racer/entertainer/commuter craft in its 40. The amazingly smooth-riding hull was designed by superyacht artisan Frank Mulder.

VanDutch boats come in a range of standout colours and sizes, starting with a 30-footer, moving through this 40 to a 55 slated for a June release, and ending with a 75 on the drawing board.

The 40-footer that recently arrived in Sydney -- about to be on show at Sanctuary Cove -- looked the part as it ghosted along with grey hull, clean retro lines, and a minimalist layout kept that way to details like concealed deckware. No fenders on the bow to ruin the aesthetic, with a dedicated cockpit locker for them instead.

But head below and there’s a surprise in store: the modest all-white cabin space seems bigger, there’s a lounge and dinette that converts to a double bed, a kitchenette, separate WC and, what’s this, a concealed TV behind a mirror through which you can see the screen at night or in low light. Such are the design elements.

Indeed, this isn’t a boat for everyone. But for some, perhaps those with a waterfront pad who consider the best bed to be that at home, this could be the consummate dayboat, commuter craft, restaurant runner and harbour touring wagon.

What you do get are oodles of plush lounges (the boat’s rated to carry up to 18) and enough fridge space to sate your guests. The ride is just so refined -- among the smoothest I have experienced -- and you look the part as you go. Little wonder the VanDutch are winning over superyacht owners in the Med’.

You can step onto the broad swim platform and waltz aboard as we did or take the cool carbon gangway that adds to the excitement. Eight will easily park themselves on the L shaped cockpit seating, finished in a charcoal grey Silvertex fabric that gets hot in summer. Thankfully the lounge foam is a quick-drying type.

The rear sunbathing platform is said to comfortably swallow a ménage a trois at rest -- work on your tan and abs because you will be conspicuous -- there’s a sound system with iPod dock, and a dedicated wet bar. You don’t need to use the imagination to see how the party unfolds.

The windscreen has a wonderful rake and curve, no distortion either, while the bow is svelte and striking. Decks are topped with something called Esthec, a timber-look composite without the maintenance of timber.

Post party, you might spend the night in the air-conditioned cabin, whose dinette on electric pedestal converts to a double bed. There’s a separate head with hot water and hand-held shower, a convection microwave in the 'kitchenette,' even a Nespresso coffee machine in waiting.

Back on deck you’ll find a single-burner cooktop and sink. How romantic.

There are four house batteries and two separate engine starters, so you have a fair bit of DC juice for the trick AV system, fridges and single air-con unit (we’re told it operates off the 2000W inverter but have our doubts).

VanDutch says Mulder’s underwater design is uniquely smooth riding -- we must concur -- using power in the form of twin Yanmar 480hp engines. The hull is built with vacuum-bagged technology, sandwich construction, and topped with a two-pack AWL-grip paintjob.

The Yanmar 6LYP model engines were linked to vee drives that, in my opinion, aren’t used widely enough in this country. While deemed 'old technology' by some, it’s interesting to note that this cutting-edge boat builder prefers them. You get the interior-space gains of pod drives but better performance, less maintenance, and a more traditional ride.

Although future VanDutch 40s will be fitted with Yanmar’s new V8 rather than straight-six engines, which are a lot more refined, this was a sensational installation, with incredibly low running noise, virtually no vibration and little smoke thanks to underwater exhausts.

Engine access is gained by an electric cockpit sole lift. Besides plenty of servicing and storage room, I spotted Racors fuel filters, exhaust fans, and thick sound insulation. The sea strainers were below the checker plate floor but at least they had clear inspection lids. An auto fire system is standard.

You get a 2000W Mastervolt inverter (and charger) that can run the fridges and AV system autonomously, a 150 litres of hot/cold water on tap, 25-litre holding tank, 150-litre fridge under the helm seat, and 60-litre tray-style fridge opposite in which the champagne bottles were already clinking with anticipation.

LED underwater lights were part of the package, which extends to such things as fenders, first-aid kit, bimini top and more. Basically the boat was bundled ready to decamp for the marina sans drinks, canapés and crew. Prospective owners might be the kind to provision via concierge.

On Sydney Harbour, where the VanDutch 40 seemed a fit, several memorable hours whooshed past behind the bespoke designer-boat wheel. With the top down and wind in your hair, you get a feeling of freedom going nowhere much at all.

Once clear of the no-wash zone at The Spit, we traced the shores of Middle Harbour, arced about North Harbour, and ran back over to South Head where some impressive swells were rolling in from afar. Despite composite construction to keep weight in check, the boat didn’t leap about like a cork.

In fact, not a thud, not a lurch, nor a drop of saltwater on the windscreen. A couple of different driving positions let you either look through the tinted glass or over it, while electronic controls add to the refinement, and CAN-bus Yanmar combo instruments monitor the engines.

Thanks also to underwater exhausts, we maintained an unforced conversation while sitting on a sprightly 30.2 knots using 98 litres per hour. At 1800rpm you’re loping along at 16-17 knots for just 54 litres per hour, while 3000rpm returns 34 knots for 140 litres per hour.

Top speed is 40 to 42 knots and, should sea conditions allow, you could reach your chosen lunch digs, bolthole or anchorage in a very pleasant half hour. Glad rags extra.

Such things are coveted in Europe, where the VanDutch 40 is pitched as purpose-built luxury conveyance and tender to superyachts. Some 60 have been sold thus far, says local importer Dennis van Damme, who worked for the brand at Cannes Boat Show last spring.

"We’ve never had anything like it in Australia before. VanDutch is for the discerning boat lover who understands and appreciates excellence, exclusive motors and sheer sophistication on the water," explains Dennis, who is ex-Audi/Mercedes and therefore says he understands customer service.

The VanDutch 40 will be exhibited at both Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show opening May 24 and Sydney International Boat Show from August 2 this year. Meantime, we’re told touring celebrity singers are lining up to jump aboard. It’s a boat you just want to be in.