Project 517 is the latest expedition yacht by Feadship
The yacht launched a few days ago in Aalsmeer (the Netherlands) and christened Valor was commissioned by an American owner. He is a repeat Feadship client, who dreamed of a yacht that could handle voyages to the most remote corners of the globe and transit the Northwest Passage: the sea lane between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean, near the northern coast of North America.
For this reason, the Valor features an ice belt both above and below the waterline. The yacht is equipped with a hybrid (diesel-electric, battery-powered and solar) propulsion system developed as part of Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive program. Instead of conventional main engines and auxiliary generators, the Valor gets energy from four variable-speed generators linked to a DC power grid and a water-cooled 5.34 megawatt hour lithium-ion battery bank, while the solar array on the mast adds extra carbon-free power.
In a zero-emission mode the Valor can operate for up to 48 hours and will be trialled with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil biofuel, potentially cutting carbon emissions by 90% compared to diesel.
Although the Valor was designed with a cold climate in mind, she features large exterior lounges for entertainment in warm areas, too. Among them, there are walk-around decks, widened bulwarks and even dedicated areas for the owner’s three Golden Retrievers, including a grass-filled relief station.
The Valor’s exterior that resembles a military ship was designed by Chris Bottoms of Feadship De Voogt studio, while the interior was entrusted to renowned Bannenberg & Rowell studio. The centrepiece here is definitely a "sculptural" staircase made of 48001 details. The finishing materials include natural stone, wood, metal and glass.
The upper deck is dedicated to the owner entirely and is home to the master cabin, an office and a jacuzzi. There are six more cabins for 14 guests on the main deck.
The main saloon is a tribute to the owner’s love of classic audio equipment with two stacks of American-made McIntosh stereo components (manufactured since 1949), including a record player and a vinyl collection. There is also an informal skylounge saloon and a huge beach club with a storage for diving and other water sports.
The Valor is expected to appear at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025 to compete for the World Superyacht Awards.
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