If you are looking for an eco-friendly cruising boat that checks a lot of the right boxes, Vaan Yachts of The Netherlands might be your next stop.
The Dutch company builds truly unique aluminum cruising catamarans, unique and interesting enough that their 49-foot model, the R5, recently won the 2024 Multihull of the Year Award in Europe. Considering the crowded field of new multihulls available in Europe, this is no small achievement.
Several qualities make Vaan cats different. First, they are made of recycled aluminum that is both light and very strong. This is the type of construction adventurers heading to the high latitude and even the ice look for. Plus, when the boats’ useful lives are over, the aluminum hulls and structures can be recycled again.
For decking, Vaan uses cork instead of teak or other hardwoods that are slow growing and hard to replace in the world’s tropical forests. Cork trees regenerate their bark so the material is completely sustainable.
On the power and propulsion side, the standard design comes with twin electric motors driven by a large lithium-ion battery bank, which is turn is charged by solar panels, wind and water generators and a small and efficient diesel generator. This provides just about the smallest carbon footprint possible without going all-electric.
The R5 comes is two models, one with a wide-open cockpit-saloon that will be great for day sailing and tropical living. Or it can be fitted with a full sliding glass door-bulkhead that makes the whole deck-level living space completely protected from the elements. The company notes that this version, dubbed the LA for living aboard, will be the best choice for cruising families going far and wide.
Aluminum hulls are unique, also, because they do not need to be painted. Vaan, like other aluminum builders, can paint their boats for you but they also can make the hulls with a natural burnished surface that has a matt finish and is impervious to weather.
Vaan also builds the 42-foot R4 and will introduce the new 58-foot R6 this year. Check out this unique Dutch builder and their thoroughly modern cruising cats here.
https://www.vaan.yachts/
