The hull, deck and all structural components are made from recycled aluminium. For this purpose, so-called "post-consumer scrap" (aluminium scrap from old car parts, road signs, window frames, etc.) is enriched with already recycled aluminium and refined to seawater-resistant aluminium standard 5083. But that's not all: Vaan-Yachts also relies quite uncompromisingly on sustainable and, above all, recyclable solutions and products for the interior fittings and technical details. To this end, all boats from the shipyard are equipped with electric motors without exception.
No flybridge, but a front cockpit
The design of the Vaan R5 comes from the Dijkstra Naval Architect studio. It is characterised by the relatively high hulls and the massive, yet short deckhouse with the eye-catching targa bow. A flybridge is not planned, but a front cockpit with sunbeds is integrated in the foredeck. The comparatively high and sporty sail plan ensures swift progress. However, the boat is still equipped with a self-tacking jib.
The cat is steered from two helm stations mounted laterally in the aft cockpit. The halyards, trim lines and the sheet for the jib are led below deck to a Y-shaped winch carrier at the stern, where all functions can be operated easily and in a good position. The mainsheet and the lines for the traveller lead to winches and stoppers in front of the helm stations.
Sober, functional but not uncomfortable
In the saloon and hulls, the sober, straightforward and unadorned design is particularly striking. Vaan also uses sustainably produced and recyclable materials for the interior fittings wherever possible. The standard layout provides for a full-length owner's cabin on the port side with a very generously planned bathroom in the foredeck. On the starboard side, there are double cabins aft and forward (with Pullman berths). There is also a spacious toilet room with separate shower cubicle for both cabins.
With the initial model Vaan R4 (Test YACHT 8/2023) the still young shipyard in Hellevoetsluis near Rotterdam has already made a name for itself. Now, with the R5, the line is being extended upwards. And: Vaan Yachts literally has "big" plans with models up to 80 feet in length. There are already concrete plans for the R8 and a potential buyer.
Our test ship, the R5 with the construction number one, is currently en route from Holland to the south of France, where the boat will be presented at the international Multihull Show in La Grande Motte will be presented as a novelty. The basic price ex shipyard is 1,779,050 euros including 19% VAT. This price also includes a single set of windward sails (main and jib).
The extensive test section of the Vaan R5 will soon appear in an upcoming issue of YACHT.
Technical data Vaan R5
- Design and concept: Vaan / Igor Kluin & Nienke van t'Klooster
- Construction: Dystra Naval Architects
- Hull length: 14.94 m
- Width: 7.99 m
- Draught: 135 m (2.10 m with centreboard)
- Mast height above waterline: 24.9 m
- Mainsail: 80.0 m2
- Self-tacking jib: 45.0 m2
- Code Zero: 120.0 m2
- Gennaker: 176.0 m2
- Motorisation: Electric motors 2 x 15 kW / 2 x 25 kW
- Base price ex shipyard: 1,779,050 euros / incl. 19 % VAT.
