Rene Van Der Velden
Rene van der Velden is a Dutch yacht designer whose career includes work under Pieter Beeldsnijder and nine years at De Vries Lentsch. His award-winning 36.3m Martinique 120 for Moonen Yachts won a World Superyachts Award in 2018, and his portfolio includes the 39m trawler CaryAli and Voyager series.
Dutch Design Heritage
Rene van der Velden's career began with an engineering education, a navy stint, and internships at naval architects, leading to a two-year position under iconic Dutch designer Pieter Beeldsnijder. He then spent nine years at De Vries Lentsch before establishing his own studio, working initially from his girlfriend's apartment attic while designing for other architects and promoting himself at yards.
Moonen Collaboration and Award
In 1995, Moonen Yachts director Emiel Bilterijst asked several designers to sketch the next Moonen and selected van der Velden, who explains: 'Emiel said I heard him. The most important thing about this work is listening to what someone wants'. This collaboration produced the 36.3m Martinique 120, delivered in 2018, which won a World Superyachts Award. Moonen has since sold seven Martiniques with #8 under construction.
Diverse Portfolio
Van der Velden's other significant works include the 39m trawler CaryAli (2013) for an American client, which won international awards; the 18.5m aluminum Jules Verne (1997) modeled after American fast commuters; and the 18.6m Voyager 61 flybridge for Van den Hoven Shipyard. He also designed six 32m classic motor yachts built in Turkey and collaborated with Piet van Oossanen on the Stila 44 in 2002, keeping one for himself for 15 years.
