Cristiano Gatto's 40-meter micro-megayacht concept, Shine, has been launched.

The Dutch shipyard Van der Valk recently launched the superyacht Shine, formerly known as Project Evo, which at 39,92 metres is the largest vessel built to date at the Waalwijk site.

The aluminum superyacht represents the perfect balance between Northern European naval engineering and Italian aesthetic sensibility, with a design identity deeply rooted in Cristiano Gatto's work. The Venetian designer's intervention transformed a preliminary concept into a coherent and sophisticated architectural project, redefining the standards of the category.

The project's origins date back to the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2023, when owners met with Cristiano Gatto to initially discuss the interior layout of a 36-meter hull designed by SFG Design. The relationship, born almost spontaneously around a furniture collection the designer was developing at the time, led to extending the project to include a revision of the General Arrangement and the refinement of the exterior lines. This evolutionary process allowed the overall length to be extended to the current 40 meters, ensuring visual coherence between the sporty profile and the complexity of the living spaces.

The guiding principle behind the development of MY Shine is summed up in the definition of "micro-megayacht," coined by Gatto himself. The owner, who wishes to personally helm his vessels, requested a compact size combined with the quality standards typical of 60- or 70-meter vessels. Hence the result: a work of exceptionally high detail, where the interior design reflects a tailored approach and rigorous research into materials. The interior features approximately 78 different materials, dominated by ebony and fine leathers that frame custom-made furniture integrated into the decor from the earliest stages of the design process.

To support this aesthetic vision, the technical team tackled significant engineering challenges, starting with the fast-displacement hull designed by Ginton Naval Architects. The vessel was optimized to reach a top speed of 20 knots with MTU 16V2000 engines, while also meeting stringent structural constraints such as the 8,50-meter maximum beam imposed by the Dutch canal locks. At the same time, Diana Yacht Design oversaw the integration of the complex aft section, harmonizing elements such as the transformer platform and retractable balconies without interrupting the sleek hull line. An innovative solution is the outboard positioning of the rudders, a technical choice that has drastically reduced vibrations on board, improving comfort during navigation.

With the launch of MY Shine, Van der Valk consolidates its production capacity in the 40-meter segment, demonstrating how Italian design can bridge the gap between the owner's desires and the technical rigor of the nautical industry. The vessel is now preparing for sea trials before final delivery, scheduled for summer 2026.

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