Like a number of Moonen Yachts before her, Northlander is a Rene van der Velden design with an interior by Art-Line, so I didn’t expect a lot of surprises, but there were a few. She displays van der Velden’s gentle signature curves in her sheer and superstructure, but owing to her extra length, she is noticeably sleeker than earlier designs.
The extra length and associated wider beam provide space, and lots of it. While Northlander uses that room to add a number of amenities not possible on Moonen’s smaller yachts, her interior is remarkably uncluttered. Side decks, generously wide even for my full frame, run the entire length of the yacht, so the saloon, dining area, and owner’s stateroom are narrower than they would be with a full-beam house. Even so, Art-Line and the owner have resisted the temptation to pack the remaining space with furnishings.
Every square inch aboard a yacht is valuable real estate, and most owners don’t want to “waste” the space by leaving it open. Northlander is different, and the result is an exceptionally serene atmosphere. A curved settee and two chairs, all on an area carpet toward the center of the saloon, create an intimate seating area conducive to conversation with friends and family. It also allows space outboard of the seating, so other guests can pass through the room without disturbing those already seated there.
