They once built two similar Bannenberg designs at the same time, Azteca and Paraiso. I never heard any comments on different quality between these yachts or the yards. But sometimes one of them gets a better design than the other, which is more up to the buyer to select the better designer. I think repeat clients also use to come back to the same family yard, which is more because they know them best and are happy with that.
Van Lents history's longer, the surrounding is very appaeling(kinda historic island, my parents had a boat there when i was a kid; not a van Lent mind you...).
I do not know which one is better in quality terms, but a fact is that De Vries has produced the more exciting yachts : Ecstasea,Utopia,Wedge Too as well as Gallant Lady and for example Detroit Eagle. So, in that respect, De Vries needs some recognition....
....like Jim *****, who went seven times to De Vries to build a Gallant Lady, and has now ordered number 8.....
Absolutely true ! I will examine the whole list of Feadships and see whether I have to rest my case..........
Did my desktop research and here is my list of the twelve most exciting Feadships : 1. Ecstasea (vLent) 2. Cedar Sea (vLent) 3. Andiamo (vLent) 4. Utopia (deVries) 5. Gallant Lady (the 7th by deVries) 6. Detroit Eagle (deVries) 7. Cakewalk (vLent) 8. Virginian (vLent) 9. New Horizon L (vLent) 10.Wedge too (deVries) 11. Double haven (deVries) 12. Lady Marina (deVries) So : 6 by vLent and 6 by deVries!! The most exciting by vLent, but seven Gallant Ladies counts as well...... Conclusion : there is no difference between both yards.....