Zeelander Yachts shared the new photography of the Zeelander 7, which illustrates exactly why this voluptuous yacht is the ultimate collector’s item. The timeless exterior finish and faultless interior stand out in the fresh shots from world renowned Guillaume Plisson.
Originally called the Z72 in reference to its overall length, the yacht’s new name positions it more clearly alongside the smaller all-new Zeelander 5 and Zeelander 6. “By relaunching the Zeelander 7, we are making a bold statement: Zeelander builds just one design in three different sizes. The golden thread that runs through all our yachts is the same rich, curved aesthetic, sculptural grace and sensuous finish. This will never change and that is why our yachts have become icons,” says founder and owner of the Zeelander yard, Sietse Koopmans.
As the flagship of the Zeelander fleet, the Zeelander 7 has a tall, flared bow slowly giving way to the deeply raked transom via a long S-shaped shearline, and the low profile of the deckhouse is dominated by a single strip of three-dimensionally sculpted glass. Her design was created by Cor D. Rover.
Zeelander has optimized the generous deck space aft with a sunpad that can convert to a sofa and a wonderfully convivial bar area that uses the countertop by the retractable aft window. In concert with the sunroof in the saloon, the whole main deck can be opened up to function as a single indoor-outdoor area, or divided and enclosed in less clement weather. Either way, the volumes, endless views and proximity to the sea let the spirit soar and the good times roll.
A vast aft platform is perfect for swimming, lounging or just enjoying views of the anchorage. There’s also the option of a hydraulic passerelle which can be angled up to the dock or down into the water, and which fully retracts into the transom.
A capable galley stands alongside flexible lounging and dining space for up to eight in the main-deck saloon. With an owner’s choice of appliances, and the option of a hydraulic high-low table, the Zeelander 7 can cruise in remote waters.
Below deck, a master suite occupies the forward third of the boat with the king-sized island bed, and abundant storage. Together with two further guest suites, the accommodation makes good use of the lavish volumes and generous headroom offered by the hull shape.
Quietness is in Zeelander’s DNA. Using materials, techniques and technology that could teach the superyacht industry a thing or two, background noise is never louder than 72dB. “The sound insulation means that we can easily hold a conversation even when cruising at top speed,” confirms the latest owner of a Z7. “With the rear door closed, you can hear the water lapping at the sides of the boat, almost as if you were sailing.”
That’s in spite of an exhilarating power package of three Volvo Penta IPS drives. Options run from 3x 725hp engines up to 3x 1000hp for an effortless 40 knots or more. From the comfortable, ergonomic helm station forward, it’s a thrilling drive with 360-degree visibility courtesy of the wrap-around glass.
What’s more, clever hydrodynamics that are designed specifically for Volvo’s IPS drives ensure that the Zeelander 7 is an efficient boat. At 26-knot cruising speed, the range still exceeds 600 miles. Intuitively controlled Humphree trim tabs and the option of gyro stabilization put the Zeelander 7 in a comfort league of its own under way and at anchor.
Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.
