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.
Credits: Guillaume Plisson; Zeelander Yachts
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025
Apreamare has announced the results of the first eight months of activity for its newly launched division, Apreamare Refit. The unit was established to provide restoration and modernization services for the brand’s traditional Sorrentine Gozzo boats.Located in a 3,000-square-meter facility next to the shipyard in Torre Annunziata, the refit division is dedicated exclusively to Apreamare vessels. The yard offers a range of services including the complete replacement of teak decks and swim platforms, hull repainting, upgrades to onboard systems, and interior renovations.According to the company, several refit projects have already been completed since the division’s launch, with additional contracts in negotiation or scheduled for the near future.Apreamare, which reports having over 2,000 boats in operation globally, aims to extend the service life of its vessels through this initiative while maintaining their original characteristics. Cataldo Aprea, President of Apreamare, stated: “The beauty of every Apreamare refit lies in our ability to preserve the original soul of our boats while addressing the evolving desires of those who live them. It's a work of listening, memory, and expert hands: a return to the most authentic essence of our naval art.”Founded in 1849, Apreamare remains one of Italy’s longstanding yachting brands and continues to focus on the traditional design and craftsmanship associated with the Sorrentine gozzo.Credits: Apreamare
August 6, 2025