Zeelander Yachts unveils its new flagship, the Zeelander 8, a remarkable 23.9-meter mini superyacht that boasts a top speed of 40 knots while maintaining an exceptionally quiet onboard experience. Designed to accommodate up to nine guests in ultimate comfort, this luxurious vessel offers extensive customization options for layout and finishes in living spaces, alongside a full beam tender garage for added convenience.
The launch of the Zeelander 8 marks a significant milestone for the boutique yacht builder, known for crafting a limited number of extraordinary yachts for discerning clientele each year. As the largest creation from Zeelander yet, the 8 retains the signature characteristics of the brand – voluptuous lines, effortless power, and whisper-quiet operation.
Sietse Koopmans, founder and owner, shared his excitement for the model, stating, “Our newest model, the Zeelander 8, surpasses its on-paper expectations, showcasing an even more impressive presence in real life. Its timeless design remains uniquely Zeelander, blending classic elegance with modern innovation.”
The Zeelander 8 is a testament to continuous evolution and design excellence, featuring a flowing sheerline, graceful raked stern, and wrap-around windscreen –elements that are familiar to the brand’s admirers. The yacht’s proportions mirror those of its smaller counterparts, thanks to the expertise of designer Cor D. Rover and the dedicated team at Zeelander.
Deck-level enhancements offer more space for relaxation and dining, while below deck, the yacht features an exquisite full-beam owner’s cabin and two additional guest doubles, all with ensuite facilities. This model perfectly encapsulates the essence of a superyacht within its sub-24m hull.
Cor D. Rover drew inspiration from the timeless beauty of New England lobster boats and classic commuter yachts, merging that aesthetic with state-of-the-art technology and luxury. “The epitome of beauty and style that Zeelander is today and will be for years to come,” he expressed.
While the Zeelander 8 is designed for owner operation, it accommodates up to three crew members in cabins located at the bow for privacy.
A highlight of the yacht is its aft deck, featuring deeply padded leatherette seating around a high gloss table. With the press of a button, the transom transforms into a spacious 12-square-meter bathing platform, serving as a private beach club. The tender is efficiently housed in a full beam garage, ensuring unspoiled space for relaxation.
Zeelander is committed to allowing owners to personalize their living experience, welcoming various custom requests for layout and styling, from favorite fabrics to specific design elements.
The builder's expertise in noise and vibration reduction ensures a tranquil environment, with onboard noise levels never exceeding 65dBa, significantly below the typical conversation threshold. The Zeelander 8 promises to deliver a calm, luxurious experience even as it reaches its thrilling top speed.
“The Zeelander 8 is a powerful statement regarding the desirability and collectability of our yachts," Koopmans stated. "More than that, it exemplifies our commitment to exceptional experiences on water. I believe that the Zeelander 8 represents the apex of performance and comfort for the world’s most demanding owners. We've already started building the second hull, which confirms the model's success.”
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