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
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025
Oceanco has completed the acquisition of Alewijnse, a Netherlands-based electrical systems integrator with 135 years of industry experience. The purchase was made through Oceanco's new shareholder Gabe Newell, founder of Valve Corporation and research initiative Inkfish.Alewijnse will maintain its current leadership team and operational structure while joining Oceanco's group of companies, which includes Lateral, Mercury and Aluship. The electrical specialist has collaborated with Oceanco on yacht projects since the 1990s and currently serves multiple maritime sectors including naval, dredging, offshore and industrial clients.Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout stated: "With Alewijnse joining the Group, we have the opportunity to develop new solutions and innovations that serve not only yachting, but also other maritime sectors."Alewijnse CEO Gert Bravenboer added: "Electrical systems integration is at the heart of modern yachting and maritime operations, and as part of the Oceanco Group, we can build on our expertise and lead in a rapidly evolving sector."Strong Root Capital, which guided Alewijnse through recent years of development, facilitated the transaction. Partner Patrick Zanders noted: "The company has developed a clear vision for the future and secured a solid position in the market. We are therefore proud that a new owner has been found who will continue to build on this."The acquisition strengthens Oceanco's integrated service capabilities amid growing demand for advanced electrical systems in superyacht construction. Alewijnse's expertise in automation and power management will support Oceanco's yacht-building operations while continuing to serve external clients across maritime industries.Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credits: Oceanco
August 19, 2025
The 38.6-meter motor yacht Areti I has changed ownership in a transaction brokered by IYC and Hamilton Marine International. Michael Rafferty and Dimitri Blaimer of IYC represented the buyer, while David Ross of Hamilton Marine acted for the seller.Built in 2007 by U.S. shipyard Burger, the aluminum-hulled vessel was designed by longtime Burger naval architect Don O'Keeffe. The yacht had one owner since delivery and never entered charter service.Areti I accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck. Crew quarters house up to eight staff. Douglas Richey designed the interior featuring wood paneling and neutral-toned furnishings.Recent updates include a 2024 refit and full repaint at Rybovich in North Palm Beach. The yacht carries ABS classification and MCA compliance.Powered by twin 1,300hp Caterpillar engines, Areti I achieves 14.5-knot top speed with 5,500-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. The vessel was listed at $9.95 million prior to sale.The transaction demonstrates continued market activity for well-maintained American-built superyachts in the 35-40 meter range. Burger's aluminum construction and single-owner history likely contributed to the yacht's market appeal.Credits: Hamilton Marine International
August 18, 2025
Horizon Group has completed installation of a new 1,800-ton shiplift system at its Premier Shipyard facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The 60-meter by 13.7-meter Pearlson Shiplift System represents a two-year development project, expanding the yard's capacity to service superyachts exceeding 70 meters in length.The 24,000-square-meter shipyard occupies 200 meters of waterfront at Taiwan's largest commercial port. The new infrastructure strengthens Premier's position in the Asian refit market, where it has previously serviced vessels up to 69 meters from builders including Feadship and Riva.John Lu, Horizon Group CEO, stated: "The shiplift provides our shipyard with vastly increased capabilities and capacity, helping to fulfill unprecedented demand for global superyacht owners." The yard maintains certifications from classification societies including Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, RINA and DNV.The installation follows Horizon's ongoing investment in service infrastructure, complementing its core yacht construction business. The Taiwanese facility becomes one of few Asian yards capable of handling large superyacht refits with its new lifting system.Premier Shipyard has serviced over 30 yachts since establishing its refit operations. The shiplift project aligns with growing demand for maintenance facilities in Asia as the regional superyacht fleet expands. Horizon continues production at its main yacht-building facilities while expanding aftermarket services through the Kaohsiung location.The completed shiplift enters service immediately, with the yard prepared to accommodate vessels for scheduled winter maintenance work. Horizon confirms the facility will participate in upcoming regional boat shows to demonstrate its enhanced capabilities to potential clients.Horizon Yachts, the subsidiary company of Horizon Group, was co-founded in 1987 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Since then, Horizon has become the leading Asian yacht brand in the luxury yacht market.Credits: Horizon Yachts
August 18, 2025