The magnificent «Eight»: the new photos of the flagship Zeelander 8

Zeelander has completed the first hull of its new flagship model 8. For the Dutch brand, the new 24m boat is the official gateway to the superyacht segment, although the company's smaller models have always been of the highest technical and aesthetic standard.

Despite the nostalgic aesthetic, Zeelander is a fairly young brand, born in the current century. In 2002, Sietse Koopmans was looking for a quiet day cruiser, but none of the boats available on the market met his needs. So, in accordance with the principle ‘if you want the job done well, do it yourself’, he decided to build a boat instead of buying it. That same year, Koopmans proceeded to establish the brand Zeelander. Five years of planning, design, and tests led to the unveiling of the Z44 at the 2008 Monaco Yacht Show. The boat epitomized Koopmans' vision of the perfect vessel. Now Zeelander has more than 50 yachts in its fleet. Every Zeelander detail is very complex and difficult to execute, involving 250 people from 28 disciplines and between 16,000 and 25,000 hours to complete one yacht.

Externally, the Zeelander 8 follows the signature Cor D. Rover style, characterized by perfect proportions, a streamlined profile, and an absence of straight lines.

‘Zeelander looks are inspired by the timeless beauty of New England and local lobster boats, as well as classic fast commuter motor boats used by business tycoons to get from Long Island estates to Wall Street offices,’ says the designer.

The rounded, streamlined stern evokes classic sports cars like the Porsche 356. What's more, the first hull, Silver Dawn, is also painted in Porsche's signature Rhodium Silver hue with orange trim along the waterline. The hinged swim platform is an almost square structure clad in teak, to which a hydraulic ladder can be added as an option. A wide staircase is leading down from the deck to the platform. The aft deck houses a sofa group and a table. A nice detail: doors in the bulwark are provided on both sides of the boat, which is convenient when mooring side-on. Protected from the sun and rain by the roof overhang, a bar counter with four high stools is positioned between the cockpit and the saloon with a curved glass that can be lowered into the panel.

A well-noticed difference of the ‘Eight’ from the previous models is a full-fledged seating area on the foredeck, in front of the windscreen. While the earlier Zeelanders offered barely a sunpad and a bunk there, the bow lounge on Z8 features sun loungers, a table, and sofas, along with a bimini tent on demand. A great place to relax or dine away from prying eyes when the yacht is in port.

Below deck there is a spacious full-beam (6.6 m) owner's cabin and two double guest cabins. All of them are equipped with en-suite bathrooms.

At 24 meters in LOA, yachts become superyachts. The Zeelander 8 earns the prefix 'super’ not only for size and comfort but also for a dedicated crew area with two cabins and a crew mess with separate entrance, and the full-beam tender garage has a side entrance instead of an opening transom. Killing two birds with one stone, the side access to the garage means that the aft deck and the swim platform always remain at guests disposal, while the garage itself effectively separates the master cabin from the noise and vibration of the engine room. The garage accommodates a Williams 395 Sportjet tender by default, although it is possible to fit in a larger model, say a 445 Sportjet. There is also a room for a pair of Seabobs.

‘We are very proud of the Zeelander 8 project,’ says Sietse Koopmans. — Born out of our loyal customer's desire for a bigger boat, this yacht retains the famous Zeelander aesthetic but is much more spacious. All this without compromising on outstanding performance. She can reach speeds of up to 40 knots and still be quiet enough inside for you to have quiet conversations’.

This is no exaggeration. The noise level on board when traveling at top speed is less than 65 dB. By comparison, modern hoovers average 70 dB. 

Zeelander 8 specification

Hull type: planing
Design: Cor D. Rover
Naval architecture: Level
Construction: GRP

LOA: 23.9 m
Beam: 6.6 m
Draft: 1.6 m
Airdraft: 5.8 m
Dry weight: 60 t

Crew: 3
Berths: 6
Guest cabins: full beam master-cabin + 2 double cabins with ensuite bathrooms

Max speed (depending on engine option): 35/40 kn
Range: 3050 nm at 7 kn / 510 nm at 26 kn
Fuel: 8 000 l
Fresh water: 2 000 l

Main engines:
2 x Quattro Volvo Penta D13-IPS 1.200
2 x Quattro Volvo Penta D13-IPS 1.350 (optional)
Generator: 20 kW / 50 Hz or 25 kW / 60 Hz