Zeelander Reveals the All-New Zeelander Z72, the Largest Zeelander Yacht Yet

The dutch boat builder Zeelander Yachts just presented its latest build— the Zeelander Z72 —its largest yacht to date. Zeelander Yachts is a leading Dutch shipyard that creates high-end motor yachts with an elegant New York commuterstyle profile and excellent performance. The Z72 promises to be an exceptional flagship that will combine superyacht design features and finish levels with Zeelander’s noteworthy profile.

The Z72 will continue the trend begun by Zeelander Yachts and show off her curves. Each new yacht from this builder initially makes a splash with her exterior lines and the Z72 will be no exception, with a striking S-shaped sheerline. The distinctive rounded stern will unfold invitingly to reveal a spacious swim platform. An understated bowrail will shadow the sheer for the length of the yacht. Three pairs of extremely large hullside windows will punctuate the curvaceous hull.

They promise to illuminate the belowdecks accommodations, as well as subtle, flush-finished superyacht features, such as a boarding door and a side-entry tender garage that fits a tender and a waverunner. The superstructure will have a raked, curving windshield and distinctively framed side windows, topped by a coachroof with a finely drawn grabrail.

An Elegant New York Commuter’s style Profile

The exterior look of the Z72 is developed in collaboration with Cor D. Rover. “Together with my team I search for new ways to give every yacht the exclusive appearance that satisfies the wishes of my clients,” Rover says. “With lines that are unique but recognizable, not exaggerated but surprising. Lines that are beautiful today and will be tomorrow.” Rover also contributed to the design of the Zeelander Z44.

“An S-Shaped deck line, a wider stern and even more curved surfaces,” said Leonardo van den Berg, Commercial Director at Zeelander Yachts. “We believe true yacht building is a form of art: Whilst keeping true to the iconic shape, the Zeelander design has evolved. A legendary icon is what we envision for the Zeelander Z72.” The LOA will give the design a bit more room to breathe, with even more pronounced curves. This yacht will undoubtedly be a Zeelander, but something wholly new as well.

Interiors by the Zeelander In-House Team

The Zeelander in-house team created the interior design of the Zeelander Z72. The company takes a unique approach to yacht design, actively involving owners of its yacht in the discussion about models under development. This allows Zeelander to get a better sense of how active boaters use their boats, and about specific features and design elements. “Owners of Zeelander Yachts know what they like,” Leonardo van den Berg said. “When they share their experiences, we know that no one has a better sense of how the boats are used. That discussion has led the way to the Z72.”

Huge expanses of glass will surround the entire enclosed space of the deckhouse, which will encompass the helm area forward, backing up to a large dining table. At the aft end will be a roomy, functional U-shaped galley. The coachroof overhead will have a broad sunroof to brighten the table.

The helm console will consist of an angled, ergonomic pod on centreline with glass-bridge electronic navigation displays. A wide bench seat accommodates the skipper and companions with virtually uninterrupted 360-degree lines of sight thanks to the large windshield, huge windows with narrow mullions, and the elevated position of the helm deck. The companionway stairs curl invitingly down to the lower deck from the starboard side of the helm. The dining table will be directly abaft the helm bench and keep even more companions close by. The table will be served by a wide settee aft and a two-seat bench to port. The table itself will be sculpted with curved sides, and a surface inlaid with hardwood, and will sit on the same elevated deck as the helm station. The helm bench will convert at anchor to face aft, to allow additional table seating, a Zeelander tradition. The dining table sits on automated multi-position pedestals that will allow it to lower and accept a filler cushion to serve as an additional guest berth.

The galley will be situated at the aft end of the interior to serve the dining table and the cockpit equally well. The counters will offer a subtle twist on the U-shaped galley, still handy for the cook to lean against for safe meal prep in a seaway, but with a gentle curve to help accentuate the Zeelander feel. There will be copious stowage in numerous lockers, and high-end appliances.

To Enjoy the Outdoor Life

Because the aft bulkhead window dividing the galley from the cockpit will retract, the aft counter will double as an aft-deck bar and be served by four fixed stools beneath the coachroof overhang for a sleek take on the alfresco bar experience. Abaft the stools is open deck space, sheltered by the extended house sides. followed by a step down to a fore-and-aft pair of settees with a cocktail table between. From this aft deck area the side decks offer easy, safe transit forward, where yet another sun pad awaits. As an example of superyacht-level transformation, that iconic curving transom will unfold, and the backrest of the aft settee will fold down to create an enormous sun pad, handy to the swim platform. The platform will serve as the teak beach at anchor, and be a main gathering area for water-loving family and friends.

A Three Stateroom Layout

Down the companionway stairs, the Zeelander Z72 will have a three-stateroom layout. The master is forward and shows a key benefit of this curvy, updated take on the classic high-sided commuter: headroom and forward volume. As with all Zeelanders, the décor will be sophisticated, yet comfortable to allow for guests and family to enjoy their time aboard with ease. The master stateroom will feature a king berth finished in an updated Herreshoff style with white ceiling and overhead panels accented with dark varnished wood. A large sunroof, hullside windows, curving bulkheads, and leather-trimmed accents will combine with a large deck footprint to bring an authentic superyacht feel to the owners’ quarters. The superyacht sensibility will continue to the master head, which will feature a walk-in, tiled shower, distinctive basin sink, its own hullside window and an expansive mirror.

Additional accommodations will consist of a pair of guest doubles located amidships, where angled entry doors will optimize the use of space while highlighting the mirror design. Each stateroom will benefit from the same level of fit and finish, with private head with separate shower.

The crew’s quarters will also be on the lower deck, accessed through a hatch in the aft deck, where the crew will have a berth and a private head. The crew’s quarters will be adjacent to another true superyacht feature, the hullside tender garage, where a RIB tender can be deployed and retrieved with minimal interference with activities on the swim platform.

Three Volvo IPS to Reach a Top Speed of 46 Mph!

With a profile like that of the Zeelander Z72, a yacht must be able to back up her looks with performance, and Zeelander will offer a selection of triple Volvo Penta IPS engine choices that will do just that. With three, 1,000-horsepower IPS 1350s, the Z72 is expected to reach a top speed of 46 Mph, and benefit from the Volvo Penta integrated joystick system for excellent maneuverability.

Zeelander pays close attention to onboard comfort, including sound attenuation and vibration damping for onboard systems. The boat will be available with a Seakeeper gyro stabilization system for optimal comfort.

The Zeelander Z72 brings superyacht level design to a 72-foot (22-meter) profile that will turn heads in any port of call, and with the performance and comfort amenities to match.