Topping Zeelander’s dayboat series, the Zeelander 8 is the Dutch builder’s first step into megayacht territory. The project took another step toward completion recently, with her first set of sea trials. As you’ll see, she’s a smooth operator.
The 78-footer (nearly 24-meter) might be big, but if you’re familiar with the smaller Zeelanders, then you know good handling is a priority. In fact, Sietse Koopmans set out to offer yacht buyers strong but quiet performance when he established the shipyard in 2002. Nimble cruising comes from a pair of Volvo Penta IPS engines. Even while at a speedy 26 knots, the Zeelander 8 should have a range approaching 500 nautical miles. Additionally, no one accompanying you should have to shout to be heard. The shipyard pledges maximum sound levels around 72 decibels, or roughly the same as a radio or TV at normal volume. That will be at top speed, too, approaching 40 knots depending on standard or optional power.
Although many buyers may treat her as a dayboat, the Zeelander 8 alternately can be a crew-run cruiser for island hopping. Regardless, an open-plan layout and massive amounts of glass make you feel like you’re outside when you’re inside. Zeelander Yachts and designer Cor D. Rover created curve glass all around the sides to go with a huge skylight.
Since the series is a production series, the interior configuration is set in stone. Three staterooms, including the master, are aboard the Zeelander 8. So, too, are two crew cabins. In a nice touch, the understated décor treatments throughout the owner and guest living areas carry through to the crew cabins. Grey and cream tones characterize fabrics and leathers. There’s wood as well, of course, specifically rich macassar ebony, creating a striking contrast. Nothing is fussy, however. “The low maintenance requirements ensure that the boat spends more time in use and less time on the dock,” Koopmans says. Further worth noting—and especially welcome—the crew cabins are en suites.
With a few finishing touches to go, this first Zeelander 8 belongs to a European customer. He’ll keep her in the South of France. No word yet on when the first model with hit American shores.
Cor D. Rover Design cor-d-rover.com
Zeelander Yachts zeelander.com

More About the Zeelander 8 Yacht
LOA: 78’4” (23.9 meters)
Beam: 20’10” (6.4 meters)
Draft: 5’3” (1.6 meters)
Guests: 6 in 3 staterooms
Engines: 4/900-hp Volvo Penta D13-IPS 1200s or 4/1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s
Range: 475 nautical miles at 26 knots (w/optional power)
Builder: Zeelander Yachts
Stylist: Cor D. Rover Design
Naval Architect: Sea Level
Interior Designer: Zeelander Yachts
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