[dropcap]D[/dropcap]utch shipyard Zeelander Yachts’s new flagship sport cruiser Z55 has been unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017. The new flagship is a luxurious 17-metres yacht, 100% made in Holland at Zeelander Yachts’ new state-of-the-art facility based in Groot – Ammers. The model combines timeless design and innovative solutions from a team of the renowned professionals coming from the superyacht industry.
The naval architect of the project is Mulder Design. The exterior lines, developed by Zeelander design team together with the world-renowned award winning designer Cor D. Rover, are immediately recognizable. The Z55 is an elegant classic style yacht that was given a modern twist. She has a deep-V hull made from GRP core infusion vinylester glass fibre, not with all the usual spray rails, which makes gives huge boost to her seagoing characteristics.
The advantage of this solution is a significantly smoother ride. When driving in rough seas, it’s possible to maintain a higher speed, whilst maintaining a smooth, comfortable ride.
There is a large number of pre-designed solutions in either a light modern style or a darker traditional style with mahogany wood or bleached oak and other finest materials and finishes available, including veneers, leathers, textiles, etc. Also, owners may bring their own interior designers that suit their tastes.
The Z55 unit – on display at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017 – features a contemporary airy décor in light oak with grey finish, which better suits the European market. The American version delivered to a customer earlier this year has more wood accents in both the interior and the exterior.
The Z55 is more spacious than other boats thanks to her wide body. She has a sophisticated layout. The main deck is a one-floor social area. It consists of a stern cockpit, bar, galley and wheelhouse, all on the same level. There are no steps or borders between them, which is also good for safety reasons. The yacht benefits from the yard’s special feature, a 360-degree panoramic vistas from the wheelhouse through generous windows with narrow frames, which is unique for the class.
The connection between the zones on the main deck is flawless. Thus, the saloon has an internal dining area just behind the driver’s seat and adjacent galley that is fitted out with stove, microwave oven, sink, cooking surface and plenty of storage space. It opens into the aft cockpit through giant glass doors. On the aft deck, there is an outside bar for four, where the guests can be served drinks and plates immediately from the galley.
The cockpit represents an alfresco dining zone. It is also used as part of the beach club. The Z55 has a stern swim platform and two mini-balconies on either side for easy boarding.
The lower deck is dedicated to living space for guests. The layout is made up of three cabins. The master suite amidships spans the whole 5-metre beam. It’s separated from the engine room by a tender garage, which additionally ensures the owner is not disturbed by noise or vibration. The second cabin is on the bow. Both are equipped with en-suites. The additional third cabin has two bunk beds.
Zeelander gives an owner the experience of being on the water and in touch with all the elements without being disturbed by engine or generator noise thanks to the profound insulation. The sound level is down to the minimum on this model.
The new Z55 is fitted with a twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050. This type of propulsion allows for maneuverability and power while giving world-class fuel efficiency. In combination with efficient hull shape, it guarantees a range of more than 400 nautical miles. With the optional Volvo Penta IPS 1200 she runs up to 40 knots.
The Zeelander Yacht’s flagship is very easy to handle and maintain, offering high level on board comfort. The Z55 is also equipped with joystick steering for maneuvering, dynamic positioning, automatic trim, cruise control, stabilizer and on-demand information.
