Zeelander

Dutch sports cruisers with rounded lines from Groot-Ammers.

Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 by Sietse Koopmans and has been building motor yachts in Groot-Ammers, in the Alblasserwaard, ever since. The yard describes itself as a family business and has now delivered more than fifty yachts. A distinctive feature is the strongly curved shape of the hull and superstructure, which, according to the yard, can only be achieved through a great deal of manual work. Between sixteen thousand and twenty-five thousand hours of work go into each yacht, involving over two hundred and fifty people from twenty-eight different trades. A quiet and vibration-free boating experience is the guiding principle on which the design is based.

The range consists of the Zeelander 5, 6, 7 and 8, with lengths from about 14.7 to 24 metres, or 48 to 79 feet. The models use Volvo Penta IPS drives, from two or three D6 units in the Zeelander 5 to four D13 units in the Zeelander 8, with top speeds of around forty knots. The yachts feature an enclosed wheelhouse with a large sliding roof, a spacious aft deck and a limited number of cabins below deck. They are designed for owners who cruise their own boats and who, on day trips and weekend cruises along the coast, place greater value on finish and comfort than on the number of berths.

Facts & figures

• Founded in 2002 by Sietse Koopmans
• Building in Groot-Ammers in the Alblasserwaard
• Has delivered more than fifty yachts
• Builds sports cruisers ranging from approximately 14.7 to 24 metres
• It is powered by a Volvo Penta IPS drive and reaches speeds of around forty knots
• Estimates between 16,000 and 25,000 construction hours per yacht