After the success of the Z44, and following feedback from the market, the Dutch yard Zeelander Yachts has developed a larger sports cruiser model, the 17-metre Z55, that would enhance the best features of the Z44. The Z55 had her European debut last September during the 2017 Cannes Yachting Festival.
The Z55 is a luxurious 17-metre yacht, and she the largest model to date for the shipyard. 27 percent longer than her smaller sibling, she features twice as much volume, which is claimed to be the perfect size for sailing without a captain and for finding a suitable berth.
The model combines timeless design and innovative solutions from a team of the renowned professionals coming from the superyacht industry. Mulder Design took care of the naval architecture for the latest project by Zeelander. In developing the Z55, three sets of Computational Fluid Dynamics calculations were carried out at Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Volvo also carried out additional tests for the engines to ensure optimal compatibility with the yacht’s design.
The Z55 features a deep-V hull made from GRP core infusion vinylester glass fibre, which improves her seagoing characteristics. She is entirely made and built in the Netherlands at Zeelander Yachts’ new state-of-the-art facility located in Groot – Ammers.
Highly recognisable, the Z55 is an elegant classic lobster-style yacht with a modern twist. Her exterior styling can be customised according to the owner’s wishes, thanks to several pre-designed solutions in either a light modern style or a darker traditional style. Mahogany wood or bleached oak and other materials and finishes, including veneers, leathers, textiles, are available to match the owner’s taste.
The Z55 unit which attended the Cannes Yachting Festival features a contemporary airy décor in light oak with grey finishes, while the American version delivered earlier in 2017 has more wood accents in both the interior and the exterior.
The Z55 is quite spacious thanks to her wide body. Her layout includes saloon, galley, and cockpit as a one-floor social area on the main deck. The yacht benefits from the yard’s special feature, 360-degree panoramic vistas from the wheelhouse. On the aft deck, there is an outside bar, cockpit and a stern swim platform with two mini-balconies on either side for easy boarding.
The Zeelander Z55 accommodates owners and guests in three bedrooms, a master suite which includes a vanity table, a VIP suite and a guest cabin with bunk beds, which could also serve as crew quarters for two if desired.
The clever use of space that is the Zeelander allows for a tender garage to the side of the yacht, which turns very useful when in shallow waters. A swimming platform is fitted on the aft of the boat for easy access to the tender and the water. Further storage is located to the stern section and side boarding from the aft, walking aboard at the same level. The Z55 can be docked on the starboard or port side, and the table can be electrically lowered to facilitate easy access.
The Zeelander Yacht’s flagship is very easy to handle and maintain, she is also equipped with joystick steering for manoeuvring, dynamic positioning, automatic trim, cruise control, stabilizer and on-demand information.
The new Z55 is fitted with a twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050. This type of propulsion allows for outstanding manoeuvrability 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.
