Please select your home edition
Edition
Sea Sure 2025

Next Zeelander 8 nears completion as the flagship model evolves with new design upgrades

by Zeelander Yachts 5 Dec 2025 02:25 PST
Next Zeelander 8 © Zeelander Yachts

Zeelander Yachts is putting the finishing touches on the next Zeelander 8, the Dutch shipyard's 24-meter (80-foot) flagship. Delivery is scheduled for February 2026.

This new Zeelander 8 represents a significant evolution of the model, showcasing an entirely bespoke layout, materials, and detailing. Destined for the South of France, the yacht has been designed for an experienced owner who will operate it personally without a crew, while maintaining the option to hire a captain when desired.

Distinctive design and layout

The yacht's hull and deck are finished in white pearlescent — a first in Zeelander's history — accented by gold and black boot stripes that create a striking, elegant presence on the water. These details and varnished teak flooring enrich the model's warm and luxurious atmosphere.

A completely new deck layout has been developed, tailored to the owner's lifestyle. Inside, a breakfast bar complements the main salon, while the galley has been repositioned for improved flow and social interaction. The aft deck now features an expanded L-shaped seating area and a larger sunbed, perfect for entertaining or relaxing at anchor.

Below deck, the yacht offers five cabins, all finished to the same meticulous standard, including those typically designated for crew, underscoring Zeelander's commitment to uncompromising quality throughout.

Power, range, and performance

Powered by triple Volvo IPS 1350 engines, the next Zeelander 8 is capable of reaching a top speed of 30 knots (or up to 40 knots with the optional quadruple IPS 1350 configuration), while maintaining what is widely regarded as the quietest ride in its class — just 65 dBA even at full speed.

This limousine-like level of noise reduction ensures exceptional calm and comfort on board, no matter the pace. At cruising speed, the Zeelander 8 delivers a range of approximately 600 nautical miles, and up to 3,000 nautical miles at 7 knots, offering both high performance and long-range capability.

Owner operation is made simple through the Volvo IPS system, which enables intuitive control and easy docking. The yacht is equipped with a Williams Jet Tender 395, two Porsche Design Seabobs, and six diving gear sets, all housed within a dedicated tender garage for effortless access to water activities.

In its size segment, the Zeelander 8 is among the few yachts capable of combining this level of speed with genuinely comfortable overnight accommodations. Built in the Netherlands, a country long recognized for its strong shipbuilding tradition, the model reflects a high standard of craftsmanship, serenity, and refined performance. For owners seeking a fast, exceptionally quiet, and carefully built yacht suited for both cruising and extended stays on board, the Zeelander 8 offers a balanced blend of capability and comfort.

The art of luxury

As the largest model in the Zeelander range, the Zeelander 8 embodies the brand's design philosophy — timeless aesthetics, exceptional comfort, and serene performance. Its smooth exterior lines flow into an interior defined by soft forms, noble materials, and a seamless sense of space.

The main deck offers generous lounging and dining areas, while the midship master stateroom on the lower deck features 360-degree panoramic, unobstructed view and more than 2.1 meters of headroom. A targa sunroof and retractable aft windows enable effortless transitions between indoor and outdoor living.

Each Zeelander yacht is entirely bespoke, shaped around the personality and lifestyle of its owner. With this next Zeelander 8 nearing completion, the shipyard continues to push the boundaries of craftsmanship, customization, and comfort in the 24-meter (80-foot) class.

Related Articles

Video: Gitana 18 launched at Lorient La Base
The incredible new Ultim is in the water and the mast is stepped Gitana 18 is the trimaran which has been designed and built to take the great offshore records, including the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe, to another world. Posted today at 4:11 pm
Seventieth Finn Gold Cup in Brisbane Day 1
Brutal opening day Norway's Anders Pedersen was the stand out performer on the brutal opening day of the 2026 Finn Gold Cup. The event, partnered by Porsche Centre Brisbane, is being hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, in Brisbane, Australia. Posted today at 2:23 pm
Free Dom finishes Globe40 Leg 4
Determination, patience, and courage guided the crew all the way to Valparaíso Determination, patience, and courage guided the crew all the way to Valparaíso, after thousands of miles and countless doubts overcome. Posted today at 2:08 pm
The Macnamara's Bowl returns
Royal Lymington Yacht Club's prestigious and international women-only keelboat regatta First competed for in 1978, the prestigious and international women-only keelboat regatta ran successfully until 1995. Since then, the beautiful trophy has been displayed in the club trophy cabinet but without further competition. Posted today at 10:52 am
18ft Skiff Season Point Score - Race 19
A hard-fought victory for the reigning world 18ft skiff champion Yandoo team Another day of incredibly tough racing conditions during the 2025-26 season couldn't stop the reigning world 18ft skiff champion Yandoo team of John Winning Jr, Fang Warren and Lewis Brake from scoring a hard-fought victory. Posted today at 8:45 am
Aussies claim victory in Auckland again
Tom Slingsby and the BONDS Flying Roos carry winning form into Sydney Harbour homecoming The BONDS Flying Roos have stormed home to claim back-to-back victories at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, defending their Auckland title with a masterclass display in challenging conditions. Posted today at 4:09 am
SailGP: Back to back wins for Flying Roos
Australia's Bonds Flying Roos have once again reigned supreme in the City of Sails Mastering the wind and the waves, Australia's Bonds Flying Roos have once again reigned supreme in the City of Sails. The Aussies held off fierce pressure from Emirates GBR and Spain to secure their second consecutive victory in New Zealand. Posted today at 3:31 am
Crossing the Drake: Picomole Reaches Antarctica
Aldo Fumagalli and the crew of the Rapido 53XS Picomole have crossed the Drake Passage Through a small number of photos and short video clips received in recent days (we will post a video separately), we can see that Aldo Fumagalli and the crew of the Rapido 53XS Picomole have crossed the Drake Passage and reached the Antarctic Peninsula. Posted on 14 Feb
Gitana 18 Maxi Edmond de Rothschild launched
Opening a new chapter in flying Ultim design After more than two years in build, Gitana 18, the 32-metre Maxi Edmond de Rothschild has been launched, marking the culmination of an ambitious construction programme and the start of a new chapter for the Gitana Team. Posted on 14 Feb
2026 29er Eurocup at Valencia Day 3
Disrupted again due to a weather alert affecting the Valencian coast The Olympic Week CV Youth, which has been taking place since last Thursday at the RCN Valencia, was disrupted today due to a weather alert affecting the Valencian coast. Posted on 14 Feb
Barton Marine Pipe GlandsZhik - Made for WaterMackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOM