Zeelander, the Dutch company that builds boats reminiscent of the classic 1930’s commuter yachts on Long Island Sound, is working on a new 72 flagship that will be launched early next year. Leonardo van den Berg, Zeelander’s commercial director, says the new 72 carries “a sportier look” than the company’s existing 55- and 44-foot models.
The bow is a bit more prominent than in previous boats, but the new 72 carries the company’s signature low profile, long sheerline, reverse transom and suggestive tumblehome that have marked the earlier models. Zeelanders have always looked a bit more Down East than Dutch. The raked, curving windshield and framed side windows add to the sporty look.
Zeelander announced construction of the 72 at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It’s a three-cabin, three-head yacht with a captain’s cabin (and head) aft, in the European style; in the U.S., that simply would be used as another cabin, for a child or someone who wanted a great deal of privacy.
In the 72, as in the other Zeelanders, the iconic curved transom folds down to create a very large swim platform and water sports area. The tender and a jet ski fit in a garage with a side entry; you can launch the tender while your guests are relaxing in the cockpit or the swim platform.
The social area aft is enhanced by a window in the aft bulkhead that retracts so that the galley, aft in the salon, is open to the cockpit. A counter doubles as an aft deck bar with four fixed stools under the overhang from the coachroof. Fore and aft settees mark the cockpit, with a table in between. The backrest of the aft settee folds down to create a large sun pad aft.
The fit and finish of the new Zeelander are super-yacht quality, with lots of leather accents, soft lines and contemporary curves. The master stateroom is forward, with a king-sized berth and Herreshoff-style white overhead panels with varnished wood accents. The master also has a large sunroof and hullside windows for lots of natural light. The en suite head and walk-in tile shower also has its own hullside window. A pair of double guest cabins are amidships. Each one has its own private head and shower.
Power will come from a variety of Volvo Penta IPS diesels and pod drives, ranging from three 725-hp Volvos up to three 1,000-hp Volvos, with a top speed from 28 to 40 knots, depending on the engines. Range is 630 nm at 24 knots. A Seakeeper gyro stabilizer is optional. Base price is about $3,650,000.
Specs.: LOA: 72’4”; Beam: 19’7”; Draft: 4’9”; Disp.: 99,000 lbs., Power: From 3×725-hp Volvos up to 3×1,000-hp Volvos.
