06/2009 –

With her blue hull, coachroof and boom, innovative design and uncluttered deck, the Z60 is eye-catching to say the least, and a real curiosity raiser.  The first unit from the brand-new Belgian manufacturer Zeydon was launched in September 2008 and has been touring various boat shows ever since. Christened WYSIWYG, this 60-foot carbon sports cruiser fully lives up to her name [What You See Is What You Get, as they say in IT jargon!]. First appearances are not deceptive. She really is as innovative and well constructed as she seems, as NauticNews.com confirmed first hand at the Antibes Yacht Show. We stepped onboard accompanied by Ben Van Hool, cofounder of the shipyard based in Arendonk, in the Belgian province of Antwerp.

Design Award.
The colour is not the only surprising thing about the Z60’s hull: there is also the pronounced V-shape when viewed from the stern. She glides perfectly at a slight list and, despite the impressive flare of the hull, the designers had the inspired idea of creating a concave shape around the deck so that the yacht’s beam does not exceed 5.15 metres. These unconventional lines, combined with a long, low, beautifully covered coachroof make for a flush deck that is completely uncluttered, from the mast foot to the Genoa track. Developed in partnership with naval architect Peter Bosgraaf, credit for the exterior design goes to “BMW Group DesignworksUSA”. The incredibly sleek and powerful style of the Z60 makes it impossible to go unnoticed. However, as Ben Van Hool told us: “The look is very important, but what counts above all is her sailability”. To achieve the best possible sailing experience, the Z60 – winner of the Reddot Design Award 2008 – is light at 21 tons and reasonably deep, at 2.75 metres. Her sails, designed by UK-Halsey, are Kevlar and all spars are carbon. During initial sea trials, she reached a cruising speed of over 13 knots and a peak speed of 23 knots, and an angle of nearly 23 degrees when sailing close hauled.

A stylish cruiser.
The Z60’s deck is entirely uncluttered at the fore, and the aft area is also particularly unobstructed. Beyond the 2 helms positioned well to either side and both fully equipped with electrical controls, the rest of the cockpit becomes a very comfortable social area. Since the entire cockpit is all on one level, it offers excellent visibility during manoeuvres, as all halyards and lines run through the coamings. The interior saloon has over 2.5 metres of headroom and is comprised of a 6-seater dining area, a galley, a benchseat and a navigation area. Reminiscent of a chic, well-designed loft space with plenty of light, the bamboo woodwork has been carefully designed down to the tiniest detail. This original choice of wood, combined with grey ceilings, has a subtly striking effect. The spacious master cabin to the fore has a minimalist style, with writing desk and bathroom. Aft, 2 corridors on either side of the companionway lead to the guest cabins, with a shared bathroom ingeniously located under the cockpit.

A new lease of life
The 3-cabin version presented at the Antibes Yacht Show is fully customisable. The composite partitions, which are stratified to the hull and deck, can be repositioned on request. The sporty Z60 truly is a luxury sports cruiser. This is the first model produced by the manufacturer, founded in 2005, and at around 2 million Euros, it is a true technical achievement. “We have set up an organisation focused on quality”, Ben Van Hool explained during our tour. This has clearly brought results. Model number 1 has been touring the boat shows, while the second unit currently under construction is set to be launched next year. The Belgian shipyard, practically 2800 m2 in size, has the means to achieve its ambition of producing between 5 and 8 sailing yachts per year. Zeydon is currently working on other projects, just as spectacular as the Z60, which could also become available in an 80-foot version.

NauticNews.com TechSpecs of Zeydon 60

-NG-