A Zeelander 5, named Koa, has made history as the first Zeelander yacht to arrive in Hawaii. The striking vessel, with its Royal Night’s blue metallic and pearlescent white color scheme, was delivered after an extraordinary 13,000-mile journey. Departing from the Netherlands, Koa embarked on an adventurous voyage, navigating the European and African coasts, crossing the Atlantic, passing through the Panama Canal, and traveling north to Vancouver. From there, the yacht was transported by low-loader to Seattle before completing the final 2,800 miles to Hawaii on a barge.
Despite the significant distance and unpredictable conditions, Koa proved its seaworthiness throughout the journey. Captain Tony Joyce, who oversaw the trip, recounted the challenges faced, including 10- to 14-foot seas and winds reaching 35 knots. At times, waves broke over the yacht’s bow and even submerged it, yet Koa remained watertight, with no water ingress reported. The yacht’s robust design and hydrodynamic efficiency were key factors in its ability to endure these extreme conditions.
Notably, Koa is also the first Zeelander yacht to be equipped with solar panels, with four 40W units embedded in the curved coachroof. These panels have proven to be highly effective in Hawaii’s climate, helping to conserve battery power and offsetting the lack of shorepower availability.
In addition to its impressive durability, Koa reflects the personal tastes of its owner. The interior features exclusive leathers and sophisticated finishes. While primarily used for day trips, the yacht has been busy exploring the Hawaiian coastline, participating in activities such as whale watching, scuba diving, fishing, and picnicking. Locally, Koa has attracted attention, with notable visits from the US Coast Guard and even interactions with a US nuclear submarine during multilateral naval exercises.
Floris Koopmans, Zeelander’s business development manager, expressed pride in the successful delivery of Koa. He praised the yacht’s outstanding performance under challenging conditions and the skill of Captain Joyce in navigating the vessel across such vast and demanding distances. This delivery marks a significant milestone for Zeelander, showcasing the brand’s global appeal and the reliability of its yachts, even in the most remote and challenging locations in the world.
