An unusual adventure yacht is currently under construction at Delta Marine in Seattle: the ‘ZEMBRA’ is 152 feet long – equivalent to around 46.3 metres – and has been designed for round-the-world voyages, long crossings and challenging expeditions.
The first thing that catches the eye is the striking paintwork in a metallic Arizona bronze shade. Large windows and sharply defined, angular lines lend the yacht a slight expeditionary feel. At the same time, the “ZEMBRA” is not intended to look like a traditional workboat, but rather to combine elegance and adventure.
“ZEMBRA is based on Delta’s tried-and-tested full-displacement hull platform in the 150 to 164-foot range,” says Michelle Jones, Vice President of Delta Marine. “The fully seagoing hull design is versatile and exceptionally capable.”
Fuselage and superstructure combined
The yacht has already reached an important milestone in its construction: the hull and superstructure have been joined together. This marks the completion of the structural phase; the fit-out phase now begins. It was only with this step that the yacht’s final form became fully visible for the first time.
The ‘ZEMBRA’ is the result of many years of planning. The owners were closely involved in the design process. Working together with Delta Marine, designers, engineers and craftspeople, the details were tailored to suit their individual lifestyle on board.
The yacht is being built as a bespoke, all-composite vessel and is designed not only to be impressive, but above all to be suited to long and demanding voyages.
By seaplane and submarine
The expeditionary spirit is particularly evident in the equipment. The ‘ZEMBRA’ includes, amongst other things:
- a helipad,
- a two-seater ICON A5 amphibious aircraft,
- a three-seater submarine from U-Boat Worx,
- a Williams Jet Tender,
- an extensive range of water toys.
To recover and launch the various vessels, the yacht is equipped with an SWL crane (approximately 1,587 kg) on the bridge deck and a further gantry crane at the stern. SWL stands for Safe Working Load, i.e. the permissible safe working load. The equipment is stowed entirely on board so as to preserve the yacht’s clean lines.
Five cabins and accessible design
Inside, the ‘ZEMBRA’ offers accommodation in five cabins. The owner’s suite is a spacious master cabin spanning the entire width of the vessel, situated on the main deck.
There are four further guest cabins below. One of these is wheelchair-accessible. A lift connects all the decks, making it easier for all guests to move around on board.
Attention has also been paid to well-being: a versatile fitness area can be used as a gym or for other purposes, as required. The floor plans are designed to allow for comfortable movement and a relaxed daily routine on long journeys.
Charter debut with Northrop & Johnson
Once completed, the “ZEMBRA” will be available to charter guests through Northrop & Johnson. This offers a rare opportunity to experience a new, bespoke Delta Marine yacht for yourself on adventure cruises around the world. Information: Northrop & Johnson
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Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
