Excelerate Z
- 28m | Sunseeker | 2006 (2022)
The 28.1 metre (94’) motor yacht Excelerate Z has undergone an exciting transformation in the past 13 years, and today demonstrates the technology and research and development behind the products and services Excelerate Marine offer.
Excelerate Technology are leading providers of fast-response data, video and voice services utilising their own satellite and 4G networks for global Emergency Services and UK Government, giving Excelerate Marine a wealth of experience to enter the yachting market with.
The only Sunseeker to our knowledge with an interior specially designed and supervised by the legendary Jon Bannenberg, Excelerate Z is a fully stabilised fast planning yacht which is fantastically quiet and comfortable at much lower speeds or anchor, David Savage, founder and CEO of Excelerate, had a vision and a purpose for his company’s yacht. As a demonstrator for the newly formed maritime division, Excelerate Marine, he made sure the vessel received not only a complete mechanical overhaul and interior upgrade, but that she became one of the most spectacularly connected and technologically well-equipped yachts on the charter market for her size, actually surpassing much bigger yachts.
Technology at Sea
In 2017 Excelerate Z underwent her extensive communications, connectivity, AV and helm stations refit with a clear intention: To prove that VSAT connectivity on superyachts can be as standard and cost-effective as offering electricity on board. Wi-Fi and connectivity for guests at a hotel is a standard provision, so why should it be any different onboard a yacht?
Keen to demonstrate their faith in Excelerate Group’s products, they were used to transform the vessel, creating a beautiful yacht with the fastest and most efficient connectivity solutions around. Faster, more reliable and cost-effective connectivity is at the core of Excelerate Marine’s solutions, utilising a hybrid network of satellite and cellular connectivity to create the most resilient onboard internet connection. The renewed Excelerate Z is the poster child for the movement into the 21st century.
“When we were going through the refit process with Excelerate Z, we aimed to make her the ‘yacht of the possible’. As well as an incredibly comfortable charter yacht with all the amenities expected of a luxury vacation, Excelerate Z showcases our marine technology expertise. The connectivity on board is second to none. As a demo yacht, we want captains to really put us to the test, while at the same time showing yacht owners and charter clients the possibilities available in software and technology to make your yacht charter a better, more seamless experience all round.”
Aside from her fascinating back story, Excelerate Z is a fantastic charter yacht in herself. Comfort and luxury are not forgotten in the pursuit of her impressive technical feats, and she boasts a luxurious open plan, zoned interior from the drawing boards of London-based design studio, Bannenberg & Rowell. Perfect for a cosy family charter or an amazing corporate yacht, she comfortably sleeps eight guests across four ensuite staterooms, consisting of a large master suite in addition to a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins. An experienced crew of three are also accommodated on board, catering to guests’ every need.
With secure internet connectivity, you can rest assured that your family can browse the internet, stream their favourite films and watch live sports anywhere onboard. The state-of-the-art entertainment system encompasses reliable TVRO and IPTV so you never have to miss out on your favourite programmes or channels. With such a reliable internet connection, guests can enjoy all of this wherever they are, whether sunbathing on the deck or relaxing in the lounge with ambient lighting.
As all charter guests will know, good, usable deck space on board any charter yacht is essential. Excelerate Z certainly delivers on this front, with a spacious interior and well conceived outdoor spaces. Guests often gravitate towards the sun deck on Excelerate Z, perfect for alfresco dining or sunbathing around the forward-facing jacuzzi.
Heading down to the main deck, guests will find an additional teak-decked alfresco dining area leading out from the main saloon through sliding glass doors. In every aspect, the yacht offers opportunities to create the perfect environment for enjoying the best of the yacht life. From winding down after an action-packed day with icy cocktails under the stars or cosying up on the sun loungers to watch your favourite show over the super-fast WiFi in the fresh ocean air - Excelerate Z facilitates it all.
High-speed Performance
Regarding her performance and build specs, Excelerate Z has a waterline length of 23.28 metres, a beam of 6.3 metres and a draft of 3.46 metres. Powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M91 diesel engines, she has a top speed of 29 knots, a fast cruising speed of 18 knots and an economical range of 1,150 nm at a very comfortable 10 knots.
Following completion of her innovative refit, Excelerate Z is a fantastic new addition to the charter market, operating year-round in the Mediterranean. The ideal South of France charter choice for a great experience of modern yacht life, she offers itineraries throughout the French and Italian Rivieras, Corsica and Sardinia.
Conveniently based in Antibes, Excelerate Z is also available for corporate events, special occasions and short breaks. With growing demand for this type of charter experience, Excelerate Z is an innovative yacht in more ways than one - and worthy of serious attention from charter clients and yacht owners alike.
Finally, let’s take it back to that WiFi. It may sound superfluous – but isn’t the point of a holiday on a yacht to relax and switch off, after all? Well, yes, in part. However, charter guests still expect to be connected, to kick back and watch the latest episode of the latest show on Netflix, to FaceTime family or fix an urgent problem back in the office without impacting a few glorious days out at sea. WiFi is not always what guests might expect when anchored in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea but, as David Savage of Excelerate explains: “It’s one of those things that when you have it you don’t even notice it, but when you don’t, it can become very frustrating very quickly and sour what should be a relaxing experience.”
Confident in the constant connectivity on board, he says, “It really is great to say to our captain, ‘Take her out as far as you can go and try to lose the internet while measuring performance in real-time’. When we say it works or out-performs other connectivity solutions, we can prove and show that it does.”
Whether you appreciate her technology, her aesthetics or her modern versatility, Excelerate Z is a yacht to watch out for.
