The first Horizon built to survey to arrive in time for 2022 Sydney International Boat Show
by Horizon Yachts 17 Jun 2022 14:17 PDT
The first Horizon superyacht built to 2C AMSA is nearing completion, scheduled for delivery to Horizon Yacht Australia in July, in time for the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show.
The Horizon FD90 was the brainchild of Horizon Yacht Australia Managing Director, Mark Western and Horizon CEO and co-founder, John Lu in response to a significant number of enquiries at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
As Mark Western explains, "There's definitely a market for an FD90 in charter. There are very few brands delivering available stock at 2C AMSA certification.
"Charter is becoming more popular and the Horizon FD90 is unique in that it's under the 24-metre ruling, which is great for owners as it means fewer crew and overheads. As far as a business is concerned, it's the perfect, compact package and it provides the same amount of volume with its huge deck space. It's the ideal entertainer's boat."
In collaboration with Dutch design studio, Cor D. Rover, the Horizon FD series which spans 75 to 125-feet, has struck a chord with Australians.
"The popularity of the FD models is due to their volume and array of features. They are so spacious and offer all the amenities and lifestyle features of a much larger boat, but with lower running costs.
"In 2022, we will deliver 12 FDs - which is equal to the US. In fact, 95 percent of orders now are for the FD models. It has proven a phenomenal success."
Over the 12-month build for the new FD90, Horizon worked with Oceanic Design & Survey at Gold Coast City Marina, and BV Surveyors in Taiwan every step of the way.
"Oceanic went through a rigorous process with us and indicated they were confident in our abilities when they signed off the technical diagrams," says Mark.
"Not much about the FD90's layout or arrangement had to change, but in every other aspect there are differences; the engine room, soundproofing, fire-rating and materials, extra fuel manifolds, bilge manifolds, glass tint within a certain spec, width of the walkarounds and handrails - all had to be signed off and certified.
"We all worked together seamlessly with daily communication. It has been a good learning curve for all of us. Hopefully, this is the first of many more."
The defining features of this one-of-a-kind Horizon FD90 include her massive flybridge deck, comprising pilothouse with helm, table and seating, with glass doors leading to the outdoor deck with bar, lounge, dining, barbecue and jacuzzi, the large aft deck with lounge area and bar, plus the additional social space on the foredeck with seating, tables and sunpads.
The garage with spacious beach club is yet another distinguishing feature, and boasts seating, storage and proximity to the water's edge for ease of access for watertoys and tender.
On board is accommodation in five cabins: a main deck full-beam master stateroom with ensuite, and below decks, a forward VIP, plus three double rooms, each with private ensuite.
The luxurious interior décor and furnishings have been selected a neutral palette of finishes and materials chosen for their durability to suit its purpose as a charter vessel.
Quarters for up to five crew are finished to an equally high spec and include crew galley/mess and large bathroom.
Just under two months away from completion, the new vessel will undertake sea trials before delivery to Horizon Yacht Australia, with the aim of displaying it as a turnkey business package at the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show. The new FD90, on water and ready to work will be priced under $15 million.
"Interestingly, we've had a lot of enquiry from private owners who are keen to enjoy it themselves around charter season. It certainly offers good resale as a business proposition.
"We're strong in Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. Sydney is our next focus. Sydney is the ideal market. It would be a great base for an FD90 in charter, servicing the whole east coast and even the Kimberley coast in the west."
More at horizonyachtaus.com.