Event Horizon

In the middle of 2018, Horizon Yacht announced that they’d be assuming operations of Horizon Motor Yachts Australia, drawing the local lot into the global fold to facilitate a greater worldwide owner experience. In a connected world where borders seem to be getting blurrier by the day, Horizon have once again shown how willing they are to adapt to the times – something they’ve done on countless occasions to punctuate their remarkable success story. 

GIVING BERTH

In the beginning they offered sub-50-foot motoryachts to customers in the US, Australia and Sweden, but as global economy shifted, early-90s required a different approach. Their first foray into larger footprints came in the form of a 58-footer, that accompanied a change in focus to include Europe and Asia. The Elegance models were of particular interest to the newly established markets and before long their growing success prompted Horizon to produce their first 80-foot model, which launched in 1993. 

EXPAND AND CONQUER

As the company expanded rapidly during the 90s, Lu felt that their production scale was limited by the size of their factory, so his vision moved towards increasing production capacity with specialised processes. This led to a re-structuring of the business in the early-00s, redefining and isolating the roles of each of the three companies under the Horizon umbrella – Atech Composites, Vision Yachts and Premier Yachts. Atech took care of composite engineering and the brand’s VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding) hulls and superstructures; Vision built yachts between 52 and 80 feet; and Premier provided refit, maintenance and care services for everything 100-foot plus. Then came a CNC tooling centre and furniture specialist.

ROUGH SEAS

By this point the parent company Horizon Yacht employed more than 1,000 people, spread over 111,000 square metres (more than 1.2 million square feet) of real estate. And then the global financial crisis swept in and threatened to crush the luxury yacht-building industry. When Horizon’s largest dealer, Drettmann, went bankrupt, they were faced with a number of uncertainties. 

Despite the cancellation of the bulk of upcoming orders, the company took a new ‘self build, self market’ approach to their remaining projects, while John Lu reinforced the brand’s identity and awareness to minimise the effect of economic fluctuations. After having weathered the storm, Horizon came out of the GFC as a strengthened, consolidated company with an unstoppable momentum; one that ushered them into the ranks of the world’s top five leading manufacturers, where they have sat for the last nine years. 

“Buyers are now coming back for their third or fourth boats,” says CEO John Lu, “we find buyers getting more hands on and involved in the design process as they are able to build a custom yacht. If they can dream it, we will build it.”

OVER THE RAINBOW

Over the coming years John Lu plans to push the company forward, saying he intends for it to become “the number one custom yacht builder in the world.” With this will come new models, a larger network of service centres and a more connected global presence. 

“Horizon will not only represent a luxury yacht, but a way of life.”

FD Series 

The evolution of the FD Series, a collection of advanced fast displacement motoryachts produced in collaboration with the Dutch design studio of Cor D Rover, marks a particular point of pride for John Lu. Their piercing bow and hull shape enable efficient cruising and excellent stability, while lending the high-volume vessel a bold aesthetic. Their large interior spaces are flooded with natural light, including the deck-level master cabin that encapsulates the definition of luxury. With options available from 77 to 125 feet, the FD Series is perfect for those who want to make a serious statement.

E Series 

When you experience the blend of elegant and functional design that permeates the E Series, it’s easy to see why this is the most popular of Horizon’s offerings. There are currently eight models within the E Series, stretching from 56 to 98 feet – each available with a multitude of customisable options to suit any cruising sensibility. Many are available in both open and closed flybridge variations, while every one has a voluminous hull that’s defined by sleek lines and harmonious proportions that provide comfortable on-water living.

PC Series 

The power catamaran designs that make up the PC Series are the Shangri-La of owner operator cruisers. With loads of deck space, superior blue water cruising credentials and chic interior designs, these twin-hull tourers are more akin to a floating holiday house than what many would associate with a classic cat. Whether aboard the the 52 or the 74-foot version, the spaces below deck are designed to maximise room, providing comfortable accommodation for owners and guests. The family-friendly cruisers are available with both open and enclosed flybridges, there’s a configuration of features to suit any style of holiday making.

RP Series 

When it comes to superlative seakeeping, you just can’t go past the RP Series. Horizon’s low resistance hull platform ensures a smooth ride, while an exterior profile design by J.C. Espinosa maximises deck space for sun-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Horizon will lay-out the innards with any configuration the owner desires – with customisable hulls available from 97-feet and up, the only limit your imagination.

P Series 

Horizon’s palatial tri-deck P Series is built for the ultimate cruising experience. The external design is sleek and stylish, while award-winning fit and finish options allow for a customisable layout to suit any lifestyle. With hulls from 110 to 140 feet, the P Series is responsible for such award winning builds as Miss Rose, which demonstrates just how refined a luxury yacht can be.

V Series 

The V Series is Horizon’s Jack of all trades collection, with versatility at the core of each build. A plumb bow design courtesy of Stimson Yachts allows for a lower waterline and reduced drag at low speeds, making them an ideal choice for first-time buyers. Cockpits can be furnished to suit anglers, divers and watersports weekenders, while spacious decks and accommodation make for an easy-going long-haul leisure cruise. The 68 to 80-foot V Series models also offer the ability to accommodate crew, while owner operators can opt to have the extra space set up for friends and family.