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.
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.”
