Define your
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FOCUS ON
A knockout one-oямА "Arrigoderci" extended from Horizon 92 RPH
JUST LAUNCHED Building a paradise with " Xanadu"
VISION 68
CRUISING DESTINATION Cruising the Exuma Cays -The Bahamas
HORIZON CORNER
Horizon's 20th anniversary
HORIZON YACHTS
VISION YACHTS
Q & E INTERIORS
ATECH COMPOSITES
PREMIER YACHTS
President’s Note As our business model was expanding and we decided to form a group organization, I began thinking about designing a new group logo to give a form to our central philosophy, to unify the group members, and to represent this important milestone. After nine months of discussion and brainstorming, the new group logo is finished and I am very pleased to introduce our new logo, printed below, to the public. The design depicts two main themes – a high-performance yacht and our global view. The circle shape surrounding the yacht refers to our global service network. The subtext of this message is the Horizon family: it includes our shipyards, our dealers, our business partners, and our customers. My definition of Horizon is, “We are a family.” What’s yours? How do you define your Horizon? Share your comments with us; we are always pleased to hear from you about your Horizons. Welcome aboard and let us help you create wonderful memories with your Horizons! John Lu CEO of Horizon Group
HORIZON 86', 82', 73'
WORLDWIDE SERVICE NETWORK ASIA
EUROPE
AMERICA
NOBLE BRAND INVESTMENTS +852 2514-4788 +86 139-2340-7714
DRETTMANN GMBH +49 421-566-070
HORIZON AMERICA (East Coast) +1 561-626-5615
DRETTMANN INTERNATIONAL S.L +34 971-673-508
EMERALD PACIFIC YACHTS (West Coast) +1 206-587-0660
HORIZON MOTORYACHTS UK +44 (0)1803-294-736
AUSTRALIA
CREATION CO LTD +81 (0)722-23-5884 KINGFISHER MARINE +66 (0)76-273-467
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BOATS INTERNATIONAL +61 (0)7-5577-9009
FocusOn
Arrigoderci
Knockout one-off
Extended from Horizon 92 RPH LOA
95'
LWL
83'11"
Beam
21'6"
Maximum Draft
6'2"
Weight (full)
225,000 lbs
Fuel
3200 gal
Water
600 gal
Engines
twin CAT C-32 1652 hp
Shaft
4" Aqua 22 HS
The first new Horizon 95-foot raised pilothouse motoryacht was just delivered to its Florida owner in June 2007. Based on the 92 RPH, the 95 model was extended to give more salon and lower deck area, which in turn led to an expansive flybridge with room for a six-person Jacuzzi, a bar and entertaining areas. Entering the salon the first impression is of space. The yacht’s owners chose to take advantage of the yacht’s 21.5-foot beam by opting for the wide-body salon superstructure as opposed to full walk-around side decks. The result is a salon that feels immense. The country kitchen area forward is combined with a well-thought-out galley with comprehensive storage for extended cruising. The interior décor features high-gloss cherry burl for the vertical surfaces and maple burl counter tops. Interior design and fabrics were chosen by the owners to create their own perfect balance of colors. The full-beam master stateroom located amidship features a full-beam master bathroom and large, vertical portlights for maximum natural lighting. Two additional guest cabins are located forward with the VIP stateroom having a king-size berth and a seating area to create what is in effect a second master. A guest cabin located to starboard features a queen-size berth and its own ensuite head. The raised pilothouse-style motoryacht offers the benefit of an enclosed bridge helm station without compromising exterior deck space on the flybridge. Both the flybridge helm station and pilothouse helm are custom designed and fitted with a full array of electronics equipment. The yacht’s technical features include all the standard Horizon redundancy and safety items plus A60 (60 minutes) fire resistance rating in the engine room, two 100amp /100foot cable masters with ISO boost transformers, twin Kohler 32KW generators and a Steelhead 2,500-pound tender davit. Congratulations to the owner of this fabulous Horizon!
DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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JustLaunched
Building a paradise with “Xanadu”
HORIZON 86
Lionel and Connie Yow celebrated the delivery of their new yacht "Xanadu" at the Miami International Boat Show 2007.
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Lionel and Connie Yow, the proud owners of the recently delivered Horizon 86 Xanadu pictured here, celebrated the delivery of their new yacht at the 2007 Miami International Boat Show 2007. The Yows had never owned a large yacht before they came to Horizon, and were new to custom yacht construction and the details involved in the concept stages of the process. Their original request was for an 82-foot flybridge motor yacht with four staterooms forward and crew quarters aft. While contemplating their proposed use of the boat with family and friends, the Yows came to the conclusion that the 82 might not be big enough. Lionel and Connie have two children and four grandchildren, the oldest of which is Katherine, who Lionel specifically wanted to have her own stateroom with ensuite head, and there began the design modifications. Further discussions led to the benefits of an enclosed bridge and, in consideration of the family’s enjoyment of watersports, the idea of extending the swim platform by 18 inches. In all, they changed the original plan from an 82 Open to an enclosed bridge motor yacht 86.6-feet in length. Working with their own decorator, the interior of the Yow’s yacht came alive with a spectacular palette of lively colors and a stunning makore wood interior inlaid with marquetry and camphor insets on the doors. Custom-designed overheads and plenty of light throughout the yacht make her feel far larger. while the interior was Connie's domain, the exterior was Lionel's. For entertaining on the aft deck, he requested a large wet bar with swing-out stools and a drop-down TV located above the
"Xanadu" is a perfect example of the flexible approach adopted by Horizon giving the owners the creative license to build the yacht of their dreams.
bar. The aft deck table is high gloss teak and surrounded by a bench seat aft and five freestanding chairs. An enclosed bridge tends to reduce a yacht’s available outside area, but Lionel decided to make the most of the deck space. While still housing the 16-foot wide-body tender and 2,000-pound davit, Xanadu also features another freestanding bar with BBQ grill, ice maker and refrigerator. As the owner or chef is grilling on the BBQ, the guests can relax on the L-shaped sofa in the forward starboard corner of the boat deck, or sit on any of the three, floor-mounted bar stools and converse with the chef. Xanadu is a perfect example of the flexible approach adopted by Horizon, giving owners the creative license to build exactly the yacht of their dreams. After the Miami show, Xanadu left for a month-long cruise in the Bahamas giving the owners and their family their first experience cruising aboard their new yacht. From the reviews of guests and owners alike, Xanadu, developed for a family by a family, is proving to be a tremendous success. Xanadu will be cruising to her home port of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where she will be based for the summer season. Xanadu offers the owners everything they could currently want in an 86-foot yacht. The next question is, what size will the next Xanadu be?
Top: The vibrant salon in North Carolina coastal lifestyle Middle: Upperdeck outdoor entertaining area Right: Aftdeck dining & bar
DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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FeatureEvent
Vision Sparkles at Open House in the Emerald City
On March 23rd and 24th, U.S. West Coast Horizon Dealer Emerald Pacific Yachts, held an Open House in front of their offices on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, to introduce the brand new Vision 68 to the public. The Vision 68, pictured on the cover of this n e w s l e t te r, i s t h e n e we s t m o d e l f ro m Vi s i o n Shipyard, a member of Horizon Group, with the very first vessel recently delivered to her new owner in Seattle. This boat features more traditional and conservative styling than other Horizon models to suit the demands and tastes of Pacific Northwest customers. Lots of interior space, a functional arrangement and construction beyond DNV requirements make for an exceptional vessel with excellent sea keeping ability. Customers asked for a classic, seaworthy yet elegant yacht, one, they can take to the cold waters of Alaska and the sunny ports of Southern California and Mexico alike, and Vision and Horizon delivered.
VISION 68 Top: The yachts lined up from right to left are 62’, 73’, 68’, 82’ and 92’ Middle: Vision 68 skylounge Left: Vision 68 country galley
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Skylounge
Main Salon
Master stateroom
The first Vision 68 was introduced during Emerald Pacific Yacht's Open House and her next trip will be north to Sidney, British Columbia, the vessel's new homeport.
Even though Seattle’s weather was reliably unpredictable and brought lots of clouds and rain, the event was a complete success. Besides showing off the new Vision 68, Emerald Pacific Yachts had a marvelous Horizon line up, including 62- and 73-foot Horizons, and 82and 92-foot Horizon Cockpit Motoryachts for customers to inspect and admire. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages served inside the offices made for a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, and lots of clients, customers and Horizon owners came to see the newest addition to the Horizon family. Magazine editors and photographers gathered information on the new Vision 68 and everybody raved about what a beautiful yacht Horizon Group had produced. Clearly, the new Vision Yard is up to speed. The 68 is sure to become a popular model in the boating world and we are proud to send the very first one on her way. Her next trip will be north to Sidney, British Columbia, the vessel’s new homeport.
VISION 68 DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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CruisingDestination
Cruising The Exuma Cays – The Bahamas
By Don Gilman Of Horizon America
The Exumas are a collection of 365 cays and islands stretching over 120 miles. Two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, form the southern tip. Hidden coves, bays and harbors throughout are magnets for yachts and sportfisherman.
The most difficult part about cruising the Exumas is ac tually leaving them. Yacht owners who have circumnavigated the globe have returned to this island chain claiming it to be paradise on Earth. Located just 30 miles southeast of Nassau, the archipelago consists of about 100 islands and cays (pronounced KEYS) in as many miles, starting with Ship Channel Cay and ending at Great Exuma Island. These islands dot the eastern edge of the Great Bahama Bank. This drops off along the chain to the deep water of the Exuma Sound where sport fishing is excellent. The most unique feature of this area is the beautiful aquamarine water colors created by shoal-draft seas blanketing pure white, sugar-sand sea beds below. The Exumas’ many isolated stretches of beach are the stuff of dreams and private exploration. The Exuma Land and Sea Park is a 20-mile stretch at the northern end of the chain, which forms a national refuge for marine and terrestrial wildlife. Most of the cays in the Park are uninhabited and their beauty is breathtaking. Some of my favorite spots (from north
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to south) are Allens Cay, Shroud Cay, Warderick Well, Sampson, and Staniel Cays. Allens Cay is home to a colony of land iguanas. The iguanas have become accustomed to the sound of approaching dinghy outboards. Upon hearing them coming, they race out from the woods to await a handout from boaters. Shroud Cay is my favorite island and anchoring-out is wonderful there. This deserted cay is really a large bluff surrounding a marshy estuary. At high tide, boaters are able to take a two-mile creek cruise by dinghy to a deserted pristine sugar-sand beach on the ocean side. This estuary is home to an abundant variety of birds, and you can often see small sharks cruising for a mate in these waters. Warderick Wells is usually my next major stopover down the chain, and here you pick up a mooring buoy instead of dropping the hook. It is home to the Land and Sea Park Ranger Station, which is a required stop if you
"Every time I go I relive a childhood again, and I am happy to reboot my soul in this island paradise." said Don
would like to feed the bananaquits. These are a finchsized yellow bird with a long, curved beak. They will fly right to your hand and eat sugar from it. If you are steady enough, feeding five birds at a time is an achievable event. Diving the reefs there is a lot of fun, but the most fun we’ve had has been diving the “micro-reefs” close in to the cays. Waters there are so clear and vital that you don’t have to go far to experience “micro-marine life” (like banded coral shrimps and small, colorful, tropical fish). The corals alone can be breathtaking in some of these shallow-water seaquariums. Should you get a cool, windy day, Warderick Wells has miles of wooded hiking trails with some of the best vistas the Bahamas has to offer. Sampson and Staniel are the first inhabited islands you reach on a southbound journey. The former has been renovated in last few years and is quite beautiful now. Dockage and fuel are available, and if you need a break from the water, you can rent a villa. Some villas come fully equipped with a kitchen. There are also restaurants and clubs that you can visit on these islands. Staniel offers dockage at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. You may also pick up a mooring in the harbor if the dock is full. Taking a dinghy to nearby Big Majors Cay is a lot of fun to watch the famous wild pigs. These friendly pigs have been known to swim out to your boat and wait for you to surrender up a beer (Kalik) for them. Diving the historic Thunderball Grotto at Staniel is a must. You swim through a small opening at Thunderball Rock to enter a large cave with a skylight. It’s a unique experience and one that you’ll remember forever. Bring
along a bag of peas or corn if you wish to hand-feed the diver-friendly tropical fish there. There are many more cays on the way to Georgetown, but covering them all would take a book. When you do make it to Great Exuma, anchor off Stocking Island where you’ll be near Hamburger Beach and other Goergetown hotspots. GT is typically the last stop for most southbound boaters cruising the Bahamas. There are good mar k ets for re -supply and an excellent airport with regularly scheduled commercial flights direct to Fort Lauderdale. Hotels like the Four Seasons are also nearby for “five star” treatment, but for a truly local experience, try nearby Fish Fry…a cluster of shacks on the water front, each specializing in a different style of quick seafood cuisine. Dining is outside on benches under the stars relaxing to local tunes. I’ve cruised the Exuma Chain for 20 years and never tire of it. Every time I go I relive my childhood, and I am happy to reboot my soul in this island paradise.
DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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HorizonCornerstone
Service
The important mission in America
Horizon America’s new service facility is conveniently located in the heart of South Florida’s yachting arena, in Riviera Beach, just two miles north of glamorous Palm Beach. With immediate ocean access via the deepwater Palm Beach inlet, the well-marked channel to the service facility is just south of the Blue Heron Boulevard Bridge adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. The facility is within easy reach of Ft. Lauderdale, Stuart, Miami and the Bahamas. Palm Beach International Airport plus superb shopping and golfing opportunities are all within a few miles. The new Riviera Beach service facility gives Horizon customers a service base close to their winter cruising grounds manned by service personnel who are intimately familiar with the Horizon products. The 11th Horizon Yacht just completed
Add
ing to the Network in Hong Kong With a new show room located in the Aberdeen Marina Club–one of the most exclusive marinas in Hong Kong–Noble Brand Investments Ltd., is poised to make an impact on Chinese yacht sales. Noble Brand Investments is Horizon’s new dealer for the huge China region, and the company’s management team is comprised of experienced professionals specializing in luxury consumer products such as Ferrari sports cars. Noble Brand offers professional yacht management services, which include assisting customers with setting up regular preventive maintenance programs and arranging for technicians to diagnose and repair items in need of attention. The company will also periodically organize special gatherings for yacht owners to share their yacht cruising experiences. Along with the par ticipation of Noble Brands, Horizon Group plans to build a strong sales and service network in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and to provide complete service to Horizon Group yacht owners in the region.
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its commissioning here, and will be heading north for the summer season, all checked out and ready to go. With a 200-foot dock and interchangeable electric power pedestals, this facility can accommodate three average-size Horizons simultaneously. The fully remodeled facility includes a parts department and workshop, separate office space for visiting captains, and is ideally located within easy reach of marine supply stores and many marine service vendors. Horizon America is committed to customer service and support. Generally a customer’s top three requests when they look at purchasing a new yacht are Service, Service and Service. The staff and crews at Horizon America are here to stand behind the yachts and provide the best possible service to every customer.
SpotLight
Horizon captures
Two Top Asian Awards Taiwan’s Superior Brand for 2007 The Horizon Group won the “2007 Taiwan Superior Brand” competition on March 28. The Horizon Group was one of the 15 global brands winning recognition for outstanding performance and development, product quality, branding strategy, and branding achievement. Winning the award not only affirms our direction, but also encourages Horizon’s continuous efforts on behalf of the Horizon brand worldwide. Not complacent about current achievements, the Horizon Group will continuously reinforce global recognition by providing its superior quality and high performance yachts with outstanding customer service. Above: Horizon Yacht’s Chairman, James Cheng, accepts the award on behalf of the Horizon Group at the “2007 Taiwan Superior Brand Award Banquet”.
Best Asian Yacht Builder of 2007 It’s the second year for Horizon to capture the “Best Asian Yacht Builder Award” at the Christofle Asia Boating Awards, Asia's most prestigious boating event. This year, the awards ceremony was held April 27 at the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The winners were chosen by 20 judges who are well-known in different Asian marine industries. In assigning the award, the judges recognized Horizon for its “superior product quality, outstanding design, reliable brand reputation and continuous improvement and development in technology and productions.”
Right: Kit Chotithamaporn of Kingfisher Marine, Horizon’s distributor in South East Asia, accepts the Award on behalf of Horizon.
DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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BoatShow
Successful Beginnings
at Australia’s Sanctuary Cove Boat Show
Horizon 65' & 73'
Middle: Horizon 65 new owners Bob and Helen Morrison (The right two) toast their new boat Above: L-R John Rapmund, Denise Wright, new owners (Horizon 73) Mark and Jenny Mckay, Russell Wright Julie Rapmund
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At the end of the recent Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, Horizon’s new Australian dealer, Boats International, had sold in excess of $23 million of the new 65- and 73-foot models. An elated John Rapmund of Boats International and Horizon import partner, Russell Wright, felt confident they had the right product at the right time but still did not expect this success in just four days. It is especially satisfying to note that these sales were not annual dealer orders but were all direct customer sales. “People were blown away at the outstanding quality and value for money and, added to that, our current favorable exchange rate encouraged buyers to purchase now,” said Russell. Boats International is also negotiating with keen buyers on four larger Horizon Motor Yachts of 87 to 105 feet. The demand on larger motor yachts in Australia is at an all time high. “Over the next few weeks, there is a good chance we can double the current sales we hold with our current prospects. The next problem will be getting enough boats produced, but we’re not complaining! It’s really gratifying that buyers in this market know boats and have studied the market very carefully. I would consider them astute business people with an eye for detail. It is exciting they are buying up our new Horizons,” said Boats International’s John Rapmund. Most of the new Horizon buyers are accompanying John and Russell on a trip to Taiwan to visit the Horizon yards to see the boats in production and to make their final selections on layouts and furnishings.
HorizonCorner
Horizon celebrated its
20th Anniversary
In 2007, Horizon is celebrating its 20th Anniversary and in order to honor the event, Horizon arranged many events to entertain employees and their families in a full day of festivities on February 3rd. The joyous event was based around the theme, ‘Horizon Olympic Games,’ and was a fun way for the employees of the Group to interact and celebrate. The ‘Horizon Olympic Games’ were declared open at 8 a.m., when a costumed parade formed by each subsidiary began the all-day celebrations. Aerobic exercises warmed up everyone’s body and heart. Next, Horizon Group’s CEO John Lu fired the starter’s pistol to begin a relay race between the Group’s four teams: Atech, Horizon, Premier and Vision. The relay race showed how Horizon Group members work together to win a task. The relay was followed by a Tug-of-War, which gave the division the chance to show their strength and solidarity. Other fun games such as three-legged race, a balloon popping contest and human table soccer showed our Horizon
employees not only work hard but also play hard. This event was a great opportunity to get employees together as one big Horizon family. Horizon’s Olympic Games ended at 4:30 p.m. with the beginning of another event – the traditional Chinese yearend feast. Horizon held the Chinese year-end feast to treat the employees and their families, suppliers and dealers, a gathering of around 1,300 people at the Horizon Shipyard. The stage was decorated by a 95-foot yacht and Horizon invited a famous Taiwan TV personality to emcee the event and a live band to play all night. A wealth of gifts and prizes sponsored by Horizon and suppliers and dealers were awarded via lucky drawings; the top prize–NT$200,000 (equivalent to $6,000 U.S.)–represented Horizon’s 20th Anniversary and was a perfect ending for this wonderful day.
Top: Five subsidiaries get together to celebrate Horizon’s 20th anniversary Above left: Horizon’s costumed parade Above right: Atech’s staff are endeavoring to win the “Tug-of-War” competition. Right: Horizon 95 RPH created a background on the stage
DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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HorizonCorner
Premier 130
Government Benefits Support Yachting Infrastructure Premier is expecting to launch its first Premier 130 in November 2007, followed by the second and third in the 2nd quarter of 2008.
With the rapidly growing worldwide demand for megayachts, Horizon's Premier shipyard has been flush with sales since it was established in July 2005. According to Premier's order book, the production schedule currently stretches to 2009, with five 130-foot Horizon Megayachts under construction and one 105-foot yacht under contract. In the early morning of March 17th, Horizon partner Atech Composites delivered its third jumbo hull to the Premier Shipyard. This Megayacht hull was the longest built to date in Premier's order book–approximately 135 feet in total length. The entire moving process was smooth and simple, thanks to a newly completed dock specially designated for the use of yacht builders. The challenge of moving a 135-foot hull was easily met by the newly installed 400-ton hydraulic lift. During the afternoon of March 17th, the hull arrived at Premier’s dock on a barge, and was settled inside the construction plant where she will stay until completion, along with two sister-ships. The growing yacht building industry prompted the Taiwanese government to allocate funds and build this first specialpurpose dock to assist yacht builders. The Ministry of Economic Affairs assigned $6.5 million to this public construction project, which includes a dock, a 400-ton hydraulic lift for marine use, and other support facilities capable of working with very large yachts. After completion of this project, the yacht-building industry is predicted to become one of the most significant industries in Kaohsiung City, and highly competitive on the international stage. Premier is expecting to launch its first Premier 130 in November 2007, followed by the second and third in the 2nd quarter of 2008. They will be the three most luxurious and largest yachts ever launched in Taiwan.
Premier 130
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Top left: The hull on barge to be delivered to Premier marina. Top middle: The hull is settled inside Premier shipyard. Top right: The hull is lined up to the dock of Premier marina.
OwnerField
Define Your Horizon Happy owners of a new Horizon 62 are ready to cruise The owners of new Horizon 62, John and Denise Wright from Virginia spent last year looking forward to the arrival of their new yacht and were extremely pleased with the outcome when the new “Waverton” was delivered. They are scheduled to leave South Florida in early April to head North stopping along the East Coast on their way back home to Virginia Beach. John and Denise Wright with "Waverton"
Sweet couple smiles to show their new Horizon 73 “Second Love” The owners of the 73 Horizon “Second Love” Dan Funsch and Sherry LaDove spent a weekend on their 73 Horizon during the Palm Beach boat show enjoying the compliments from customers on their new Horizon.
Dan Funsch and Sherry LaDove with “Second Love”
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Dear Horizon owners, With the delivery of this summer issue of “Define your Horizon,” we at Horizon Group are pleased with the reception our quarterly periodical has received to date. Our aim is to make “Define your Horizon” a worthy communication platform to share our mutual knowledge about boating experiences, Horizon product improvements, memorable events and information about the Horizon Group. In order to enrich the contents of this publication, to ensure that it is comprehensive, useful and interesting, we invite you to provide your ideas, cruising stories, boating experiences and any unforgettable memories with your Horizon yacht to us so that we may share them with other members of the Horizon Family. Your input is definitely welcome and will be helpful to make “Define your Horizon” more attractive, informative, and entertaining. Please do not hesitate to contact us to share your experiences and your pictures. You can call 886-7-8015650, ext, 212, or send an e-mail to vincee@horizonyacht.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks and have good times with your Horizon! Best Regards, Vincee Wu Horizon Group Marketing Center DEFINE YOUR HORIZON®
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D E F I N E
Y O U R
H O R I Z O N
Horizon 94
HORIZON YACHTS
VISION YACHTS
Q & E INTERIORS
ATECH COMPOSITES
PREMIER YACHTS