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Boating - The Horizon FD90 by Horizon Yacht Australia
FD90
HORIZON WITHIN REACH
AS THE POPULARITY OF CHARTER VACATIONS CONTINUES TO RISE, ONE BOAT BRAND IS AHEAD OF THE CURVE, BUILDING VERSATILE VESSELS THAT OWNERS CAN PUT INTO CHARTER AND ENJOY THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
The first Horizon superyacht built to the stringent requirements of charter operation is nearing completion, scheduled for August delivery to Horizon Yacht Australia at Sanctuary Cove. The new Horizon FD90 is a 90-foot, three deck motor yacht offering owners incredible volume and versatility, capable of offshore, long-range cruising and with all the features to delight and pamper guests on board. The Horizon FD90 to 2C AMSA certification 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, “Charter is becoming more popular and the Horizon FD90 is unique in that it’s under 24-metre, which means fewer crew and overheads, cheaper to run, cheaper to insure, easier to find a berth, easier for an owner to operate. “As far as a business is concerned, there are so many benefits and bonuses. 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,” he continues. “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.”
The defining features of this one-of-akind Horizon FD90 include her massive flybridge deck, comprising enclosed pilothouse with helm, table and seating. Glass doors lead to the entertaining deck with bar, lounge, dining, barbecue and jacuzzi. Below is the aft deck with lounge area and bar, plus there’s an additional social space at the bow with seating, tables and sunpads.
Rachael Kahui, Craig Maile, Mark Western, Tony Jones and Erica Rae.
The garage has a spacious beach club with seating and storage, providing ease of access for the vessel’s watertoys and tender. There are 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 master stateroom on the main deck is superb,” states Mark. “And the guest accommodation is as luxurious and spacious as master cabins of similar sized vessels, which is great for charter.” 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. The new FD90, on water and ready to cruise (and to work) will be priced at $15 million.
Horizon Yacht Australia 44C The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove To arrange inspection, Tel: (07) 5577 9009 More at horizonyachtaus.com
