CEO MESSAGE
STEADY THROUGH THE STORM The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted business and economies all over the world. Thanks to swift and strict prevention strategies adopted early in 2020, however, Taiwan has experienced only a minimal impact. Because of this, the Horizon Group has been able to continue normal daily
future goals as outlined below:
operations without disruption. We’ve experienced only
‧A $15M U.S. renovation and expansion of the Horizon
minor delays in the delivery of some imported equipment,
shipyard, to officially open in Spring 2021
our staff has been able to continue working as usual and our
‧Horizon Yacht USA has relocated into new, expanded
delivery commitments have been maintained.
offices in North Palm Beach, FL
At the same time, the pandemic caused an interesting
‧The latest CNC milling system, purchased from PaR
phenomenon in terms of sales in the international yacht
USA, will be delivered to Horizon’s CNC Tooling Center
market. With many cities around the world locked down
in February 2021
due to travel restrictions, social distancing rules limiting
‧Atech Composites has successfully developed 6D
business interactions and nearly all of the major boat shows
infusion technology with patents pending
being cancelled or scaled back in 2020, the traditional way
‧In addition to the development of new models, the
of doing business has changed dramatically.
Horizon R&D team is also working on a new propeller
Horizon has not been spared this effect. Not surprisingly, new orders in late 2020 experienced a sharp decline of more
design and a vibration testing system for sea trials While the seas are currently rough for many yacht
than 50% when compared with the same period of last
builders, Horizon’s commitment to the future has
year. While this is a concerning statistic, it is interesting to
underscored its strength amidst the competition.
note that stock and second-hand boats on the market are
Horizon will continue to invest in infrastructure, in
hotly traded and almost sold out. From these two extreme
equipment, and in developing new technologies, which
situations, I can tell that the demand in the yacht market
I believe will lead Horizon Yachts to play an even
remains strong and the market did not shrink as a result
greater role in the world’s yachting industry after the
of the outbreak. Buyers simply seem to be leaning toward
storm has subsided.
purchasing off-the-shelf boats rather than waiting for a custom-built yacht. Time will tell if this is a fleeting trend or a new norm. In the final months of 2020, Horizon will continue to move forward and complete our goals as planned; we have successfully achieved our production targets for this year,
John Lu
and we are moving ahead with the completion of our
CEO of Horizon Group
Founded in 1987, Horizon Yachts has celebrated 30 years as one of the largest luxury yacht builders in the world as well as the number one builder in the Asia Pacific region. During these three decades, Horizon has delivered over 835 luxury yachts, with more than 210 of these over 80 feet in length. Popular models ranging from 52 to 150 feet include motor yachts, superyachts, power catamarans, expedition yachts, and fast displacement motor yachts. PUBLISHER John Lu
MARKE TING DIREC TOR, HQ Joey Lu
MARKE TING DIREC TOR, U.S. Elise Caulder
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS Michelle Huang, Celeste Chang, Lily Li, Lisa Yang
SUPERYACHT CREATIVE EDITORIAL DIREC TOR Rebecca Cahilly-Taranto
CREATIVE DIREC TOR Richard Taranto
All particulars in this magazine are believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without written permission from Horizon Yachts. ©Horizon Yachts 2020. Advertising opportunites: marketingcenter@horizonyacht.com. Letters to the editor: marketingcenter@horizonyacht.com
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