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Define Your Horizons: An Exclusive Yacht Charter Program
Define Your Horizons
Horizon owners and clients now have a unique opportunity to experience a variety of Horizon yacht models in breathtaking destinations around the world through an exclusive, customer-focused charter and partner program.
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Horizon Life
They say that first sip of coffee, taken on the bridge deck on a crisp New
England morning, hits different. Imagine a day spent aboard a tri-deck, high-volume FD Series yacht, entertaining family and friends, exploring the islands, and experiencing that quintessential New England charm. They say the golden hour light in a Mediterranean port town has an essence of magic to it. Imagine an afternoon spent swimming in the glittering sea followed by sunset cocktails and a coastal cruise aboard a beautiful E Series yacht. They say that there are no colors more brilliant than those found in the world that lies just under the surface. Imagine having the ocean to yourself aboard an RP Series superyacht, where the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef beckon to be explored. For current owners and those curious about acquiring a Horizon yacht, these experiences are even closer to hand. Horizon yacht owners and interested clients can now take advantage of exclusive opportunities to charter select yachts through Horizon’s preferred brokerage partner Yacht Connexion.
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Several Horizon yachts are currently offered for charter, including the FD92 Freedom (left).
©TOM SERIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Now offering yacht charters as part of its curated service, Yacht Connexion has access to the global charter fleet of yachts worldwide and can assist with booking a yacht charter vacation on the yacht and destination of your choosing. Horizon owners and interested clients, however, have the unique opportunity to charter select Horizon yachts that are offered exclusively to clients interested in purchasing or building their own Horizon. Through the Horizon client charter program, Yacht Connexion can arrange for a truly unique Horizon experience, whether it’s snorkeling in The Bahamas with the FD87 Aqua Life, relaxing with a clambake and beach bonfire in New England with the FD92 Freedom, or experiencing the local culture of the Fiji Islands with the RP97 Encore. Yacht Connexion also takes the offerings for current Horizon owners one step further with a unique “partner” program that allows Horizon owners to swap their boats, much like a home share. “We have U.S. owners who wish to cruise in the Med or the Great Barrier Reef, for example,” says Horizon Yacht USA Director Roger Sowerbutts, “and rather than take their boats, we can partner owners from Europe to cruise in the U.S. or Australia and vice versa. We have had owners speaking with other owners across the world about boat sharing and boat-to-property sharing. This connects our owners with experiences and destinations around the world they are interested in while also helping to establish our global owner relationships.” For more information on Horizon yacht charters and other exclusive Horizon programs, please contact Yacht Connexion at +1 561 268 2467 or visit yachtconnexion.com.
© JIM RAYCROFT © JIM RAYCROFT
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Yacht Connexion's charter program now allows for interested clients and current Horizon yacht owners to experience new destinations around the world.
NATIVE TALENTS
Built for Australian owners, the Horizon FD102 Askari boasts a custom interior that is a showcase
of Aussie design and creativity.
Like a soldier familiar with his post, the FD102 Askari towers above
the dock with a quiet yet imposing presence that conveys certainty and strength. The high-volume design of this Fast Displacement (FD) Series yacht is magnificent to behold up close. Burly yet balanced, what began as the design of a tri-deck FD92 evolved into the FD102 to accommodate the owners' request for plentiful deck areas. The result is the interior and exterior space of a superyacht atop a proven hull form for the ultimate home on the sea: a five-stateroom layout with an on-deck master suite within three spacious decks comprising an open flybridge and a split-use skylounge.
Inspired Feature
GALLEY PRIVACY
Every Horizon owner is welcomed to collaborate on the interior design of their build, and Askari’s Australian owners seized the opportunity to create an interior that not only reflects their style and tastes, but also celebrates the creativity of Australian designers and product manufacturers.
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Askari's Australian owners created an interior that not only reflects their style, but celebrates the creativity of Australian brands and designers.
Decor by PLK Design
Cambria stonework upgrade
Interior furniture by Jardan
Inspired Features
MAIN DECK
While the yacht features a traditional layout on the main deck, with an expansive aft deck, a salon highlighted by full-height windows, and a formal dining area and galley forward, it is anything but traditional in its styling. Gold Coast-based interior design firm PLK Design is responsible for the contemporary interior, with company owner Pete personally selecting the finishes and outfitting accessories. Australian furniture maker Jardan supplied much of the interior furniture, from the dining table and chairs to the tub chairs in the salon, and the owner selected beautiful Cambria stonework as an upgrade throughout. The use of Australian brands continues in the lighting, with Soktas Hand Blown Glass Lighting providing the main ceiling feature light in the salon as well as the wall lamps in the full-beam master stateroom on the main deck forward.
Guest accommodations extend from the on-deck master to four further staterooms on the lower deck comprising mirrored VIPs amidships and a double cabin forward to port. To starboard, the owners specified a unique bunk ensuite that accommodates guests in two twins and a Pullman berth. Crew quarters for four and a garage are situated aft of the engine room.
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Unique decorative elements, such as the hand-blown glass wall lamps in the master stateroom (left) by Soktas lend a custom feel.
ABOVE
Up to four crew members are comfortably accommodated onboard.
The option to close the wheelhouse off from the skylounge, which itself can be further enclosed from the boat deck aft, defines the multifunctional, split-use skylounge configuration.
The deck areas on this tri-deck FD102 do not disappoint, with the split-use skylounge hosting a bar, dayhead and seating area and extending aft to a full dining area with a large jacuzzi tub. The 15ft Castoldi Jet tender will be stowed on the foredeck, while the open flybridge offers plentiful seating and sunbathing opportunities. Based in Arlie Beach, Askari will be leaving her post in the coming months to explore some exciting destinations, including Melbourne, New Zealand, The Kimberley and Tahiti!
Specifications
LOA
103’ 6” (31.55m)
Beam
23’ 3” (7.11m)
Series
Fast Displacement (FD)
InteriorDesign
PLK Design / Horizon Yachts
ExteriorStyling
Cor D. Rover
Engines
Twin CAT C32A 1,800bhp
Learn More About the FD102 Askari
LEFT
Askari's tri-deck design further augments the exterior deck space onboard, and creates an inviting seating area that will be a preferred spot for taking in the view.
Charcoal in Snow
The first FD model with an open galley configuration, this FD80 features a stunning interior design that references an ancient Chinese proverb.
There is a popular Chinese idiom that roughly translates to
“Send Charcoal During Snowy Weather,” which is believed to have had its origins during the Warring States period that preceded the Qin dynasty. It’s said that during a particularly harsh winter, the Monarch of the state of Chu ordered charcoal to be sent to all of the state’s inhabitants to help them stay warm. The act of generosity and empathy led to the idiom, which means to send material aid or emotional support during a time of need. “Charcoal in snow” serves as the design inspiration of the new Horizon FD80, which has been purposefully crafted to provide an inviting atmosphere of contemporary elegance. Specified for the Australian market, this FD80 boasts a four-stateroom layout with an on-deck master suite, and is the first Fast Displacement (FD) Series model to feature an open galley configuration.
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The charcoal in snow design inspiration creates a sophisticated atmosphere in the stunning main salon and open galley area. Nestled between the entry-level FD75 and the larger FD90 models, the FD80 is known for its contemporary style lines, versatile use of space and well-planned interior and exterior areas. This FD80 Skyline offers all of the signature elements of the mid-size, high-volume model, such as expansive floor-to-ceiling sections of glass on the main deck, spacious accommodations, a fully equipped beach club and vast deck areas. The open galley design further enhances the significant feeling of spaciousness that the FD Series design affords. Sliding doors from the aft deck—equipped with a dining table for eight and fold-down television—lead into the open main salon, which features a dayhead aft to port, a large L-shaped sofa and seating area opposite a 55” fold-down television and entertainment center, and a convertible breakfast bar/dining table forward on the starboard side. The interior spaces boast a contemporary yet cozy ambience, with satin water-bleached walnut and dyed Koto as the main woods and brushed dark bronze metallic inlays as accents. Horizon’s in-house design center created the “charcoal in
BELOW
Al fresco dining is welcomed on the aft deck, which connects to the main salon through folding glass doors.
snow” mood, where modern, hi-tech materials—such as a backlit silver metallic wall feature—create accents reminiscent of a silver sky, clouds and snowflakes, and a floating lighting design mimics the warm glow from candles or a fireplace. Open to the main salon, the galley features a large island wrapped in Les Origines de Rex white stonework, which conveys the concept of snowflakes—a theme continued in the columns that separate the windows in the salon. The stone is echoed in the galley backsplash and countertops and mimicked in a feature wall painting that climbs alongside the staircase to the enclosed skylounge above. Thoughtful details such as an integrated, slide-out step stool in the galley cabinetry are featured throughout. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet to starboard offers a wine cooler on its lower half and liquor and glassware storage on its upper half. Forward, the full-beam master stateroom is bathed in natural light from the large windows as well as a skylight above the king-sized bed. Here, the silver-white wood paired with a textured soft wallpaper creates a feeling of comfort. Dressed in cornerstone Brazil jade walls, the master ensuite features dual integrated sinks, a shower, and a toilet area separated by a frosted glass partition.
Three additional staterooms are situated on the lower deck, comprised of forward and port VIPs and a convertible twin to starboard. A washer/dryer unit is housed in the foyer. Quarters for four crew complete with a washer/dryer and crew mess are situated aft of the engine room and access the beach club and swim platform. The aforementioned deck areas of the FD80 are yet another aspect of this model’s key features. The foredeck area is a destination unto itself, complete with storage, awnings for shade and integrated speakers in the sunpad. On the uppermost deck, a wheelhouse with three helm chairs is enclosed, while the split-use skylounge extends aft to the boat deck for a complete al fresco entertaining experience. This area features dining and lounging, a bar with three bar stools and a teppanyaki grill, and a large Jacuzzi spa tub with a bar counter and additional bar stools. Additional space for tender storage is found furthest aft.
Learn More About the New FD80
Specifications
LOA
80’ 7” (24.56m)
Beam
22’ 6” (6.87m)
Series
Fast Displacement (FD)
InteriorDesign
Horizon Yachts
ExteriorStyling
Cor D. Rover
Engines
Twin CAT C32A 1,800bhp
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Entertainment is maximized throughout, from the split-use skylounge that features a full bar, multipurpose dining area and Jacuzzi tub aft, to the fullyequipped beach club.
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The on-deck master suite is joined by three additional staterooms on the lower deck, comprised of two VIPs and a convertible twin.
With superyacht-style amenities and a beautiful, modern interior design, the new FD80 Skyline embodies the concept of “charcoal in snow” as a warm and cozy respite for relaxation and entertainment.
Four Hundred Nautical Miles at the Helm of the FD80
Selecting the ideal weather window would prove to be the biggest hurdle of the 400nm journey required to transport the new FD80 from the Horizon Yachts Australia (HYAUS) Gold Coast headquarters to Sydney’s Darling Harbour for her debut at the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show.
Ten days prior to the show opening, the crew of three — comprised of HYAUS Managing Director Mark Western, Service Manager Craig Maile, and Sales Manager Tony Jones — set out aboard the FD80 and headed south in the often unpredictable waters of the South Pacific. It would prove to be the perfect occasion to experience the stability and comfort afforded by the Cor D. Roverdesigned FD Series yacht and Horizon’s proprietary High Performance Piercing Bow (HPPB) and hull design.
“We had good weather for around two-thirds of the trip with light following seas, light winds and a bit of swell,” says Mark Western. “But for the last 80 nautical miles, from Port Stephens on, we had 35 knot winds from the west-northwest, round to the southwest, a head-on sea and very messy conditions.”
The crew seized the opportunity to put the FD80’s piercing bow design to the test for the last leg of the voyage. This design, in conjunction with the FD Series’ hybrid hull shape and tunnel design, delivers a shallow draft, more comfortable ride, lower resistance and excellent stability. While alternative bow designs that feature protrusions work more efficiently at either high or slower speeds, the HPPB brings both efficiency at slower speeds and performance at higher speeds.
Impressively, the entire journey took the crew just 36 hours. Cruising at an average speed of 12.5 knots, the FD80 burned just 9.4 liters per nautical mile.
The rising popularity of the FD Series in Australia is due to its compelling offering that combines space, performance and the ability for owners to customize their vessel to their own taste.
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Despite turbulent seas, the FD80 comfortably made her way from the HYAUS headquarters on the Gold Coast to Sydney's Darling Harbour in 36 hours, burning just 9.4 liters per nautical mile.
They have really struck a chord,” says Mark of the range that spans 75 to 125ft and has become the fastest growing yacht series in the world. “Once people see them at boat shows and on the water, they realize the FD Series is everything they’re looking for in a boat.”
Mark and his team at HYAUS have 12 FD Series yachts on schedule to deliver in 2022, which is equivalent to the sales in the United States.
“The appeal of the FD Series yacht is its incredible volume for length. These yachts offer huge deck space, from the aft deck to the foredeck, and then the flybridge has the enclosed pilothouse and massive entertainer’s deck with lounge, barbecue, bar, jacuzzi and sunpads. The beach club-garage is yet another leisure space that really defines the FD Series.
