The Horizon boatyard was established in Taiwan over twenty years ago and has since laid more than four hundred keels. Headed by John Lu-a qualified Naval Architect-the Company has earned a solid reputation for building luxury yachts of outstanding quality. Any new offering from Horizon is therefore eagerly anticipated. The new "68" designed by Greg Marshall will not disappoint. In these days where boat builders seek to outdo each other in producing ever larger craft, John Lu has done the opposite. He has created a completely separate facility which is devoted to the construction of smaller hulled craft which are produced under the brand name Vision.

That is not to say that the Vision 68 gives an impression of smallness. With an overall length of almost 70 feet and 21 feet beam she displaces 55 tons-our first impression was that this was a very solid craft, which is sufficiently compact to be handled by owner/operators.

On deck one is immediately impressed by the quality of the fittings. Railings, stanchions and gear are all of excellent quality and meet specifications normally offered on much larger vessels. The decks are finished in a non-slip compound and protected by stainless steel and rubber strips where lines belay over the deck edges.

The standard specification is extremely comprehensive and includes full navigation equipment, music systems and a tender with outboard and davit.

The 68 features a spacious skylounge on the bridge level. It has a centerline helm position, very adequate seating and absolutely first class visibility all round. Whatever the weather outside the helmsman is fully in control and comfortably air-conditioned. A pleasing detail-the chart-table is large enough for those who like to use paper charts. There is plenty of storage space beneath the table for same. Aft of the bridge area is a barbeque and bar and refrigeration and there is even a head installed.
For those who prefer it there is the option to order an open bridge and hard top.

Below decks the main saloon is huge-nearly sixteen feet long and almost as wide. The 7-foot headroom and raised skylight adds to the spacious ambience. There are four staterooms each of which is en suite and equipped with its own entertainment centre. The Master has a king-size bed, full bath and twin wash hand basins. Three of the staterooms are amidships and the fourth is aft of the engine room and could be used as separate quarters for a crew. The level of appointments is however as luxurious as the main staterooms. Access to this area can be from the main deck or via the engine room.

The galley as you would expect is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, freezers, Corian working surfaces and fully fitted wooden cabinets. In an added touch of quality the galley is floored in teak and holly woods.

To power this quality craft Horizon have installed twin 1000 horsepower C18 plants. At 1900 rpm these electronically controlled engines pushed the 68 along at 15 knots with no noise or vibration. The engine room is professionally designed and has full headroom. The helm was precise and the craft handled seas in a solid and unfussy style. With stabilizers activated there was no heel even on high-speed full port to starboard turns. This boat is designed for distance cruising without having to sacrifice any creature comforts.

If you are looking for a craft that is solidly constructed, seaworthy and easy to handle short-handed but at the same time, has five-star accommodations then you should definitely take a look at the Horizon Vision 68.

For those who need to ask, the base price is US$2.8 million.

For more information contact: Kingfisher Marine

23/109-110 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Rd., Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket Thailand
Tel/Fax : +66 0 7627 3467-8 Website: www.kingfisher-marine.com.