Horizon 68' Vision Skylounge Motoryacht

A New Vision From Horizon Yachts

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy

Happy Birthday! Bells and Whistles! Foghorns! Champagne! A glorious day in the yachting community, as a company claims a full generation – 20 years – of building superb yachting craft. Many of its satisfied customers own their 2nd or 3rd Horizon luxe-liner. Once again, Horizon Yachts extends its reputation for fine products as Taiwan’s largest builder. Indeed, 6th largest yacht producer in the world, with 400 yachts launched – 62’ to 130’ !

And what a way to celebrate... with the debut of a fresh new design, offering the luxury of easy handling, comfort, and a utilitarian layout, which means a competent yachting couple can handle this yacht by themselves, if they so desire, with or without a professional crew. Designed by Seattle-based Naval Architect Greg Marshall, the new Vision 68 shares similar design elements with another recently launched Marshall design, the much acclaimed Calixas 105', also built at Horizon's yard. Not its biggest, at a “mere” 68 ft., Vision is just over half the size of Horizon’s newest megayacht underway; the S130. Yet, the Vision 68 sports many of the same possibilities.

The Vision 68 takes advantage of advanced SCRIMP – Seeman Composite Resin Infusion Molding Process – techniques, employing vinyl-ester resin. This process effectively negates the need for excessive fairing after the parts have been mated. Combined with that precision molding, the outcome delivers excellent roominess throughout, which some compare to a normal 85-ft. yacht. Four staterooms with ensuite heads, plus crew quarters, make that comparison a reality. The yacht also boasts exceptional sound insulation so that, while running at cruise, the slight, distant hum of engine power – even in the master stateroom, centered – adds to the impression of voyaging, without excessive noise or vibration. Built to exceed the DNV Classification, it offers light weight and extraordinary strength.

In Taiwan, builder Horizon Yachts was inaugurated in 1987 with a scant 30 employees and a minimal shipyard. As multiple successes escalated over the years the company has grown, however; now boasting an impressive 1,100 employees, shipwrights and office staff. It occupies more than 1,000,000 sq-ft. of property in various shipyards and offices. Holdings include Horizon Yachts, Vision Yachts, Premier Yachts, FRP Composites, Atech Composites, as well as QE+E Interior MillsWork, a furniture factory to build its interiors. Wow, indeed.

Starting at the top – offering wonderful 360° sheltered visibility – the SkyLounge and Helm perch comfortably below the hardtop, which flaunts Sat-Nav and communication bulbs. That superb electronic equipment marks most craft to be included in the megayacht classification. Vision, however, with her 68’ LOA, may not reach that hallowed rank, but just the same, carries the banner of world-wide conveyance and interchange.

Fully railed, Vision's walk around decks permit easy line handling and quick fender deployment. The anchor chain guide and windlass are concealed under the deck, leaving the bow area uncluttered while adding safety. A button down canvass cover protects the forward seat cushions when not in use.

Her helm features a large wood-sculpted destroyer wheel, facing the full array of navigation information on three large screens, as well as all switches and panel monitors. Plenty of drawer-chart storage underneath. Sliding doors at each beam allow easy deck movement when necessary. From here, a major attribute for skippers, the captain can see the bow. Entry is from a spiral staircase in the salon, or exterior from the main deck stern. The skylounge/helm can be ordered open or enclosed, your choice.

Vision’s outstanding beam allows ample space for a full complement of visitors in couches behind the captain, plus a handsome wood table on rising pedestals. Spaciousness, plus a strip-teak deck add to her genuine sea-keeping aura. Astern on the aft deck, a full grill/fridge and service bar encourage outdoor partying and entertainment, or just a quick snack underway. Stationed there also, her 13-ft. Avon RIB auxiliary, with a 50-hp Yamaha, awaits launch by a 1500-lb. hydraulic crane. But those are only the beginning of this lady’s charms.

Inside her spacious interior, Vision 68 follows through with top quality decor. Her salon could easily be a stand-in for the main drawing room of a luxury resort hotel room. A deeply upholstered and comfortable couch takes an L-shape, while easy chairs and a long cocktail table are abetted by large, draperied windows at each beam, to present an airy, open vista.

Facing on the opposite beam, light cherrywood cabinets, waist high and ceiling high, hold stereo surround-sound equipment in her entertainment center; as well as auxiliary dining and miscellaneous ware. Several small cabinets unobtrusively enclose electrical switches and equipment.

Forward, the dining area presents a sumptuous banquet outing as an everyday experience. While many yachts this size have a primary indoor helm at this forward location, Vision 68 allots that space above to the enclosed flying bridge. Placed forward, this luxe dining room is blessed by large windows forward and at each beam – assuring an ever-changing outside port-starboard view as well as ahead, to check out all those exotic islands – plus lit by a huge sweep of light overhead in its gold-bronze circle. Leather upholstered couches provide dining for six to eight happy campers at the bleached cherrywood table.

Between the salon and dining room, the Galley, though compact, sports a mirror-front, stainless steel, twin refrigerator-freezer, floor-to-ceiling, with freezer drawers. A chef’s delight; there’s a stainless steel sink and 4-burner stove, plus ample food-prep counters, as well as a black onyx serving area. Two checkerboard-padded stools sit at the round snack bar for quick bites or midnight excursions.

Down a padded staircase amidships, the master stateroom sports a dramatic entryway with an inlaid 8-pointed star; rich brown tones set in ecru carpeting. Side walls are burnished light cherrywood paneling, floor to ceiling. Overhead lighting adds to the flavor of entering a hallowed den, or a unique suite in a luxury hotel. Justifiably so.

Exquisitely furnished, the master stateroom follows the decor theme of ecru carpeting and walls, with accents of cherrywood, plus several fine art paintings. Its king-size berth is a walk-around island, with identical bedlamps at each side, and accompanying dressers as well. A 42” TV rises across the room. At the port side is a well planned desk/office arrangement with an unusual sun-moon window centered for daylight, plus a vanity and dresser.

Two voluptuous sinks set off the design flair of the master head. Set in grey/green granite, each has its own large mirror/medicine cabinet, and storage repository beneath. Lighting is overhead and individual. The shower and tub are molded fiberglass, with stainless steel fixtures.

Set at the bow, Vision’s wide beam allows this VIP stateroom to be quite spacious as well as utilitarian. Both beam sections present wide cabinets for storage, flanked by walk-in, mirror-front closets. With storage beneath, the island queen-size berth nestles under a specially designed overhead, with two high windows adding daylight. Fully carpeted, the VIP also sports a 36” TV.