Horizon Yachts, headquartered in Taiwan, once again brought a selection of its gems to the Old Port of Cannes. For example, the twelfth FD100 Tri-Deck, designed by Cor D. Rover. The 31-metre flybridge yacht is being presented as a special edition. BOOTE EXCLUSIV was given a guided tour by the boss.
Big mouth
Ron Bogaard gets straight to the point. The Horizon managing director walks us through the FD100 Tri-Deck and lists the features that set this 12th build apart – features that European owners in particular appreciate. “A garage instead of a beach club,” he says, pressing a button to open the hatch. Behind it lies a huge space large enough to accommodate a Williams tender lying on its side. There’d even be room for a few pieces of portable seating. A ‘beach club light’.
Little powerhouses
The engine room is also different, housing two MAN V12 units, each with an output of 1,471 kilowatts, flanked by two Sole diesel generators. “They take up less space than the Caterpillars and leave more room for the crew,” says Bogaard. The crew sleep here in three cabins at the bow rather than at the stern, as is the case on most yachts built for the US market. Why? “It’s quieter at the bow,” explains the boss.
Open or closed galley
In the dark-panelled saloon, Bogaard points out the sturdy fly screens on the doors (fitted as standard!) and then gestures towards the galley in front of the dining area. Depending on preference and circumstances, this can be left open to the saloon or closed off. When the cook – or the guests – want some peace and quiet, the two doors are closed: to do this, a half-height partition wall slides down to act as a room divider. Ideal for switching between owner-operated and professional service.
Two VIPs plus two cabins with single beds
Another highlight of the Horizon FD100 is the master suite on the forward main deck. The striking colour contrasts are similar to those in the saloon. What the owners will find here has long been standard on every continent: a very wide bed and a bathroom for him and her. “The underfloor heating keeps your feet warm in Scandinavia,” explains Bogaard with a laugh. With a ceiling height of 2.12 metres, the design certainly caters for tall owners.
The remaining guests sleep one floor below on the lower deck. There are a further four cabins there: two VIP cabins with double beds and two rooms with single beds. A special door, to which only the stewardess has the key, leads directly from the crew quarters to the guest cabins. This ensures that everything runs smoothly and that cleaning the cabins is straightforward.
Everything put to the test
The Bogaard family scrutinises every finished Horizon model in great detail, spending the night in individual cabins whilst on the road. Ron Bogaard: “We test everything. We also check that everything’s working properly in the crew area – whether the ventilation’s working well, the bathrooms are in good condition and the fridges are adequate.” Ultimately, everything has to fit just right, right down to the very last corner.
Horizon FD100 Tri-Deck: Specifications and Highlights
- Total length: 30.97 m
- Length at the waterline: 27.48 m
- Width: 7.25 m
- Draught: 1.82 m
- Engine: 2 x MAN V12
- Performance: 1,471 kW each
- Generators: 2 x brine 49 kW
- Navigation: Garmin
- Fuel tank: 15,000 litres
- Hull shape: Fast-displacement
- Guests: 5 cabins, including the owner’s suite
- Crew: 3 en-suite rooms
- Tendergarage: hydraulic flap and 1,000-kg overhead crane
- Side Power hydraulic fin stabilisers, bow and stern thrusters
- Class: RINA (unrestricted navigation)
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
