2024 Horizon Open House debuts four new yachts.
The 2024 Horizon Open House gathered a worldwide audience of Horizon Yacht aficionados, partners, clientele, and media, converging at the Horizon City Marina and shipyards in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for an unforgettable extravaganza March 5-7. Attendees were treated to a plethora of entertainment, including exclusive VIP factory tours, immersive cultural excursions, exhilarating yacht hops, vibrant open house festivities, and exquisite gala dinners. As the unveiling of the four brand-new yachts—the FD90, two FD80 skyline models, and the versatile V77 cockpit motoryacht—to the Horizon portfolio took center stage, the three-day event served as a beacon, reinforcing the unbreakable bond within the Horizon community and the collective dedication to yachting excellence.
Established in 1987, Horizon Yacht stands tall as a titan among luxury yacht manufacturers, reigning as the premier builder in the Asia-Pacific region and securing a formidable presence on the global stage. Over the last three decades, Horizon has delivered more than 900 yachts, with over 250 stretching beyond 80 feet in length. From sleek motoryachts to majestic superyachts, dynamic power catamarans to rugged expedition vessels, and swift displacement motoryachts, Horizon’s diverse portfolio spans the spectrum of maritime magnificence, catering to discerning boating enthusiasts with models ranging from 52 to 150 feet.
Day 1: Yacht Showcase and Gala Dinner
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Kaohsiung skyline, day one began at the Horizon City Marina with a press conference aboard the FD90 with CEO John Lu and renowned Dutch designer Cor D. Rover, who co-designed this yacht. Lu gave an update on the company’s latest developments and plans for future projects, and both answered questions about the new models before and after the media got a sneak peek of the luxurious vessels.
Later, attendees adorned in cocktail attire descended upon Horizon’s gala dinner. Welcomed with effervescent champagne and tantalizing canapés, a mix of yacht owners, visionary designers, esteemed suppliers, influential dealers, distinguished journalists, and special guests mingled, paving the way for an evening of unparalleled splendor. Guiding the evening’s proceedings, Lu graced the stage with a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an exquisite multi-course dinner. The night continued with a K-Pop girl group, who captivated the audience with an array of dynamic hits, culminating in a Conga line around the room that beckoned guests to revel well into the night.
Day 2: Cultural Tour, Harbor Cruise, and Harbor Party
With the sun’s rays shining brightly and temperatures soaring, half the group chose to explore the city on a guided tour while the other half embarked on a cruise aboard the new models through the Kaohsiung Harbor. Either way, sunscreen, hats, and bottles of water were in demand. Those on the city tour boarded buses to see many of the famous sites, such as the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, Love River, and the Banana Pier, and learn about the history of Kaohsiung as well as the daily life of local residents.
In the evening, guests returned to marina where the allure of the sea met the height of sophistication. As the sun set, a cool breeze was welcomed while attendees enjoyed an alfresco buffet dinner, live music, and an extraordinary yacht hop with the dazzling display of boats illuminated under the stars.
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Day 3: Yard Tours and Farewell Dinner
Exclusive tours through two of Horizon’s state-of-the-art facilities—the Horizon shipyard, its manufacturing and design factory, and Atech Composites, Horizon Group’s technology center—unveiled the secrets of production and thrilling previews of Horizon’s latest marvels as they go through the build process step by step. Interactive displays and demonstrations provided an in-depth understanding into the meticulous craftsmanship behind the builder’s renowned fleet.
The evening’s farewell dinner at Beer Talk had everyone raising a glass to toast new friendships, an unforgettable journey, and a wonderful event. A video presentation showed highlights of the three-day extravaganza, each moment a testament to Horizon’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
-by Bonnie Schultz
