Horizon's Banner Year in 2021
As 2021 has come to a close and the world welcomes the new year, Horizon Yachts reflects on the success of last year and looks forward to the promise of an active and prosperous 2022.
While the global pandemic has caused its share of uncertainty over the last two years, one unforeseen effect has been the exponential demand for private yachts. This demand, coupled with the unparalleled popularity of the pioneering high-volume Fast Displacement (FD) Series designed by Cor D. Rover, caused a record-breaking surge in sales for Horizon Yachts and prompted the expedition of a $15M yard expansion to both increase and streamline production.
The expansion was a project two years in the making that focused on production efficiency throughout the Group’s four facilities and included the re-designation of existing workspaces to achieve an efficient horizontal production queue. Now each critical stage of construction – from hull production to boat assembly and final testing – can be carried out in the new space that accommodates seven yachts up to 120 feet in length at one time. Unveiled in February 2021, the first phase of the expansion allows the group to deliver up to 25 new builds per year. Phase II includes the construction of a new office building for the yard’s headquarters, which is expected to be completed in early 2022.
The year heralded a steady flow of sales and deliveries, with both existing and new Horizon clients calling meetings to discuss customizing their next dream yacht. Horizon delivered a total of 18 new build yachts globally in 2021, including eight FD models over 80 feet in length and ten sub-80ft yachts including five Power Catamarans, two FD motor yachts, two E Series motor yachts, and one V68 new build.
In-person events were limited during the year to ensure the health and safety of all guests, but each Horizon office either hosted or exhibited to meet the demand from new and potential clients eager to see the latest yacht inventory. Horizon Yacht USA hosted a private invitation-only Winter Showcase at its Fort Lauderdale marina location and enjoyed successful exhibitions at both the Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale boat shows.
Horizon Yacht Australia received record attendance at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in the spring and hosted an intimate owners’ luncheon and cruise in the Whitsunday Islands. Horizon Yacht Europe welcomed potential and current clients on an individual basis and plans to exhibit the brand new builds at the Palma, Cannes and Monaco yacht shows in 2022.
All of the activity for 2021 has not waned and as the days march into 2022, the Horizon Yachts team worldwide is preparing for an exceptionally busy new year with an already full schedule and production lineup in place. In the new year, Horizon plans to continue its commitment to exceeding the expectations of current and new clients, whether they are looking for their first yacht or an upgrade to a newer or larger model. The entire team is deeply appreciative of the strong Horizon family that is gathering worldwide and looks forward to another year of defining owners’ dreams.