Mission accomplished

This FD80 Skyline with enclosed bridge is the 12th hull and the second certified to ASMA 2C Survey to arrive Down Under, but this latest model has a distinctive character all its own. At 24.56 metres with a beam of 6.87 metres and a distinctive chubby chest, it was designed for an owner-operator and for charter, with upgraded structural, safety and mechanical features to meet AMSA requirements.

For navigating in canals and places where bridge clearance poses a challenge, there’s a hydraulic folding radar mast. The rooftop has been engineered to support a 1-tonne helicopter, making this yacht ideal for those seeking the ultimate in adventure voyages.

According to Mark Western, Director at Horizon Australia, a motor yacht built to survey standard carries considerable appeal. “Chartering the yacht can generate significant income, helping offset ownership, maintenance and operational costs,” he says. “Owners can maximise its use by chartering it out during idle periods, which ensures the yacht is actively used and well-maintained.”

From the dock, the FD80’s exterior is intriguing – the visible deck areas hint at luxurious amenities, while massive sections of tinted glazing cast a veil of privacy over the rest of the yacht.

Accessing the vessel via the hydraulic high-low swim platform, the full-width stern hatch with a centreline pantograph door leads to a multi-purpose prep area below. There’s a kitchenette, laundry and crew quarters comprising starboard bunk cabin and port crew cabin with twin beds and shared ensuite. In the port crew room, there’s a C-zone monitoring system with Garmin 10-inch multi-function display.

The engine room can be accessed through a watertight door, insulated for heat and noise. Powered by twin CAT C18A 1,136 horsepower T3R engines and with 12,000-litre fuel tanks, this FD80 has a range of 1,600 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

From the swim platform, dual staircases lead to the spacious cockpit. From this vantage point, the FD80’s guest-centric design is evident, as identical side walkways protected from the elements lead to saloon side doors, and from the starboard side, up to the bridge deck or forward to the bow.

The undercover aft deck boasts everything required for easy entertaining, including bench seating around a removable table with additional chairs for up to 12 guests.

There’s also refrigeration and a top-notch Sonos stereo system. From here, a starboard-side staircase connects to the bridge deck, and a three-panel folding and sliding glass door opens completely to create a seamless flow into the saloon.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows and port and starboard side doors frame the passing seascapes. The first impression is one of uncluttered cosiness and breathtaking views from every angle. Shades can be activated for both privacy and sun protection. Symmetrical doors lead to a day head portside, and on starboard a stairway leading down to the crew quarters and engine room.

The supremely social saloon exudes laid-back elegance. The modular design of the coffee tables and dual-purpose side table that opens up to a dining table allows for flexible use of the space. A ceiling treatment of battens with black grooves absorbs any glare and adds interest. Behind the lounge, a buffet cabinet is located under the window ledge, while the 55-inch TV folds down from the ceiling.

Forward, the open galley merges with a flexible dining area that features a broad centre island with a bar counter and chairs, illuminated from above by hand-blown glass lighting from local artisans at SØKTAS in Currumbin, Queensland. An electric drop- down panel can separate the island and much of the galley from the saloon. A glass door closes the galley off from the passage that leads to the master stateroom.

The galley itself is a work of art, featuring Cambria quartz countertops and floors. It’s also equipped to a professional standard with Miele appliances, including full-size freezer and refrigerator covered in satin black lacquer and glass. There’s plenty of storage and bench space, plus Zip taps providing boiling, cold and sparkling water. Adjacent to the starboard door is a wine fridge and cabinet for stemware.

The decor, chosen for its durability and aesthetic appeal, uses a sophisticated palette of dark Koto wood in high-gloss, European grey oak flooring, beige leather lounge with storage underneath, ottomans in earthy tones, and soft furnishings in serene emerald green and monochrome houndstooth.

Erica Rae at Horizon Australia says her inspiration was “to create a space that was both luxurious and practical, with a more masculine aesthetic that would stand out from the typical light and bright interiors that we had been doing.”

Durable materials were chosen for high-use areas like the bathrooms and galley. “Cambria quartz is a high-performance, low-maintenance material that’s resistant to stains, scratches and heat, making it ideal for charter operations,” adds Rae.

Forward, the full-beam master is testament to the FD80’s extra girth. This private retreat is a haven of calm and understated elegance, its minimalistic colour scheme in stark contrast to the daring zebra-print Cambria quartz bench tops and walls that are in the ensuite. Meanwhile, thick carpet feels lush underfoot. It may have a low-maintenance, beach-house aesthetic, but it’s tactile, ultra- luxurious and a real treat for the eyes.

The suite comprises a king-size bed, nightstand drawers, side drawers in superbly crafted cabinetry, large closets, windows with opening portholes for natural airflow and electric shades. Above the bed is a double skylight complete with electric blind, and there are discrete LED reading lights on either side of the bed head.

The cabin is also equipped with a 50-inch flatscreen TV and sound system.

The ensuite is just as lavish, with twin basins, rain shower, heated towel rack and heated flooring, as well as back-lit mirrors that cast a wonderfully flattering glow.

From the saloon starboard side door, guests can access the foredeck, which is an inviting and versatile space, whether for sunbathing, dining at anchor or enjoying the thrill of the bracing breeze while underway at the yacht’s full throttle speed of 16 knots. Semi-protected by the windscreen, the built-in U-shaped seating area and sliding tables create the best seat in the house for socialising alfresco. Further forward, complete with built-in drink holders, is an array of sunpads straddling the sunroof of the master cabin below. Anchor and winch are accessible via the forward well.

Accommodation is accessed via the companionway adjacent to the galley. The three staterooms, each with ensuite, comprise identical VIP cabins amidships and a forward VIP in the bow configured as a V-berth with rotating beds that can form a queen. A stacked Miele washer/dryer unit is concealed in cupboards near the forward cabin.

On the upper deck, the split-use skylounge and aft deck are designed to suit entertaining and soaking up the sun. The enclosed wheelhouse features three chairs facing a helm decked out in full Garmin gear, plus a raised dinette for guests to enjoy the skipper’s view and a head.

Outside, it’s all about fun! The U-shaped sofa surrounds a dining table that can expand to sit 10, while the bar opposite has seating for four. There’s a fold-down 43-inch TV, stereo system, teppanyaki BBQ, ice-maker and fridge. On the centre of the deck, the spa pool has its own bar and seating, and can be heated or cooled so the party can continue rain, hail or shine. There’s ample space for deck chairs, water toys and a 16-foot tender, served by the hydraulic Steelhead Marine Davit ES2200 with a 990-kilogram capacity.

This is exactly why the FD Series has risen to the top of Horizon’s sales charts – it’s a best-of-all-worlds offering combining multiple spaces, impressive volume and performance, plus owners can customise their vessel to their own taste.

“It’s really struck a chord,” says Western of the range that spans 75 to 125 feet.

Once people step on board, they realise the FD Series is everything they want in a boat. “The appeal is in their incredible volume for length,” concludes Western. “They offer huge deck space, and the flybridge has the enclosed pilothouse and massive entertainer’s deck. Best of all, the FD80 is under 24 metres, which is key for crewing and securing a berth.”

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