Top of the class

“The Horizon V74 provides all the qualities of a superyacht – safety, solid architecture and customisation – all in under 80 feet,” says Mark Western, Director at Horizon Yacht Australia.

With their high-performance plumb bow, fluid lines and flexible features such as an open or enclosed bridge and fishing cockpit, V series models are built to suit the owner-operator and can also accommodate crew, depending on requirements.

The hull design by Stimson Yachts gives a longer waterline and reduces drag at lower displacement speeds, making the V74 a softer, quieter ride and more fuel-efficient than many in this popular category.

“There are no hard chines – they’re rolled instead,” explains Western. “The design means increased underwater efficiency and no slap.

“At 12 to 13 knots, she’s up on the plane and cruising at optimal efficiency. At 51 tonnes,” he adds, “this boat has big props, bow and stern thrusters, and stabilisers more commonly found on 88-footers.”

Powered by twin Caterpillar 18A engines and with a fuel capacity of 7,000 litres, the V74 uses around 250 litres per hour at 20 knots and has an impressive 1,600-nautical- mile range at 10 knots.

Fully insulated for heat and sound, the engine room is accessed from the beach club and takes full advantage of the wide beam. Also installed are ABT Zero Speed stabilisers, twin Onan 22.5-kilowatt generators, Stella watermaker and Zipwake trim tabs.

Twin stairs lead to the main aft deck, which can be partially enclosed with an opaque blind. Just the ticket when you’re at the marina enjoying a meal or a few drinks and would prefer to keep to yourself than meet your neighbours.

The layout and luxury of the aft deck are testament to the nearly 6-metre beam. The banquette lounge with drink holders in the armrests can comfortably seat eight, and around the large Corian table, there’s room for another six or more.

Completing the set-up are refrigeration and storage, with a hopper window into the L-shaped bar at the entrance of the saloon, equipped with sink, integrated fridge and ice-maker, plus plenty of cabinets for ingredients and glassware.

The Horizon V74 puts emphasis on the synergy between the two social spaces, the aft deck and saloon lounge, taking advantage of two massive windows on either side for brilliant views across the water and beyond.

For deflecting heat and for privacy, electric honeycomb blinds activate to ensconce guests in this elegant sanctuary.

To port, the 50-inch Samsung Frame TV is set into cabinetry in acacia satin timber, which is used throughout the vessel to create a tranquil Scandinavian feel. With a subscription, owners can select artwork or photography to display when the TV is off.

Subtle LED strip lighting throughout the vessel adds warmth to an otherwise muted palette, which is just waiting for owners to overlay with their personality using decor, soft furnishings, artwork and mementoes.

The electrical panel is housed within the same entertainment unit and – in typical Horizon fashion – it is both easily accessible and clearly labelled and laid out. “All Horizon boats are built with secondary panelling behind each and every cupboard and cabinet,” notes Western. “That’s a main part of the Horizon ethos of efficient serviceability.”

Eschewing leather for low-maintenance, more practical and durable materials, the saloon lounge is decorated in the same ash and sand tones using Sunbrella fabrics and several other original textiles from Three Beaches, complemented by a grey vinyl ceiling. Low-slung sofas and a centred pouffe/coffee table add to the laid-back ambience.

Erica Rae, Business Manager at Horizon Yacht Australia, was responsible for the interiors on board this V74. Drawing on local designers and suppliers, Rae works carefully with owners on their decor choices so as to fulfil their unique vision.

Adjacent to the lounge, the galley is a workspace an accomplished chef would be proud of, replete with Italian marble benchtops, designer appliances and dazzling views through forward glazing. The island countertop/breakfast bar is extra wide, with sink and spray-mixer faucet, and room for three bar stools. Beneath the windows is a massive dinette with seating for eight to 10.

Appliances include InSinkErator, full-size Fisher & Paykel fridge/freezer, ice-maker, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, Miele electric cooktop, Miele oven with microwave function, and the all-important Vintec dual-zone wine cooler. According to Western, there’s significant demand for refrigeration on vessels of all sizes as people are increasingly hosting larger groups and for longer.

“In the same vein, catering to longer journeys and longer periods on board, Horizon designers are talented at squeezing storage space from every part of the boat,” he adds.

Portside is the staircase to the bridge deck/ skylounge and doorway access to the foredeck. On the same side, there’s the companionway to the accommodation below.

Heading upstairs via a decidedly sculptural staircase – half with treads, half without so as not to mess with your sightlines – the enclosed skylounge is another convivial social space with a dining table and a C-shaped seating that handily converts into a double bed, which is great for passagemaking when crew are taking turns at the helm.

The helm is decked out with three Garmin 16-inch multifunction displays and full Garmin package: 48-inch open array radar, wind/temp/depth transducers, VHF, AIS and GPS, and marine cameras. In addition, there’s C-Zone monitoring, Yacht Controller system and Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System, plus the vessel is pre-wired for an FLIR thermal-imaging camera.

With mullions located at its extremities, the wraparound windscreen provides excellent vision. Side windows are tinted and a sunroof allows in light and ventilation. Superyacht touches include a leather-wrapped steering wheel custom-designed and made for this V74, and two leather helm chairs, also the work of the talented Horizon craftspeople.

From the skylounge via a tinted sliding door, guests can access the superb boat deck, with barbecue, bar, lounge/dining section, sunbathing area and a davit with 600-kilogram capacity. The carbon-fibre hardtop is lightweight and strong, lending European style to this deck space.

On the foredeck, you get a true sense of the V74’s impressive beam and just how that translates into usable leisure space. There’s a large array of sunpads that can be raised for upright seating stretch out in front of the dinette with seating for 10.

Lockers and under-seat storage are handy for stowing fenders, water-sports gear, cushions and covers. Lift the mid-section of the sunpads and you’ll find the escape hatch for the VIP cabin below.

The V74 offers a flexible three- or four-cabin layout. On this model there are four, comprising a full-beam master suite, large forward VIP, starboard guest twin cabin that can convert to double with sliding beds, and a nifty port guest cabin with two cross-bunks for children or crew.

In the master stateroom, the impression of space and light is enhanced by the full-wall bedhead and 7-foot ceiling height. The centreline king bed is a premium retail version, so owners need not hunt around for special bed linen. All beds on board boast storage space and drawers underneath, which is convenient for stowing luggage, linen and additional stores for extended cruising.

The ensuite, to port, is separated from the bedroom by a sliding pocket door with opaque glass panel, and features an upgraded marble benchtop with integrated basin and large windows behind sliding cabinets. The shower is generous, even for the tallest owners, with a showerhead that can be adjusted. To starboard in the main cabin are cabinets, drawers, a walk-in robe and wall-mounted 43-inch TV.

An 8-kilogram washer and separate dryer are installed in the corridor leading to the two twin cabins, which share a Jack-and-Jill ensuite. The VIP is noticeably larger than many competitor models, made possible by the V74’s plumb bow design. It features a queen bed, robe, windows, a skylight in the bulkhead and ensuite.

This impeccably crafted new model has multiple layers to its layout and a veritable feast of attributes that would please a couple or a family looking for value and versatility.

“Considering it’s priced at AU$7.8 million, fully optioned and ready to go, it’s a very attractive proposition,” asserts Western, adding that to replicate this model today would cost around the AU$8.5-million mark. “The Horizon V74 is head and shoulders above anything – even in our own fleet,” he concludes.

“We’re confident that once people take the V74 on a sea trial, they’ll understand its strengths and see the advantages.”

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