Horizon Vision 68

The Vision 68 from Horizon embodies a new concept in cruising.

Developed by renowned naval architect Greg Marshall using advanced design and construction software, the 68 delivers extraordinary interior room and functional arrangement in a hull of exceptional balance and superb seakeeping ability, said Horizon.

Available in open or enclosed flybridge configurations, the new Vision 68 offers complete comfort and convenience in virtually any cruising environment, said the yachtbuilder.

The Vision 68 is the Horizon Group's newest model from the new Vision Shipyard in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, building yachts from 50 to 73 feet, with the first vessel delivered to her new owner in Seattle, Washington, earlier this year.

Horizon said this boat features a more traditional and conservative styling than other models to meet the demands of Pacific Northwest customers. Lots of interior space, a functional arrangement and construction beyond DNV (Det Norske Veritas) requirements make for an exceptional vessel with excellent seakeeping ability. 

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Customers, said Horizon, asked for a classic, seaworthy yet elegant yacht, one, they can take to the cold waters of Alaska and the sunny ports of Southern California and Mexico alike, and they delivered with the Vision series.

Differing from the existing Horizon series, the Vision series has a more traditional and classic look.  

The first Vision 68 with enclosed flybridge embodies: a 20ft6in beam, widest in its class; added stability, extra-wide sidedecks and huge interior volume; four private staterooms, each with head/shower; large-view windows; wide sidedecks behind bulwarks for added security; bright, airy interior spaces from special skylight features; crisp, contemporary styling and a choice of hull colors; delivered completely equipped for ready to go cruising; designed for owner or crew operation.

Horizon said its main shipyard is a state-of-the-art, ISO 9001-certified facility also located in Kaoshiung. This shipyard builds all Horizon yachts that exceed 70 feet in length. On-site, massive water tanks are capable of pre-testing the yachts before they undergo rigorous sea trials.

3D CAD
The application of 3D CAD visualization and virtual reality in yacht design has become popular among many yachtbuilders around the world.

Horizon, said the advantage of 3D CAD is that through computer simulation, design concepts can be reviewed for visual appearance and at the same time examined for possible flaws and workability.

CNC milling bring a new definition of precision to yacht manufacturing, said Horizon, and the MR-125 Gantry Milling System it purchased from PaR Systems is a yachtbuilder's dream machine.

Working at high speeds and with precise measurements, the milling system can create forms that are almost perfectly symmetrical and remarkably consistent. The end result will be vessels of exquisite lines achieved with the greatest efficiency, artistry and economy - all passed along to the yacht owner in beauty and value, said Horizon.

Horizon said it has a broad range of naval architectural skills as well as experience in building yachts, which comply with any major classification society, including Lloyd's Register (LR), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), etc.

For the last five years Horizon has completed projects approved by the following classification: Eight DNV and two LR Projects.

WATER TEST TANKS
The hull of a yacht is a complicated hydrodynamic result said Horizon. Unlike airplanes that involve only one element - air, yachts have to deal with water, air and their interface. The phenomenon is so complicated that no mathematical solution or computer simulation can analyse or predict it. The only realistic way to understand a yacht hull's performance is putting it in water and testing it.

A towing tank test, comparable to a wind tunnel, is a downscaled test run of the designed yacht, said Horizon.

A 1:8 to 1:12 scaled model is made and towed in the tank (up to 300m). A towing cart equipped with sensors, processors and computers onboard, tows the model, collecting and analysing the results on the fly. This is the most realistic and efficient way to fine-tune the hull.

For more informatioon phone (07) 55779009 or go to the website of Boats International www.boatsint.com.au.