Vision 68, the latest offering from Taiwan's Horizon Group in its 20th anniversary of operations is an ideal motor yacht for owners seeking extra space and luxury on a boat they can handle themselves, as well as those who are happier to delegate the work to crew members.
Conceived by Seattle-based naval architect Greg Marshall, she has an innovative and streamlined design, yet a more conservative look than other Horizons. Her huge-volume hull and a 20.5-foot beam accommodates four large staterooms, four WCs and showers, plus an engine room with seven feet of headroom where even the loftiest sailor can walk tall. The overall effect is like being on an 85-footer rather than one with a more-modest length of 69 feet 10 inches.
Don't let her size deceive you. Coupled with straightforward handling and supported by an advanced satellite navigation system of the kind usually found only on megayachts, she can be run easily by her owner.
Vision 68's most distinctive feature is the option of having a sky lounge as well as the vast standard main salon. Sky lounges are fast becoming the wave of the future around the shores of the USA, because they are a perfect way to enjoy 360-degree views while staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But those who prefer to feel the wind in their hair can still choose an open-bridge over the hard-top version.
The main salon is large and spacious for a boat of this class. Furnished to Horizon's usual high standards, it features a deeply upholstered and comfortable L-shaped couch, easy chairs and a long cocktail table. When you've had enough of enjoying the panoramic views through the large windows on each beam, you can turn to exploring the delights of the surround-sound stereo equipment in the entertainment centre that's kept tucked away in the light cherry-wood cabinets.
The lavish dining room to the fore likewise boasts large windows that can seat up to eight guests around the cherry-wood table.
A well-equipped galley which links the salon and dining room has a mirror-fronted floor-to-ceiling stainless steel refrigerator-freezer, sink, four-burner stove, generous food-preparation counters and a black onyx serving area. A round snack bar with upholstered stools for day or night snacks completes the appointments.
