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            YachtAid Global, which works with superyachts, launched Operation Pearl to help the Philippines following Typhoon Odette
            Operation Pearl: Typhoon Disaster Relief for Philippines via YachtAid Global

            January 4, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Water Revolution Foundation's YETI needs more superyacht data
            Water Revolution Foundation’s YETI Needs You

            December 8, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            the International SeaKeepers Society attended COP26 on behalf of superyacht owners and more
            COP26 Sees SeaKeepers Contribute Its Voice to Ocean Conservation

            November 20, 2021 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Brokerage
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            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Bruce Brakenoff, Jr. and his team are now part of the Edmiston expansion in the USA
            Edmiston Expansion in America Sees Perini Navi USA Team Come Onboard

            September 5, 2020 By Marie Cullen

            Camper & Nicholsons and Nowboat are crunching data for superyacht owners, builders, and brokers in a way never before donoe
            Camper & Nicholsons and Nowboat Opening a World of Data

            June 8, 2019 By Marie Cullen

    • Motoryachts
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            the Riva 102 Corsaro Super superyacht
            Riva 102 Corsaro Super Splashes Ahead of Cannes Debut

            May 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Boji also was known as the Codecasa F77 superyacht
            Boji Celebrates Big Day at Codecasa

            May 19, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Spritz 116 megayacht from Alpha Custom Yachts
            Spritz 116 Coming in 2023 From Alpha Custom Yachts

            May 19, 2022 By Marie Cullen

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            the Wider-Pajot Eco Yacht 88 sailing superyacht
            Wider-Pajot Eco Yacht 88: Enjoy the Space, Peacefully

            April 13, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Royal Huisman Project 410 will be hybrid powered just like the superyacht Ethereal
            Royal Huisman Project 410 Intends to Set Record

            March 17, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the arrest of Sailing Yacht A is the latest in a few superyacht issues related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
            Arrest of Sailing Yacht A, Tied to Russian Sanctions

            March 13, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Superyacht 101 Series
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            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

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            May 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

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            April 30, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Meridian Audio is working with Genesis Technologies Marine for the megayacht market
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            April 23, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • The Superyacht 6
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            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Galaxy Refit Is Cosmically Cool

            April 28, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Royal Hakvoort superyacht Top Five II
            Top Five II Taking Charters to Fun in the Sun (or Rain, if Needed)

            December 3, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Tankoa Yachts' megayacht Olokun
            Olokun, by Tankoa Yachts, Is One With the Ocean: Photo Gallery

            November 16, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Vagit Alekperov, the president and CEO of Lukoil and the Heesen Yachts UBO (ultimate beneficial owner), is under sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; Heesen Yachts is under full Dutch ownership effective May 2022
            Heesen Yachts Under Full Dutch Ownership

            May 19, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Nautor's Swan is hosting an open house for yacht and superyacht clients
            Nautor’s Swan Hosting Open House for Customers

            May 16, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Nordlund Boat Company is under new ownership, still building megayachts
            Nordlund Boat Company Under New Ownership

            May 10, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Club Ki’ama Bahamas includes megayachts
            Club Ki’ama Bahamas Residences Come With Yachts

            May 14, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Marina di Portisco is now IGY Portisco Marina, still servicing superyachts; IGY Trident members can access it
            IGY Trident, Superyacht Owner Program With Exclusive Benefits

            May 4, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the superyacht Octopus is chartering in Antarctica in 2022
            Octopus Is Chartering in Antarctica—and You Can Join Her

            April 21, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Port Angeles is perfect for superyachts to stop and explore
            Destination Guide: Welcome to Port Angeles, Washington

            February 5, 2022 By Mary Brelsford

            Colombier Beach in St. Barths is a favorite of the megayacht Gladiator for charter guests
            Gladiator Captain’s Top 3 Caribbean Hot Spots

            November 26, 2021 By Megayacht News Staff

            Indonesia is reopening again to foreign-flagged megayachts
            Indonesia Is Reopening Again to Foreign-Flagged Yachts

            October 16, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            Vieux Port de Cannes is now in the IGY Marinas superyacht network
            Vieux Port de Cannes: New Operations and Amenities

            February 24, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Málaga San Andres Marina will accommodate superyachts to 197 feet
            Málaga San Andres Marina Opening in Spain

            February 14, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Suntex Is Merging With Westrec Marinas to change the megayacht landscape
            Suntex and Westrec Marinas Are Merging

            February 2, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

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            Peter Hürzeler says The Role of the Sales Broker Has Changed a Lot
            “The Role of the Sales Broker Has Changed a Lot”

            April 25, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Forty Pints interviewed Diane Byrne of Megayacht News
            Forty Pints Interviews Diane M. Byrne: Sunday Superyacht Video

            April 10, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Victor Vescovo will receive the SeaKeeper of the Year award amid superyacht owners and conservationists
            Victor Vescovo Receiving SeaKeeper of the Year Honors

            January 10, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Crew
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            yacht crew salaries can range depending on the superyacht size
            Yacht Crew Salaries: Are You Paying Appropriately?

            April 8, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Tim Clark is the director of the superyacht crew recruitment company Quay Crew
            Megayacht News Radio: Quay Crew on Superyacht Crew Mental Health Crisis

            January 20, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Stefano Righiini was a renowned designer whose work many a superyacht owner and fan admires
            Eight Bells: Superyacht Owner & Industry Passings in 2021

            December 29, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            the Marco Casali Freedom Collection includes 500 superyacht NFTs
            Marco Casali Freedom Collection NFTs Minting Now

            April 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Justin Olesinski says AI is supercharging superyacht design
            Justin Olesinski on How AI Is Supercharging Superyacht Design

            April 6, 2022 By Georgia Tindale

            the Hargrave 120 is the first Facheris Design megayacht for Hargrave
            Facheris Design Propelling Hargrave Into the Future

            April 5, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Leadership Series
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            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

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            the owner of Lady May is offering the superyacht to creditors
            Owner of Lady May Paying Fine in Lieu of Jail Time

            April 20, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Vagit Alekperov, the president and CEO of Lukoil and the Heesen Yachts UBO (ultimate beneficial owner), is under sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; Heesen Yachts is under full Dutch ownership effective May 2022
            Heesen Yachts UBO Lands on UK Sanctions List

            April 14, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the arrest of Sailing Yacht A is the latest in a few superyacht issues related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
            Arrest of Sailing Yacht A, Tied to Russian Sanctions

            March 13, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Vagit Alekperov, the president and CEO of Lukoil and the Heesen Yachts UBO (ultimate beneficial owner), is under sanctions related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; Heesen Yachts is under full Dutch ownership effective May 2022
            Heesen Yachts UBO Lands on UK Sanctions List

            April 14, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            Sunseeker clients are important to Andrea Frabetti as both yacht and superyacht buyers
            Sunseeker Clients Want “the Complete Family Wellness Environment”

            March 4, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

            Stefano Righiini was a renowned designer whose work many a superyacht owner and fan admires
            Eight Bells: Superyacht Owner & Industry Passings in 2021

            December 29, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            SeaKeepers honors went to Victor Vescovo, in front of yacht and megayacht owners
            SeaKeepers Honors Ocean Advocates

            March 5, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Victor Vescovo will receive the SeaKeeper of the Year award amid superyacht owners and conservationists
            Victor Vescovo Receiving SeaKeeper of the Year Honors

            January 10, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Denison family left an indelible mark on yachting and megayachts in the USA
            Denison Family Fetted as History Fort Lauderdale’s History Makers

            September 6, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
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            Emocean is among the superyachts set to debut at the Palm Beach show in 2022
            Superyachts Set to Debut at Palm Beach Show

            March 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Palm Beach Superyacht Finance Forum will discuss crypto
            Palm Beach Superyacht Finance Forum: Challenges & Opportunities

            March 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Gene Machine and Gene Chaser will be at SuperYacht Miami 2022
            Stage Set for SuperYacht Miami: Yachts to See

            February 4, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Fundraisers
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            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            YacvhtAid Global launched Operation Viti for superyacht owners and crew to aid Fiji
            Operation Viti by YachtAid Global, for Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Yasa Recovery

            January 1, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            Operation Nasama, YachtAid Global Relief Fund for Vanuatu, is soliciting donations from megayacht owners, crew, and more
            Operation Nasama: YachtAid Global Relief Fund for Vanuatu

            April 18, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
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            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 Set to Kickstart the Summer

            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022
            Fish On! NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022

            July 31, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Feadship Siran; she's among the megayachts in Port Hercule as the Monaco Grand Prix returns in 2021
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            May 22, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht Cup
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            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
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            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            Magic Carpet 3 is racing in the Superyacht Cup Palma Performance Class, new for 2020
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            February 17, 2020 By Marie Cullen

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            Megayacht News Radio Transcript: Mark Duncan, Fraser Yachts

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    • Yacht Videos
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            the Golden Yachts megayacht Project X launch
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  • About
Home / People / Leadership Series / John Lu, Horizon Yachts: Megayacht News Leadership Series

John Lu, Horizon Yachts: Megayacht News Leadership Series

June 16, 2014 By: Diane M. Byrne

John-Lu-Horizon-YachtsIn less than 30 years, Horizon Yachts has grown to become an international powerhouse. It has yacht and megayacht buyers in the United States, Australia, Russia, and more. It offers seven different series, comprised of yachts from 46 to 163 feet. John Lu may not have envisioned all of these exact details back when he started Horizon in 1987. But, he has always kept his eyes firmly fixed on taking advantage of growth opportunities. In fact, Horizon is now the fifth-largest custom-yacht builder worldwide in terms of volume. In our Leadership Series discussion, John Lu shares how Horizon has reached this point. He reveals how important Horizon’s Open House events are for literally showing clients what goes into each yacht. And, he explains why being the only Asian builder in the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) is also important.

 

Megayacht News: How do you determine what new styles and sizes to add? Is it mostly based on feedback from current customers, or do you also research a lot of what is going on overall in the yachting market?

John Lu: All the above. Feedback from our owners and dealers is imperative to make sure we listen to the market and react accordingly; but equally as important is trying to be ahead of the curve when it comes to product development. To do this we have to be proactive and research what may be the trend of the future…if we can do that and be successful, we will continue to be a leader in the industry. Horizon would rather lead trends than follow them.

 

Megayacht News: Do a lot of customers attend the Open House events that you host at the shipyard? What are the primary goals of the Open House?

John Lu: Yes we do, and we have clients from around the globe (Japan, USA, Europe, Australia, Russia) that attend the Open House, which is held every two years. The Open House event is a great way to bring people to Horizon to fully understand the depth of the company and what goes into a Horizon yacht. With 24 naval architects, 800 employees, 4 shipyards, and 27 acres of manufacturing, seeing is believing. We find owners and potential clients come to the shipyard and are amazed at what they see and the word spreads, equally so with the media, suppliers, and dealers. The more people who come to the shipyard, the more knowledgeable people there are on the Horizon product…not all are buyers but all of them have a voice  That is the important thing, get the word out about Horizon and what we can offer.

 

Megayacht News: Horizon enjoys a good deal of success among American buyers. What are some of the key differences in what American buyers want and how they use their yachts compared to their counterparts in other countries? 

John Lu: U.S. owners use their boats for more time and in more varied environments than many other buyers/markets. The U.S. North/South boating philosophy means that many of the boats are used in the Caribbean or Bahamas in the winter and then head North to the Great Lakes or North East for the summer. Virtually all-year round use is not unusual. This means more time on the boat and the need for stronger, better-built boats that have been designed with easy maintenance in mind and redundancy as main criteria.

 

Megayacht News: Among the megayacht models you offer, are there any in particular that seem to be the most popular, or most promising? What makes them that way?

John Lu: The new P136, built on a 28-foot beam with a GRT of 460 tons, is attracting a great deal of attention at present. This sort of interior volume is incredible on a 136-foot vessel, and Horizon’s flexibility in creating interior design and decor that suits a client’s lifestyle is unparalleled. It truly does mean “no compromise is necessary.” Also with dockage being scarce during the season, both in the Med and in the U.S., having that interior volume and exterior deck space in a “moderate” size range makes practical use of the boat far more effective. For anything over the 140-foot size, dockage is one of the main issues when cruising, so the 136 offers the increased volume in a bit more manageable size.

 

Megayacht News: Many megayacht builders see rising interest among Asian buyers, as well as ones from Latin America. Where do you see the best growth opportunities for Horizon?

John Lu: The Asian market, especially the Taiwanese market, is just waiting to be explored. The critical thing to understand is that the wealthy segment in Taiwan are not familiar with yachting and what it can mean to them and their families. Therefore, educating the buyers and potential clients is key to developing many Asian markets. Latin America has always been a goal area for Horizon to establish a foothold within, and we will continue to move in that direction.  We are currently looking at the Latin American shows and evaluating how best to partner in the region to maximize our exposure and get our brand and image across to the market.\

 

Megayacht News: Horizon is the only Asian builder in SYBAss. How important is this to you? Does your membership have an impact on your ability to reach people who are new to yachting?

John Lu: SYBAss is fast becoming a strong voice within the international maritime industry, not only in yachting but also they have a voice in the IMO, which in turn gives Horizon access to the important issues and a way to contribute to the future of our industry. SYBAss has an important role as a communicator, and by being informed of what issues are at hand and what we need to do to address them—whether it is in a new build design or addressing emissions or regulations—it allows us to be prepared. SYBAss are also working hard to bring new clients into yachting with a combined approach from all members and a coordinated marketing program that will be seen in the near future.

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Categories: Leadership Series, PeopleTags: Horizon Yachts

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