Despite gravitating toward the flexibility of semi-custom construction, a lot of yacht owners go with standard layouts. So, the attitude of the owners of Valiant, the second U.S.-based Horizon E81, is refreshingly different. “This is the second boat we have done as a semi-custom build, but the experience has been quite different in that Horizon has bent over backwards to deliver what we want,” they say. In fact, Valiant has an abundance of custom requests, which you can see personally at next week’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
One of the biggest changes takes place below decks. The standard Horizon E81 layout has the master suite and three guest cabins down here. These owners, however, didn’t want a fourth stateroom. Instead, they have an office/library (above), with a built-in desk. For guests, a VIP sits forward, and a twin guest cabin sits opposite the office. The owners still have a full-beam suite for themselves, of course. They additionally requested a more polished en suite head.
Customarily, while Americans have a more relaxed relationship with crew than Europeans, they still tend to specify enclosed galleys on the main deck. The owners of Valiant, by contrast, have a truly open-plan main deck, including the cooking area (above) and the dining nook typically found in country kitchens. Interestingly, the owners of the first Horizon E81 chose a bit more traditional galley. It has a pass-through aft to the saloon, but is open to the cozy dining area forward.
Overall, Valiant reflects the owners’ preference for contemporary, casual living. White and silver oak, steel blue and grey accents, and light quartz set the mood. It extends to the enclosed bridge (above), with a U-shaped settee opposite a bar. Oak characterizes the open stairway leading up here, too, from the saloon—with a striking 46-bottle wine cooler at its base as well, a nice touch.
Another nice touch is the entertainment-oriented foredeck. Yet another large, U-shape settee accompanies a table in this space, perfect for happy hours on the hook. There’s also a sunpad. And, in recognition of never having enough on a boat, covered stowage further is here for the two-person crew. (The crew, by the way, have a stairway to their cabin and engine room from the aft deck, at the owners’ request.)
Valiant should cruise the Bahamas this winter, following the boat show
Horizon Yachts horizonyacht.com
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