Kaohsiung, Taiwan, July 10, 2009 -Despite the global economic downturn, the Horizon Group is still investing in the future developing new models to satisfy the anticipated demands of a variety of customers and the latest model is Horizon Elegance 88 Skylounge motoryacht. The inspiration for the new Horizon Elegance 88 derives from the designer John Lindblom's earlier designs in the Horizon 73, 78, 82 and 84 foot motoryachts. Over the years these designs have proven to be both successful and appreciated by customers. Horizon's vision with this new design is to catch a younger clientele, whose taste is typically more modern, but still with a keen eye for the classical lines together with the solid quality one expects from a Horizon yacht. The first impression of the Horizon Elegance 88 design is how well the skylounge harmonizes with the yacht's profile. A successful skylounge motoryacht must be much more than a motoryacht with an enclosed flying bridge. Not only must the proportions be pleasing in profile, the skylounge/bridge must provide truly useable and luxurious space without compromising the seakeeping qualities of the vessel. To complete the package, the main deck must also be reconfigures to take full advantage of the extra space afforded by moving the inside helm station to the upper deck. The design of new Elegance 88 does all this and more. Its hull is performance oriented. The sharp bow entry angle transitions smoothly to a well-balanced semi-planning bottom aft to provide low resistance. A unique concave shape in the mid-section gives good maneuverability in calm or rough seas. Horizon tank-tested this design at SSPA, the top test facility in Sweden. Besides the regular resistance tests, which collect parameters for power and speed calculations, Horizon's engineers also put the model through an irregular wave test to measure the seakeeping behavior of a boat encountering waves. This hull is proven to have excellent performance in every aspect. The interior layout inherits the theme of the Elegance 82 and 84, providing unbroken sightlines on the main deck from the aft deck lounge through the salon to the country kitchen. Twin staircases descending to the swim platform gently wrap the aft seating area. On the lower deck the accommodations feature an amidships full-beam master stateroom, a VIP stateroom opposite and two guest staterooms in between. All staterooms feature private bathrooms. Crew accommodations and working spaces are segregated from the owner and guest areas aft of the engine room to provide maximum privacy. On the upper deck, the skylounge features a well-protected helm station where the owner or crew can enjoy operating the boat regardless of the weather and socialize with guests at the same time. An extended aft deck provides ample space for tender stowage and a well-designed alfresco bar, sure to be a popular spot to watch the sunset over cocktails. The brand new 88 is going to be built in two versions-with and without Sky lounge, depending on the client's specific requirements. Horizon's all new 88 delivers the true spirit of "elegance" without compromise. Builder: Horizon Group, info@horizonyacht.com www.horizonyacht.com