Surfers Paradise plays host to a $60 million-plus parade

4:23 AM Tue 27 Jan 2009 GMT

'Eight luxury motor yachts valued at more than $60 million off Surfers Paradise' Murray Waite

Gold Coasters were treated to spectacular early morning sight last week when a fleet comprising eight magnificent Horizon motor yachts paraded for a promotional photo shoot.

The vessels had a combined worth in excess of $60 million and most have been sold.

Clever photograph taken looking through the window of the 97’ Horizon motor yacht prior to the helicopter photo shoot. - Murray Waite

Helicopters buzzed around the fleet with photographers and television cameramen taking advantage of the perfect weather and the spectacular sight beneath them.

Carl Kellett, general manager of the authorised distributor Horizon-Boats International, based at Sanctuary Cove, said the fleet comprised the largest gathering of the luxurious Taiwanese-built motor yachts ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere.

The fleet consisted of vessels ranging from 65' (19.81-metres) through to the sheer luxury of the 98' (29.87-metres) megayacht.

"We undertook this exercise primarily to show that the global economy is not all doom and gloom," Kellett explained.

"Horizon-Boats International has been something of a quiet achiever in recent months, having sold 14 Horizon motor yachts in 2008 alone and is currently holding forward orders for another four," he added.

Horizon-Boats International is under the directorship of local identities John and Julie Rapmund, supported by equally well-known industry personalities Russell and Denise Wright.

Ninety-seven feet (29.56-metres) of unabashed luxury cruising off Surfers Paradise. - Murray Waite

The company obtained the Australian and New Zealand territories for the Horizon marque three-years ago.

"We're currently going through what you might call a re-birthing stage," Kellett said.

Stunning sunrise over Surfers Paradise as photo shoot of eight luxury motor yachts begins. - Murray Waite

"Construction is well advanced on a new facility for our Sanctuary Cove headquarters and we hope to be moving into the facility, adjacent to the renowned George's restaurant, within a few months.

"Our HQ will also have a 36 berth marina, and will be the largest Horizon dealership this side of the equator," he added.

Kellett, an expatriate Kiwi and well-known in the boating industry, was previously with Maritimo.

His wife, Debbie, is the Australian advertising manager for Sea Spray magazine.

From 65’ to 98’, the Horizon motor yachts comprised the largest gathering of the marque ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere. - Murray Waite

Kellett joined Horizon-Boats International as general manager six months ago.

He sees his major role as raising public awareness of the Horizon marque and create a professional appearance for the company and its product.

"We have a magnificent, professionally finished product that exceeds all international standards," he declared.

"It's my job as general manager to create a team and ensure that Horizon becomes a well-known and highly-respected name.

"The new office facility together with our 36 berth marina will enable us to attend to and look after our clients in surroundings that are equal in quality to the motor yachts they are looking at purchasing," he added.

For further information contact Horizon-Boats International, telephone (07) 5577-9009 or go to sales@horizonyacht.com.au.

by Bob Wonders

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