Dutch Shipyard’s Flagship 61-Metre Explorer Yacht Demonstrates Polar-Class Capabilities
Horizon II, the inaugural superyacht from Dutch shipyard Leapher Yachts, has embarked on comprehensive sea trials off the coast of Vlissingen, the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone for the newly established builder. The 61-metre explorer yacht was launched from the yard’s Tolkamer facilities in March, showcasing her distinctive grey and white profile as the first unit from the shipyard’s NAVIX60 model line. Before her launch, she was last observed as a bare hull in 2024, when her superstructure and hull were joined in a critical construction phase.
Naval architecture for Horizon II was developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and O7 Designers, while Cor D. Rover was responsible for the yacht’s exterior and interior design. The vessel has been engineered as a true long-range explorer, constructed with a polar-classed steel hull that enables her to traverse high-latitude regions while maintaining the refinements expected of a modern superyacht. With 40 days of autonomy at sea, she represents a new generation of expedition vessels designed for discerning owners seeking both capability and luxury.
Internally, Horizon II boasts a substantial 1,760 gross tonnes of volume and accommodates 14 guests across six well-appointed cabins. On-board amenities include a dedicated beach club, expansive swimming pool, sauna, fully equipped gymnasium, and specialized diving room. An expansive garage will host a comprehensive collection of tenders and water toys for exploration and recreation. The yacht achieves an expected top speed of 12 knots with a cruising speed of 10 knots and an impressive range of 9,000 nautical miles, making her ideally suited for extended global voyages.
Delivery of Horizon II is anticipated this summer, with the vessel poised to set new standards in the explorer yacht segment. The successful completion of sea trials validates Leapher Yachts’ engineering and construction methodology, positioning the shipyard as a serious contender in the competitive superyacht market. For those interested in exploring charter opportunities or learning more about this groundbreaking explorer, FYI Yachts invites you to schedule a comprehensive walkthrough and consultation with our expert team to discover how Horizon II exemplifies the future of expedition yachting.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
