Leapher Yachts has officially made it to sea. The boutique Dutch yard just launched its first yacht, marking a major milestone for the industry newcomer. 

Yachtsman Yiannis Andriotis established Leapher in 2022, assembling a team of builders and engineers with years of experience and acquiring a yard in Tolkamer once owned by cruise ship producer De Hoop. Leapher laid the keel of the first fleet member in 2023, working on it for roughly three years before launching it on February 20, 2026.

The 198-footer was previously codenamed Lazarus but has been christened Horizon II. That is a fitting name, given the go-anywhere yacht was built to chase the horizon. Leapher plans to produce a limited number of yachts each year, focusing solely on eco-friendly explorers. It currently has two models on offer: the Navix60 and a smaller Navix50 with about half the range. Horizon II is the first Navix60 to hit the water.

Van Oossanen Naval Architects and O7 Designers spearheaded naval architecture, while Cor D. Rover executed the exterior and interior design. The result is a vessel with a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic but rugged explorer capabilities.  The robust ice-class hull will allow it to traverse the challenging waters in high-latitude regions with ease. It also offers an ultra-long range of 9,000 nautical miles and 40 days of autonomy at sea, putting far-flung destinations firmly within reach. 

Perhaps more importantly, the hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system enables silent, emissions-free stints at sea. With 600 kWh of lithium-ion batteries, the yacht can cruise 15 nautical miles at 6 knots in electric mode or run silently at anchor. Powered by four Scania Sever electric motors delivering a total of 2,800 kW, the vessel has a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots.

You can still expect superyacht-like luxuries, of course. With a generous interior volume of 1,710 GT, Horizon II offers up seven staterooms for 14 guests and cabins for 17 crew. Located on the main deck, the owner’s suite features dual bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and an office that can be turned into an observation room. Other highlights include a wellness area with a sauna and gym, a diving room, a mud room, and a sprawling beach club of nearly 2,200 square feet. Like any good explorer, the yacht can also hold two tenders and a chopper. What more do you need?

Horizon II is scheduled for delivery in early May this year.