When owners choose a yacht builder that aligns with their vision—through thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and trusted support—the moment of taking delivery becomes especially meaningful. For American owners Chuck (Charles) and Laurie Ermer, this milestone recently arrived with the delivery of their first Horizon yacht, the newly launched Horizon V77s.

The official delivery took place during a champagne ceremony at the Hall of Fame Marina in Fort Lauderdale, where the Ermers raised a glass with the Horizon team to celebrate the christening of their latest vessel. As the corks popped and champagne flowed, the moment marked the beginning of a new chapter of maritime adventures and the perfect start to the Ermers’ journey as part of the Horizon family.

A Shift to Superior Volume
The Ermers’ journey to the V Series began while exploring various luxury open flybridge sport yachts. As their requirements for space and length grew beyond the 70-foot mark, Horizon Yachts’ reputation for high-volume engineering became a defining factor in their decision.
Upon stepping onboard, the owners were immediately struck by the design’s signature openness. By eliminating a forward helm in the main salon, Horizon created a vast social space that Chuck describes as a “floating apartment.” This layout features a generously sized galley comparable to those found in many land-based homes, complemented by an enclosed skylounge that offers a private sanctuary or workspace—a vital feature for extended voyages.

Designed for the Active Lifestyle
The V77s is engineered for owners who refuse to compromise between luxury and maritime activity, a philosophy exemplified by the features that most captivated the Ermers. For Chuck, the combination of the expansive bow lounge and the specialized aft cockpit proved to be the yacht’s most attractive highlights.
“I was also impressed by having the ability to fish from the rear cockpit,” Chuck noted. “I’m not a serious, diehard fishing guy, but I do enjoy trolling for mahi-mahi and wahoo on our crossings to and from the Bahamas, as well as deep-dropping and bottom fishing.”
This versatile cockpit design—meticulously tailored for the active owner—allows for seamless transitions from high-end entertaining to spirited sportfishing without sacrificing the yacht’s elegant profile. Meanwhile, the bow lounge, equipped with removable sunshades, has quickly become the most popular social space onboard during day cruises, offering an unrivaled connection to the sea.
 
Performance and Confidence
A yacht of this caliber must perform as well as it looks. After two months of operation, the V77s has already earned enthusiastic approval from both family and professional crew. “Every one of our kids and friends believes we made the perfect choice among all the yachts we considered,” says Chuck. The captain further praised the V77s for its exceptional handling and stability during local cruising and overnight trips.
Horizons Ahead
Looking ahead, the Ermers have an ambitious cruising calendar planned for their latest Horizon. They look forward to exploring Palm Beach and cruising to Key Largo this January. Once documentation is complete, the blue waters of The Bahamas beckon in February, followed by the Horizon Owners Rendezvous in April. Summer plans include heading to the Northeast for extended seasonal exploration—underscoring the V77s’ versatility as a true home for all seasons.