Le Boat and Delphia Yachts Launch Innovative New Pleasure Boat on Europe’s Waterways

Le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating holidays, has unveiled a spacious new class of cruiser designed with couples and small families in mind.

The new Horizon fleet has been created exclusively for Le Boat by luxury boat builders Delphia Yachts as part of a €15 million (approximately £11 million) partnership.

The first wave of 16 new boats will be added to Le Boat’s fleet in 2016. They will be available in all of Le Boat’s key cruising areas, including the Canal du Midi and Burgundy in France, as well as Germany, Holland, Italy and the UK’s River Thames.

A signature feature of the new model’s innovative layout is a spacious en suite master cabin with an adjacent smaller second cabin. The Horizon also combines an outside seating area at the rear and roomy saloon with an impressive ‘fundeck’ the largest top-deck of any boat of this size, complete with a sunbathing area.

Cheryl Brown, Le Boat’s Managing Director, said: “From speaking to our customers we realised that couples are increasingly in the market for high-spec cruisers that are as big on style and space, as comfort. Knowing that we wanted to give our customers something they’ve never seen before we sought out the design experts at Delphia Yachts to help bring this vision to life.

“With one of the best reputations in the yacht-building industry, the Delphia team shared our commitment to bringing first-class yet affordable quality to holidaymakers. Le Boat has achieved huge growth this summer and with boating holidays becoming increasingly popular with all age groups, we believe the Horizon’s exceptional design and practical modern touches heralds a new era for European boat travel.”

Named Horizon following a customer competition on social media, the name reflects one of the distinctive elements of the boat – its large picture windows. As well as ensuring a very light and airy interior, holidaymakers can make the most of the passing scenery and enjoy panoramic views at all times.

From the modern designer kitchen, open plan layout and generous headroom to the comfortable seating, convertible settee (sleeping one more) and regular-sized twin and double beds with proper mattresses, the emphasis is on making those on board feel at home. The fleet also incorporates thoughtful technical touches, such as a flat screen TV, MP3 entertainment system with waterproof speakers on the top deck and USB ports in both cabins.

President of Delphia, Piotr Kot, said: “We are very proud that Le Boat chose Delphia for this contract. We firmly believe that our newly designed, purpose-built model will be a highly elegant boat, full of smart features that Le Boat’s customers will love.”

The Horizon will be available for holidaymakers from spring 2016 from £765 per week (exc fuel and CDW).  As with all their boats, no experience is necessary; a full briefing will be given before setting off. The new model will also be available to own  through Le Boat’s unique Ownership and Management Programme. To book or for more information visit www.leboat.co.uk.

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