Presented at Pier G alongside six additional Horizon models, the 27m Horizon ES88 introduces a more performance-led direction within the Taiwanese builder’s E Series while placing a strong emphasis on owner customization and efficient use of space.
Built for an experienced Australian owner returning for a sixth Horizon Yachts project, KEΦI arrives at Sanctuary Cove after first appearing during Horizon’s Open House in Kaohsiung earlier this year.
A New Direction for the Horizon E Series
Previously known as the SP88 during development, the ES88 sits at the top of Horizon’s E Series lineup as its current flagship. Exterior styling comes from Dutch designer Cor D. Rover, who has given the yacht a sharper profile than many traditional enclosed flybridge designs. Long glazing sections, clean surfaces, and a sportier stance shift the model toward a more contemporary look while keeping the interior volume expected from the series.
At just over 27m with a 6.1-meter beam, the GRP-built yacht carries four guest cabins for up to eight guests and is powered by twin MAN V12 engines producing 2,000hp each. The design brief focused heavily on customization. Rather than developing a standard production layout, Horizon adapted several areas around the owner’s cruising priorities and offshore lifestyle.
Tailored Around an Australian Owner’s Brief
KEΦI stands apart from earlier Horizon projects through the level of owner input built into the yacht. The main deck salon flows directly into the dining area without visual separation, using curved seating, walnut detailing, marble finishes, and a concealed drop-down television to maintain open sightlines.
Forward, the galley shifts toward darker finishes with matte gray cabinetry and high-gloss wood accents, creating contrast against the lighter social spaces.
Perhaps the most unusual feature of the sports yacht sits inside the pilothouse. Rather than functioning solely as a navigation center, the space has been customized into a private offshore office with an L-shaped seating arrangement beside the helm, giving the owner a dedicated workspace during longer passages. Accommodation is arranged across the lower deck with a full-beam owner’s suite, forward VIP, and convertible guest cabins that can shift between twin and double layouts.
The aft sections of the motor yacht have been arranged with serious angling in mind. A custom tender garage doubles as a dedicated fishing hub with specialist storage, while the cockpit integrates practical equipment intended for extended time on the water. Earlier project details also revealed live bait facilities, rod storage, and working areas shaped around offshore use.
Outdoor Spaces Extend the ES88’s Versatility
Despite its sub-30-meter footprint, the ES88 places considerable emphasis on exterior living. The foredeck incorporates integrated seating and adjustable sunpads designed for day use and evening entertaining. Aft, the shaded cockpit becomes a full alfresco dining zone with outdoor cooking facilities that include a teppanyaki grill, barbecue station, refrigeration, and additional preparation space.
An electric awning extends coverage when required, while a hydraulic swim platform expands usable waterside space for guests moving between swimming, watersports, and tender operations. The result is a superyacht that pushes beyond the traditional enclosed flybridge format and moves closer toward a sport-oriented owner platform without sacrificing interior volume.
ES88 Leads AU$100M Sanctuary Cove Showcase
KEΦI will headline Horizon’s largest Sanctuary Cove presentation to date. Joining the ES88 at Pier G will be the newly completed E67 Flybridge together with two FD80 Skyline models, two E75 Skylounge yachts, one E73 Skylounge, and the E56XO crossover model.
The display spans entry-level boats through to superyacht territory and reflects Horizon’s long-established position in Australia, where the yard says more than 100 Horizon yachts are currently operating. For buyers visiting the show, the ES88 is likely to draw particular attention as both the newest addition to the E Series and the first opportunity to step aboard the model at a major international event.
Visit our Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2026 event page for a full breakdown of attending yachts, arranged by debut status and YachtBuyer review coverage.
Inside the Wider Horizon E Family
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the world's largest yacht database, the ES88 now leads a four-model E Series range that spans from just under 20 meters to almost 28 meters. Below it sits the 27m Horizon E90, another enclosed flybridge platform designed around long-range cruising. The model carries four ensuite guest cabins plus crew accommodation and introduces features such as a country-style galley arrangement, enclosed upper helm, aft Jacuzzi, and an estimated range of around 1,500 nautical miles.
The Horizon E75 Skylounge occupies the middle ground at 23m. Designed for entertaining, it uses a raised enclosed helm arrangement and packs several outdoor social areas into its footprint, including a foredeck lounge, boat deck bar, and large shaded aft cockpit. Two examples are also heading to Sanctuary Cove as part of Horizon’s display.
At the entry point of the series is the 20m Horizon E62 flybridge yacht. Although smaller, it still delivers three cabins, accommodation for six guests, and speeds up to 25 knots while maintaining the same focus on practical cruising and efficient layouts.
Together, the lineup shows how Horizon has developed the E Series beyond a single enclosed flybridge formula, creating a range that stretches from owner-operated cruising yachts through to highly customized flagship projects such as KEΦI.
Looking to buy a Horizon yacht? View all new Horizon ES88 yachts for sale, tracked in real time by YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, explore all other Horizon yachts for sale.
