The history of Cheoy Lee starts with its humble beginnings in 1870 as a building and repair yard for steam-powered craft at Po Tung Point in Shanghai, China. A family-run business to this day, Cheoy Lee was founded on the principles of quality, technology and design superiority, which, generations on, it still adheres to.
In 1936, the family moved the business to the British territory of Hong Kong where the yard continued to prosper. Initially specialising in the production of powered cargo vessels (to outrun the Japanese blockade), by the mid-1950s Cheoy Lee had diversified into the production of teak sailing and motor yachts, mostly built for export to the USA. Many of the teak sailboats, designed by Arthur Robb and other notable designers of the era, and built by Cheoy Lee, are still being sailed today, a testament to the quality of construction that continues to define all Cheoy Lee products. The future success of the newly formed pleasure craft division soon became apparent and by the mid-1960’s, 90% of the yard’s production was pleasure craft, primarily for the United States market.
It was also during the 1960s that Cheoy Lee became one of the pioneers in the development, testing and use of fibreglass construction techniques and soon thereafter, wood construction was phased out. Constantly improving its product, Cheoy Lee was to next become a forerunner in the marine use of GRP/foam sandwich technology, now widely used. In fact, in 1977 Cheoy Lee built the world’s largest GRP yacht of the time, the 39.6m motorsailer Shango II, and by 1979 the first all foam-cored production motor yacht came on line; the Cheoy Lee 14.6 Sport Yacht.
Namoh | 2003 | 38.1m | $12,700,000
With naval architecture by Mulder Design, the 38 metre Namoh is a wonderfully balanced yacht, providing guests with all the delights of luxury yachting. She has an outdoor spa pool, al fresco dining options, a bar, formal dining saloon, good sunbathing areas as well as generous interior accommodation for up to 10 guests in five cabins.
Her broker, Michael Mahan at Worth Avenue Yachts, comments, ‘The only 125-foot motor yacht built by Cheoy Lee, Namoh offers interior spaces that make her feel much larger. She is among the most beautiful yachts from this yard, with exceptional interior appointments that include stained-glass doors, roman-gold marble, polished gold and crystal fixtures, and the finest exotic woods including African cherry. Namoh has been immaculately maintained since her launch.’
Ohana | 1992 | 31.55m | $2,690,000
Ohana was built in GRP in 1992 to a Jack Hargrave design. Intended for long-range cruising, this superyacht’s economical Caterpillar engines give her a range of 3,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. She can accommodate eight guests in a master cabin, 2 VIPs and one twin. Refitted in 2002, she has also had new teak decks installed.
Broker Neal Esterly at Fraser Yachts says, ‘Ohana is unique among the Cheoy Lee yachts for being a full displacement tri-deck Hargrave design that offers an on deck master plus two VIPs and a guest cabin. Crew quarters are very good. Having cruised from Hong Kong to the Med, she has proven herself to be a very capable vessel at sea.’
Mindy | 2005 | 24.38m | $2,295,000
Mindy was built in 2005 with exterior styling and naval architecture by Tom Fexas. A Jon Pokela interior sleeps eight guests in a master suite, and VIP, double and twin cabins. Twin 1,550hp Caterpillar engines give her a cruising speed of 20 knots and a range of 1,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Her listing agent, Whit Kirtland at Bradford Marine Yacht Sales, says, ‘Mindy was custom built by her original, very knowledgeable owners. With her classic styling and sea-kindly Tom Fexas hull design, Mindy has proven to be a comfortable, seaworthy yacht. She has cruised extensively with her owners and professional captain, providing both the joys of fishing and luxurious accommodation. A true yacht with a manageable cockpit arrangement, Mindy has successfully brought these two boating worlds together and has provided her owners with safe cruising and hours of pleasure.
‘There have also been additional Soundown vibration and noise reducing materials strategically placed throughout the yacht to achieve a decibel level allowing normal conversation whether cruising or at dockside. This is truly a one-of-a-kind, pedigreed, cockpit motor yacht. If you enjoy sportfishing and the luxury of a motor yacht, Mindy requires a close look.’
Trilogy | 1985 | 27.43m | $1,495,000
Trilogy is a rugged, long-range cruising motor yacht built in 1985 to a design by Jack Hargrave. She has been continually upgraded, including a mechanical refit in 2003 at Bradford Marine and an interior refit in 2004 under the direction of Patrick Knowles.
Accommodation is for six to eight guests in a master, double and twin cabins plus two Pullman berths. Fitted with Naiad stabilisers, twin 650hp GM engines give Trilogy a cruising speed of 10 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles.
Her broker, Jeff Partin at Fraser Yachts comments, ‘A unique and comfortable classic, Trilogy features many modern upgrades. With over 7’ of headroom throughout and two transatlantic crossings on her own bottom she is the real deal and will be one of 2012’s best buys.’
D-Version | 1998 | 27.69m | $1,495,000
D-Version is a 24.6m Sport Yacht built in 1998. This popular Euro style yacht has been professionally maintained and is powered by twin Caterpillar 3412TA engines that produce 1,350hp each, allowing her to cruise at 20 knots. Her shallow draught allows for flexibility when cruising through the Caribbean.
The interior was designed by Savio Yacht Interiors and she has a high gloss wood finish with burl accents. D-Version sleeps eight guests in four cabins and accommodates two crew.
Jointly listed by Luke Brown Yachts and International Yacht Collection, Chany Sabates III of IYC has this to say: ‘D-Version offers spacious, comfortable accommodation. She has state-of-the-art electronics, is meticulously maintained and ready to cruise’
View all yachts for sale