Marking a dramatic departure in styling, Cheoy Lee debuted the Alpha 76 Express at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. She’s the first express-style motoryacht for the builder.
Cheoy Lee collaborated with Michael Peters Yacht Design to create the Alpha 76 Express’ speedy look and performance. It was a wise choice, given that company principal Michael Peters started his career with raceboats, and the firm has had a hand in numerous performance-oriented megayachts, sportboats, and patrol boats. The design brief called for a fast, modern-looking motoryacht. The hull design Peters employed has been tested and used on many boats capable of 40-knot speeds and higher, plus ones that absorb shock well, keep spray down, and stay on course in a seaway. With standard 1,136-hp Caterpillar C18 ACERTs, coupled to ZF pod drives, Cheoy Lee’s Alpha 76 Express should see similarly good numbers. Optional power: 1,900-hp Caterpillar C32 ACERTs. Zooming around in relatively shallow waters shouldn’t be a problem, given the 5’5” (1.65-meter) draft at full load.
Like all of Cheoy Lee’s fiberglass motoryachts, the Alpha 76 Express is built via monocoque construction, meaning all structural components are bonded to the hull for better integrity. Additional strengthening was applied where you see the oversize windows in the hull side, which provide terrific views from the full-beam master stateroom. To comply with ISO requirements for stress reduction, there’s a horizontal stringer constructed of carbon fiber.
As to creature comforts, the Cheoy Lee Alpha 76 Express has what you’d expect to find. Alfresco spaces have sunpads as well as dining and seating areas. A bar is amidships in the cockpit, forward of a hot tub is perfectly positioned overlooking the expansive swim platform. With that platform, the Alpha 76 Express’ LOA is 76’6” (23.35 meters). Beam is 19’8” (6.04 meters).
Inside, Luiz de Basto Designs combines anigre paneling and stitched leather for a higher-end look than most yachts in this size range. In an interesting twist on layout, the galley and dining area are lower than the saloon and helm. However, in keeping with the express styling, there’s a sunroof over the saloon. Another nice touch: The aft-deck doors can remain open, turning the saloon into an indoor-outdoor area.
Two additional Alpha 76 Express motoryachts are under construction.
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