Cheoy Lee is adding both sporty and stalwart-looking megayachts to its lineup. They are, respectively, the Alpha 111 and Explorer 150.
Despite their contrasting styling, both new models are designed by Overing Yacht Design, marking a first-time collaboration with the Chinese shipyard. But-Yang Lo (“B.Y.” for short), Cheoy Lee’s vice president, and Jon Overing, president of Overing Yacht Design, have known each other for a number of years. While the two models resulted from Cheoy Lee client requests, the Cheoy Lee Alpha 111 and Explorer 150 are infused with Overing’s yachting and commercial-vessel experience.
The Cheoy Lee Alpha 111 (top) complements the three existing Alpha yachts: the 76 Express, 76 Flybridge, and 87. Those three feature sleek lines and emphasize performance, with top speeds in the 35-knot range. Likewise, the Alpha 111, at 111’5” (34 meters), promises spirited cruises. Top end should be 24 to 25 knots, given 1,900-hp Caterpillar engines. “Cheoy Lee’s construction is very high-tech and advanced, and they have been successful in taking weight out of the boat with infusion, composites, and honeycomb interiors—that is very important to performance,” Overing explains.
Cheoy Lee believes the Alpha 111 will appeal to more traditional motoryacht buyers, too. With speeds dialed down to around 10 knots, the megayacht should see a range around 2,000 nautical miles. Furthermore, the 6’3” (1.93-meter) draft means you’ll be able to enjoy skinny-water anchorages.
Also important, of course, are creature comforts. The Cheoy Lee Alpha 111 has a 24’4” (7.44-meter) beam and a choice of arrangements. American buyers are being offered an extended hardtop. The European version of the Alpha 111 has an open flying bridge. Either way, buyers will also appreciate a feature atypical of her LOA: a beach club. It’s a tender garage that can double as a lounging space once the toys (a 12- to 13-foot tender or PWC, plus smaller toys) are offloaded. Also either way, the Alpha 111 can have four or five staterooms. The smaller number of staterooms comes with a main-deck country kitchen. The five-cabin configuration places the master forward on the main deck. Furthermore, buyers are welcome to customize the design.
As for the Cheoy Lee Explorer 150 (above), she’s in the same vein of Marco Polo (now Dorothea III) and Mazu. To that end, a single 1,911-hp Caterpillar engine is the primary propulsion source. Another engine and thruster in the bow can serve as get-home power. Equipped with a bulbous the Explorer 150 should burn 35 percent less fuel than a traditionally equipped yacht of the same LOA.
The 151’8” (46.27-meter), steel-hulled Explorer 150 is also meant for globetrotting. The 25,000-gallon (94,625-liter) fuel capacity is more than Mazu or Marco Polo. Cheoy Lee and Overing say that with speeds a hair higher than 10 knots, range will be between 7,000 and 9,000 nautical miles. Overing considers the hull a fast-displacement design, capable of a top end around 15 knots and with a 10’6” (3.23-meter) draft. Combine that with a 30’8” (9.39-meter) beam, and the three and a half decks should be welcoming for long-term enjoyment.
Cheoy Lee will have more details on both designs available at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In the meantime, if you would like more information directly from Cheoy Lee, please fill out our contact form.
Albrecht Buchner
Dear Sir,
regarding the 150 ft Explorer Yacht from Overingdesign together with the chinese yard Cheoy Lee it has to be noted, that it resembles in numerous features and design elements to our MCC Marco Polo Transocean Explorer series. In the past we built these yachts with Cheoy Lee and we have to realize now, that the result is unfortunately as we were warned by experts years ago. One has to be aware that a lack of creativity and perfection can be covered easily by other means.
Thank you for your attention.
Albrecht Buchner