The Cheoy Lee Company is the epitome of longevity, having been a major shipbuilder for well over 
a century as it grew from humble beginnings into the largest yacht builder in Asia. Cheoy Lee’s founding family still owns and runs the company, a rarity in today’s shifting economy. Cheoy Lee Shipyards got its start at Po Tung Point in Shanghai, as a building and repair yard for wooden steam-powered craft. The company shifted its headquarters to Hong Kong in 1936, where it remains today, along with a new state-of-the-art production facility on the Pearl River at Doumen. Cheoy Lee has maintained an unprecedentedly high production rate, having built over 5000 vessels in the last 60 years alone, and as they approach their century and a half mark, they are showing no signs of slowing down.
Cheoy Lee Shipyards initially specialized in the production of powered cargo vessels designed to outrun the Japanese blockade, diversifying into the production of teak sailing and motoryachts by the 1950s. Many of the Cheoy Lee teak sailboats built during this period are still on the water today, a clear demonstration of the exceptionally high quality of Cheoy Lee construction. Cheoy Lee’s production turned primarily to pleasure craft over the next decade; by the mid 1960’s, pleasure craft had become 90% of the shipbuilder’s business. In the Meantime, their commercial business began to steadily grow again.
The shipyard began experimenting with fiberglass as far back as the 1950’s, becoming one of the first shipyards to use fiberglass construction in their vessels. As new technologies such as resin infusion proved suitable for yacht construction and composite materials continued to evolve, Cheoy Lee continued its pattern of innovation, becoming one of the pioneers of GRP/foam sandwich technology in the marine field. Today, Cheoy Lee builds primarily in the three common boatbuilding materials of fiberglass, aluminum, and steel, combining them in various combinations, such as the popular pairing of a steel hull with a GRP superstructure to reduce top weight and maintenance requirements of the superstructure, while maintaining the ruggedness of a steel hull.
During 140 years of family ownership, Cheoy Lee has made everything from ferries to tugboats to large motoryachts. Cheoy Lee’s long sighted strategies and abilities will allow the shipyard to stay in the forefront of the industry for many years to come. The continuity of four generations of family ownership ensures that Cheoy Lee’s wealth of experience, garnered over its long history, is retained and built upon through future generations.
Are you looking for a yacht of your own? Atlantic Yacht and Ship has a large selection of new and preowned yachts for sale from which to choose, including “Savannah Ann”, a beautiful 78′ Marlow Explorer for sale in South Florida.
Sitting majestically broadside to Las Olas Boulevard “Savannah Ann” is one of the most photographed vessels in South Florida. This 2005 78′ Marlow Explorer’s Portuguese forward deck and lapstrake hull set her apart from the crowd. The covered aft deck provides an excellent area for entertaining and for taking in all the sights. Teak decks, varnished cap rails, handrails, and massive stainless steel hardware give a rich feel to all that board her. Savannah Ann is a beauty you must see. Located in Ft. Lauderdale her recently reduced asking price is $2,100,000. Bring your offer to Gregg Silver at 305-304-4574 or email him at: boatingsilver@earthlink.net.
Atlantic Yacht and Ship has been an integral leader in the yacht and ship brokerage industry since 1959. Whether you are seeking yachts for sale, or are a boat or yacht owner looking to sell or trade, we have the experience and connections to help you realize your goals. Browse our extensive listings of new and pre owned yachts, or call us directly at 1-888-230-0439 and we will help you find the vessel of your dreams.