The well known Chinese luxury yacht builder, Cheoy Lee, has been nominated for the International Yacht & Aviation Award 2014, entering the ‘Power Yacht 25-40 metre’ category with their motor yacht Alpha 87 Express Sportbridge. Superyacht Alpha 87 Express Sportbridge represents a versatile ‘sport bridge’ vessel, offering flybridge features as well as custom build quality within the sleek envelope of an express yacht.
Crisp contemporary exterior lines with standout hull efficiency, seakeeping and handling was the brief to Michael Peters, to expand on these exceptional characteristics captured in the Cheoy Lee Alpha 76 yacht models. Structural engineering was to meet GL class standards, for construction using resin infusion, vinylester resins, linear foam cores and multi-axial stitched e-glass reinforcements throughout. Limited use of exotics such as carbon fibre where required.
Interior design from Luiz deBasto was again to develop on the Alpha 76 concept. Practical contemporary styling that will be executed to standards exceeding those found in typical express style yachts on the market, with detailing approaching custom yacht levels.
The construction brief to the shipyard was to bring to market an exceptional new Express yacht with levels of construction, engineering and overall quality that set Alpha models apart from the high volume builders currently supplying the market.
State of the art engineering and components, and a thoroughbred hull form leave no doubt that this yacht has achieved the targets set. Walking through the yachts lavish interior all thoughts of the yachts aggressive performance characteristics melt away.
Following on from the Alpha 76’ Express and Flybridge models, space planning is excellent on luxury yacht Alpha 87, with the increased length and volume allowing for four spacious and well-appointed staterooms below, a formal dining area, galley, salon and helm station on the main deck level, with three distinct outdoor gathering spots at the aft deck, foredeck and flybridge. Fully appointed crew accommodation with private access is aft.
A key aspect is the excellent performance and looks without compromising comfort.
The design works so well due to the designer and builder experience, combined with the care of construction akin to semi-custom build projects.