CL Yachts History & Heritage
Despite the CL Yachts brand being launched at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in 2018, the builder has a legacy dating back to its commercial-boat origins over a century ago near Shanghai.
The CL Yachts division, born from Cheoy Lee Shipyards (CLS), focuses on creating large, luxurious motor yachts designed to make a statement on the water, suitable for fully crewed and owner-operator use.
Cheoy Lee's history in yacht construction began in 1957 with the construction of the 52-foot Mah Jong, a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Bermudan yawl. The yard gained popularity for its teak sailing yachts, transitioning to fiberglass in the 1960s and pioneering techniques such as vacuum infusion in the 1970s.
Fast forward to the present day and the fiberglass composite hulls and superstructures of CL Yachts are now vacuum-infused with high-quality materials, including vinylester resin, e-glass, and carbon fiber. The interiors showcase meticulous attention to detail, offering a blend of weight savings, enhanced performance, and reduced fuel consumption.
Two of its three current ranges are analogous to the former Cheoy Lee Alpha and Bravo series of yachts, although the designs and accommodation layouts have been updated. With its rich heritage and commitment to excellence, CL Yachts is poised to continue the shipyard's tradition of innovation and expansion in the yachtbuilding industry.
