Cheoy Lee Shipyards is one of Asia's most historic and internationally recognized yacht and shipbuilding companies, with continuous family management since its origins in 1870 in Shanghai. The company originally operated a repair yard focused on wooden commercial craft but relocated to Hong Kong in 1936 to build power cargo vessels and innovative repowered merchant sailing ships during turbulent times, including the Japanese blockade in World War II[1][2][3][8]. By the 1950s, Cheoy Lee had shifted toward the production of teak sailing and motor yachts, primarily for export markets such as the United States. In the early 1960s, the yard became an industry pioneer by adopting fiberglass construction techniques, notably standing out as one of the first shipyards worldwide to implement GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology, thus phasing out wood construction for modern yacht building[1][2][4].Today, Cheoy Lee operates its primary construction facility at the Hin Lee (Zhuhai) Shipyard in Doumen, China, about 45 miles west of Hong Kong, supported by a skilled workforce of around 1,000 employees[1][3]. The shipyard is equipped with advanced technology such as CNC machinery, plasma and waterjet cutters, and specializes in the direct launch of large vessels from its quays[3]. Cheoy Lee produces a wide range of vessels including motor yachts, long-range cruisers, explorer yachts, ferries, and commercial ships, capable of constructing yachts over 200 feet (up to 144 feet and 446 tons for yachts) and vessels in excess of 200 feet, reflecting the company's large-scale production capacity[1][3].Notable models and series from Cheoy Lee include the teak Lion 35 (with over 70 produced), the Sparkman & Stephens-designed 'Mahjong' (52-foot yawl), the foam-cored 48 Sportfisherman, the SeaShaw (the first 145-foot Cheoy Lee Global Series motoryacht designed by Frank Mulder), and the Marco Polo and Qing explorer yachts, demonstrating innovation in both sailing and motor yacht segments[2][4]. The yard is also recognized for pioneering relationships with prominent designers such as Tom Fexas and for being a top builder of luxury yachts, especially during its peak when sailboats comprised much of its output[2][4].Cheoy Lee Shipyards is currently active and under multi-generational family ownership and management, now led by the Lo family, who run both the Hong Kong headquarters and Doumen shipyard[3]. The company's reputation in the global marine industry is characterized by its engineering capability, commitment to quality standards (meeting Lloyd’s, Hong Kong Marine Department, and American Boat and Yacht Council regulations), and its role as one of Asia’s best-equipped yards[1][3]. Key milestones include its transition to fiberglass construction, expansion into mainland China, delivery of large explorer and superyachts, and enduring export success. Cheoy Lee stands as an innovator and leader in Asian yacht building, specializing in motor yachts, explorer yachts, and commercial vessels, with a consistent record of quality, innovation, and international influence.

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