Cheoy Lee will debut its first-ever 87 Alpha Express Sportbridge yacht at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Launched in June 2013, the 87 Alpha Express builds on the success of the builder's new Alpha sport yacht series. The open cockpit styling resembles that of the her smaller predecessor, the Alpha 76 Express Flybridge. The aft deck hosts a hot tub, the flybridge has a sizeable lounge and forward settee, and her garage can stow a 3m tender
Michael Peters Yacht Design is responsible for the hull design, naval architecture and the exterior styling, while the contemporary interior is by Luiz de Basto, who brought megayacht-inspired interior styling into a smaller package. The Alpha 87 Express Sportbridge accommodates eight guests in four cabins, including a full-beam master suite.
'We wanted to establish the Alpha brand in an upscale position and Cheoy Lee embraced the idea,' says de Basto, who used materials including leather, marble, glass and luxe woods. 'The custom sliding glass doors open completely, offering seamless flow from the salon, bar and galley to the aft deck—even the floor pattern integrates the formal interior and open space.'
The Alpha Express series is designed for performance, and the 87 doesn't disappoint – powered by twin 1,900hp C32 Caterpillar ACERTS she is expected to top out at 30-plus knots.