Modern Masterpiece: Touring the Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer - Louisa Beckett

The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show marked the launch of the Cheoy Lee 130 Explorer, which commanded a prime slip off the face dock at the show’s Bahia Mar Yachting Center venue. After following the yacht’s construction process at Cheoy Lee Shipyards, I was excited to have the opportunity to tour her in person during the show.

While this steel-hulled explorer yacht is fully capable of transoceanic voyaging to remote and exotic destinations, it was also designed to be a luxurious Mega yacht. Boarding the 130 Explorer from the swim platform, our first impression of its amenities was the beach club in the transom, complete with wet bar and TV.

While the 130 Explorer is no longer available to order, her timeless modern interior is a fine example of Cheoy Lee’s commitment to the highest quality – and to giving their owners a custom luxury yacht that truly embodies their individual needs and desires.

The 130 Explorer’s interior décor was designed by Seattle-area-based Sylvia Bolton Design and manufactured by Genesis Interiors in Italy and Fort Lauderdale, in collaboration with Cheoy Lee. It is a modern masterpiece, featuring finely crafted woods and stonework, multiple textures, and neutral hues accented by pops of brilliant color.

As we toured the main deck, it was clear that Sylvia Bolton and Cheoy Lee had carefully considered the owners’ personal preferences for luxury cruising while designing the yacht’s custom interior. For example, instead of an industrial galley designed for service only, the 130 Explorer has a dine-in galley finished to the same high level as the rest of the yacht. Family members can enjoy cooking and eating a casual meal together here as an alternative to having a more formal, chef-prepared meal in the dining salon.

The 130 Explorer accommodates 10 guests in utmost luxury and comfort. The main-deck master is a private sanctuary that encompasses the yacht’s full beam forward. Its lighted king-sized berth, sofa and desk enable owners to use this airy space to rest, relax or catch up with paperwork in peace. Forward is a full-beam head with his-and-her sides linked by a large shower room with dual rain heads. On the lower deck are two VIP staterooms, along with two staterooms with twin berths that can be converted to queens. They also have pullman berths in case the kids want to bring along their friends. Each guest stateroom has a lavishly appointed en suite head. A door to the crew compartment from the corridor facilitates swift and unseen service for the staterooms while the guests are enjoying their daily activities.

The sky lounge on the upper deck is another gathering spot, where the family can enjoy game night or watch movies together. Here, the marble bar top is a stunning highlight of the yacht’s exquisite interior décor.

In keeping with its mission of taking owners to the far corners of the Earth, the yacht’s pilothouse has a banquette that can be converted to a watch berth. The captain’s stateroom also is located just aft for quick and easy access. Featuring four widescreen monitors, the commercial-level helm has a full array of the latest navigation systems and equipment.

The wellbeing of the crew is of utmost importance on long-range expeditions, and the 130 Explorer’s layout is designed to facilitate this. The spacious crew compartment includes a large mess where the crew can dine, relax and hold meetings. While functional and practical, décor in the crew areas is still finished to a high degree. Three double-bunk cabins offer comfortable accommodations in the crew quarter, and there is even an engineer’s cabin aft of the engine room.

After touring the 130 Explorer, you might be disappointed that you cannot order a sister ship. However, Cheoy Lee recently launched its new Discovery Series yacht range, currently comprising three models: the 115, 120 and 127 Discovery. These oceangoing explorer yachts will be designed and built with the same exceptional level of luxury, fit and finish, customization and attention to detail. The Discovery Series features naval architecture and engineering by Boksa Marine Design (BMD).