CL Yachts Launches Lucky 88

For a refreshing change, an Asian premiere was held before a world premiere as CL Yachts unveiled its flagship CLB88 in Hong Kong in August before hull one headed to the US for its public debut.

- Andrew Dembina

The much-anticipated CLB88, the second model in the CLB series by Hong Kong-headquartered CL Yachts, debuted in August after production of the first hull remained almost on schedule despite Covid-19. The motor yacht was temporarily berthed at the company’s office and service yard in Hong Kong, having been built at its production shipyard west of Zhuhai, a city now connected by bridge to Hong Kong.

The Asian reveal of the CLB88 preceded the planned world premiere in the US at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is scheduled for October 28-November 1.

The CLB88 is CL Yachts’ new flagship and has a RINA-certified hull that planes when underway, tracking smoothly and rising to avoid spray on the bow in most conditions.

The hull was built in consultation with structural engineering firm and composite developer Gurit, utilising carbon-fibre and advanced resin-infusion technology.

ON THE LEVEL

Milan-based designer Jozeph Forakis designed the interior and exterior on the CLB88 in his first yacht design, having created the logo and branding for CL Yachts.

The main-deck saloon plays on a long sweep of marine teak flooring laid from aft to helm station, with matching ceiling panelling. “Everything is on one level, so it’s less hazardous. A lot of times when you step on a boat, you’re going up and down, and you take it for granted that there are different levels and you don’t even notice it,” says Hans Lo, CL Yachts’ Deputy Director.

“It’s not an easy task in design. You often see levels going up and down to give headroom downstairs in the cabins. It takes a lot of juggling to have that and keep one level upstairs.”