When Cheoy Lee debuted the CLX96 during the 2022 Fort Lauderdale boat show, the head-turning design and function-fit super yacht showed CL Yachts was not only drawing on its 150-year heritage but was also firmly focused on the future. CLX96’s bold styling came as the result of a decision to look outside traditional yacht design inspiration, and that in turn led the Cheoy Lee to Milan-based yacht designer Jozeph Forakis. That decision was instantly validated when Forakis produced a design that centered on function while emphasizing a brilliantly bold form rooted in rugged workboat ethos, the perfect platform for a modern, go-anywhere cruising yacht. Now Cheoy Lee and Forakis have taken their tour-de-force CLX design a step further with the unveiling of CLX99 project. At first glance, it is clear the new CLX99 draws heavily on her sibling, and not just in styling and design DNA. But this is much more than a facelift with the CLX99 is essentially a new model, which takes the core ethos and essence of the striking and functional CLX96 and carries it further into the realm of the superyacht with more interior volume, more external space, more clever design elements, and more features that have been refined for the demands of European and Asian markets. CLX99 bears the clear rugged-yet-finessed workboat-chic of CLX96 that hints at the yacht’s serious cruising capabilities, but stretches the dimensions of every facet which in turn has created all new areas and opportunities to enhance the general arrangement. The main deck benefits from a two-metre extension, which has led to a reorganisation of the interior space. The lower deck has also been revised and redesigned, with the standard version of CLX99 offering five generous staterooms that include a large, full-beam master suite, two VIP doubles forward, and two guest twin/double cabins, all ensuite. The crew area, located aft between the engine room and the aft bulkhead of the master which means insulation from technical noise from the owner, has also been extended and reconfigured to accommodate up to five crew members, making CLX99 highly suitable for fully crewed charter operations. In addition, clients can opt for a main deck master suite in place of the forward dining and observation lounge, while retaining five suites on the lower deck for a total of twelve guests. Up top, the sundeck, sky lounge and flybridge helm have all been modified to optimize the proportions and further carrying the CLX range into new realms of luxury. Of course, CLX99 retains the trademark Portuguese Terrace of the CLX96, creating an expansive seating and sun bathing area forward of the bridge that serves as a secondary, elevated bow terrace. But the real transformation has taken place aft of the striking, forward-raked windscreen as the sky lounge is extended by three meters repositioning with the helm station separated from the saloon aft. The sky lounge also retains the up/down opening windows; port, starboard and the aft-bulkhead service bar, a signature feature of her smaller sibling. That essence of bringing the outside in is coupled to a reconfigured aft sundeck for alfresco entertaining and chilling. The aft end has also received a major change, with the aft water-level beach and swim platform now boasting large drop down bulwarks that create generous sea terraces either side. The angular styling has always been about capturing the practicality of workboats and taking luxury into new and exciting directions, including offering guests sensational panoramic views from anywhere in the interior. The underlying ethos toward seaworthiness and reliability has been further enhanced on CLX99 with revisions to the technical space. In addition to the extended hull, styling tweaks and layout enhancements, Forakis has also turned his attention to the interior themes and finishes, drawing on sinuous and sensual curves combined with elementary shapes and ideas inspired by nature and coastlines. One thing is clear, just as CLX96 was conceived for life without compromise, so CLX99 takes an uncompromising look at what life on board a superyacht should be, and delivers that experience in all areas from optimized hull design to optimal interior space planning.
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