In 1965, a young man from a large family of Chinese immigrants took a job as a cleaner in the engine room of a Jamaican cruise liner. Fast forward 57 years, and his 115-meter yacht, built by Lürssen, is guaranteed to be the brightest star at the Monaco Yacht Show.
This yacht, named Ahpo, is one-and-a-half times larger than other new launches at the September show. Its creators, Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, respectfully refer to it not as a “boat” but as a “ship.” Between these two milestones, Michael Lee-Chin achieved incredible success in life while maintaining his sense of humor. Initially, the yacht was boldly named Testarossa, but before its launch, it was renamed Enzo after the exclusive Ferrari model. Once it became the property of the Jamaican-Canadian investor and philanthropist, the yacht was rechristened Ahpo. The name, derived from a southern Chinese dialect, translates to “grandmother.” The letters on the bow are stylized as a circular Chinese seal, and the stern playfully bears the inscription “Ahpo Bikini.” The name also evokes memories of another famous vessel named “Grandma”—the yacht Granma, which Fidel Castro and his comrades used to land and spark a revolution on the neighboring island of Cuba. However, Ahpo is entirely different, representing a sanctuary of private life and celebrating familial bonds—even the balustrades on the staircase connecting the two levels of the master suite are designed to resemble links of a double chain.
When signing the construction contract in 2017, Lee-Chin insisted the megayacht be ready by December 15, 2021, for his mother’s 89th birthday. Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Lürssen managed to meet the deadline by increasing shifts while maintaining social distancing among workers. The yacht arrived in Jamaica just two days ahead of schedule, on December 13.
This is Lee-Chin’s third yacht built by Lürssen. His previous vessel, the 86-meter Quattroelle, was much more than a standout debut in 2014—it was a sensation. Representing the shipyard at the Monaco Yacht Show, Quattroelle created a buzz, securing 11 pre-bookings for charter at $1 million per week even before its official announcement. That year, the only yacht capable of overshadowing it was the 180-meter Azzam. Quattroelle marked the first collaboration between Lürssen and Nuvolari Lenard, including their lead interior designer, Valentina Zannier.
While discussing the new project, Lee-Chin reminded the designers of his philosophy: Love, Life, Liberty, and Luxury—the “quattro elle” in Italian. The new yacht adheres to this philosophy but takes it to new heights—30 meters longer and twice the internal volume. Elements of this vision are evident in the yacht’s bow profile, rounded windows, and radar arch shaped like a Formula 1 spoiler. The emphasis on the fourth element, luxury, is unmistakable.
One striking example of attention to detail is the mosaics in the interiors, commissioned from renowned Italian artisan Maurizio Placuzzi (Sicis). Each mosaic is unique, with themes inspired by Jamaica, such as cranes set against the Blue Mountains in the conference room. At the center of this room is a round table featuring a bronze map of the island encased in epoxy resin. Many of the mosaics were assembled on-site using traditional techniques, although Sicis also offers high-quality prefabricated options.
With six decks, Nuvolari Lenard had ample space for creativity. The bridge deck features the wheelhouse, which guests can visit to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean. It also includes a small helipad, while the main helipad, located on the foredeck of the skylounge, is always ready to accommodate a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter. The skylounge itself, adorned with semi-columns between panoramic windows, exudes the opulence characteristic of the entire yacht. This area is accessible via the “chain staircase” from the owner’s deck. As with the rest of Ahpo, the furniture features rounded edges, and the center of the room is left open. The owner specifically requested softened interiors, avoiding sharp angles. The lounge is perfect for stargazing on southern nights or hosting meetings, with two tables for assistants near the entrance.
The midsection of the deck is dedicated to a gym that could make any fitness enthusiast’s eyes light up. Walls between panoramic windows and furniture are crafted from lacquered redwood, hiding a television behind a mirror. State-of-the-art equipment from Technogym, Peloton bikes, and custom-made free weights from Gym Marine feature the Ahpo logo. The aft section houses a pool and outdoor relaxation area, ideal for unwinding after a workout. Adjacent to the main pool is a smaller one with a jacuzzi.
The owner’s deck is better described as the family deck, designed for spending quality time with loved ones. After delivery, Lee-Chin’s family traveled aboard the yacht for over two months. Their favorite spot is the winter garden—a fully glazed lounge with a mirrored ceiling, perfect for dining in wicker chairs. It remains cool even under the tropical sun, and when the breeze picks up, the glass doors can be opened to enjoy the rustling of leaves. While the potted palms are mostly artificial to withstand the salty sea air, they are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
The master suite is decorated in warm tones and reflects the owner’s wife’s influence. The bed sits on a semicircular podium, flanked by white bedside tables resembling oversized jars of cream. Soft, rounded armchairs resemble seashells, while the headboard features a panel depicting birds perched on branches. The master bathroom is lavishly adorned with mirrors, dark brown and black marble, geometric mosaics, and gold fixtures. The wife’s bathroom mirrors this layout but is finished in peach-gold tones, with mosaics depicting fluttering birds in the shower. The master suite also includes two private balconies.
Two children’s cabins are located next to the master suite, identical in layout but differing in color schemes. One features green accents, while the other is decked out in cranberry tones. Both are equally luxurious, with Louis Vuitton Bamboca sofas adding playful charm.
The main deck houses shared spaces, including an oval conference room, an opulent main salon with a grand piano, and a dining area with a spectacular table by List. The tabletop is adorned with water lilies rendered in the églomisé technique—metal foil applied to glass. This motif is echoed in the chandelier and light fixtures.
The main deck also includes four double cabins with en-suite bathrooms. These cabins feature more wood than the private quarters but maintain the yacht’s natural themes, with cranes and leaves adorning the interiors.
The bow section of the main deck contains a spacious garage for two 12-meter custom tenders built by I.C. Yacht, a Carbon Craft CC130 tender, and two rescue boats.
One of the yacht’s standout features is the beach club and spa hybrid. Adjacent to the fold-out terrace is a lounge area, a curved bar, and a pool lined with turquoise mosaics. Ceiling panels of light wood are carved into leaf shapes.
The spa interior rivals luxury salons on land. Valentina Zannier describes its ambiance as “relaxing and zen-like.” Walls resemble Japanese sliding panels, but instead of paper, they feature frosted glass with hand-painted bamboo leaves. Gentle lighting reflects off circular mirrors. The hammam is covered in a mosaic resembling a starry sky, with a floor of blue Azul Macauba marble and a niche inspired by Byzantine and Ottoman fountains. The sauna is minimalist, with walls made of Himalayan salt bricks.
A hidden cinema on the lower deck seats 12, with velvet chairs and a starry ceiling. Portraits on the walls appear to be black-and-white photographs but are actually mosaics made from stones in varying shades of gray. The subjects include Lee-Chin’s favorite actors—Dorothy Dandridge and Sidney Poitier, the first African Americans to win Oscars, and Sammy Davis Jr., the sole Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack.
The yacht’s crew of 36 is well cared for, with cozy cabins on the lower deck’s bow, a gym, a comfortable dining room, and a lounge area.
The heart of Ahpo is its two-story engine room, housing twin 20-cylinder MTU 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines and three MTU 12V 2000 M41A generators. A glass corridor leads through this area to the beach club.
“Green” technologies are implemented to the fullest extent on this charter yacht. Ahpo is equipped with advanced filters by Hug Engineering, a selective catalytic reduction system, and heat recovery from the power plant for water heating.
Guests aboard Ahpo can easily forget they’re at sea. The soundproofing is so effective that noise levels in the master suite are just 31 dB—a little louder than a whisper. In the main salon, it’s 40 dB, still remarkably quiet for a ship of this size. Quantum stabilizers and a dynamic positioning system ensure smooth sailing even in rough seas.
Ahpo will be available for charter when the owner’s family is ashore. While the price is steep, the temptation to experience one of the year’s most fascinating yachts will undoubtedly attract many.
