The superyacht that cost Michael Lee-Chin $300 million is essentially a floating five-star resort. He used to work as a cleaner in the engine rooms of cruise ships, but now he owns a boat that is 378 feet long and features an IMAX theater, a duplex owner’s cabin, and two helipads. He was one of the first black billionaires to appear on the Forbes list.
Michael Lee-Chin’s $300M superyacht
Ahpo, the pleasure vessel owned by billionaire Michael Lee-Chin, epitomizes the term “superyacht” in its entirety. This Jamaican-Canadian national currently serves in the roles of chairman and chief executive officer at Portland Holdings Inc., an investment firm based in Ontario, Canada. This luxury vessel is so magnificent that its features and facilities are easily distinguishable from those of the many grand cruisers that are on the market and have been in the past.
2021 saw the delivery of this 378-foot yacht that had been built by Lurssen. Due to the fact that she is so new, she has a lot of innovative technologies, interiors that are cutting edge, and exciting elements aboard an astounding six-deck layout. Let’s take a quick look at some interesting aspects of this gorgeous yacht.
Absolutely incredible Michael Lee-Chin, a seasoned sailor and yacht enthusiast, purchased the massive vessel, formerly known as Project Enzo, in the year 2017. After completing its sea testing a couple of months ago, the majestic 378-foot vessel was ready to take on the seas and compete favorably with five-star resorts in terms of amenities and pricing. Ahpo, which translates to “grandmother” in Hakka Chinese, is an absolute stunner with a striking exterior that features a pristine white hull that is further accentuated by the presence of black stripes and scoop-shaped windows. All six decks feature Nuvolari Lenard’s most impressive work in their respective fields.
Lurssen’s new build will be a busy boat despite its stunning $2.6 million a week rent since it features a spectacular owner’s suite, a well-appointed spa and beach club, regal guest cabins, and the most luxurious decor. Not only because it is a spacious two-story flat, but also because it exudes an impeccable Asian atmosphere, the owner’s suite deserves special note for both of these reasons. The incorporation of soft pastel pinks and sage greens, along with gold and white marble, results in the creation of a subtle ethereality.
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The owner of the yacht specifically desired that natural aspects be maintained, therefore the yacht’s interior features luxurious silk wallpaper, hand needlework, and ornate inlays. The magnificent blue counterpart in the waterfront beach club-spa hybrid is the only other component providing the opulent owner’s suite tough competition. This counterpart is located on the opposite side of the building.
This area has a sea patio that unfolds, and a lounge area where guests can enjoy spending their days lazing around. While some guests are enjoying the gorgeous plunge pool that is tiled in turquoise, others can satisfy their appetites at the curving bar.
The serene spa area is located nearby and features a private massage room, sauna, steam room, and an atmosphere reminiscent of a Turkish hammam with stunning mosaic tiles.
Guests may glance outdoors to enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea in 180 degrees through the stern and side terraces, provided that the entrancing interiors do not prevent them from doing so. Additionally, Ahpo comes equipped with a forward helideck that is commercially compatible and can be utilized during charters. The luxury cruiser has amazing accommodations for up to 16 people, with a total of 8 cabins, and a crew of 36 that is both experienced and professional.
Other recreational areas include a guest lounge next to the IMAX Dolby theatre (equipped with LED star-studded ceilings and navy box seats), formal dining for 22, a large winter garden on the aft deck, and a spacious gym with the most recent equipment that flaunts Ahpo’s insignia.
According to Boat International, this sophisticated vessel is equipped with a number of cutting-edge technologies, including a heat recovery system in the generators that is used to heat the swimming pool and Dynamic Positioning for electronic anchoring.
The enjoyable activities continue with a full array of water toys that are stowed away in a forward storage so that the transom area may be used for the beach club. As a result of Ahpo’s recent entry into the charter market with Moran Yacht & Ship, multibillionaires who are interested in taking their next holiday aboard a luxurious yacht will be in for a real treat.
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About Michael Lee-Chin: Michael Lee-Chin is an expert when it comes to both wealth and luxury superyachts. The boat aficionado and repeat client from Port Antonio, Jamaica, acquired his fortune in the wealth management profession. Lurssen has worked with him on multiple occasions. The billionaire had to work his way up from very poor beginnings. While Lee-Chin’s stepfather owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store, Lee-Chin’s mother was an Avon representative. The 71-year-old guy has come a long way in his life; he started out as a member of the landscaping team at the Frenchman’s Cove Hotel, then moved on to cleaning the engine rooms on the Jamaica Queen cruise liner, and now he is the proud owner of a megayacht. When he took over management of assets in the early 1990s, the total value of those assets was $12 million; by 1998, they were worth approximately $10 billion.
Lee-chin sold his company to Manulife Financial Corp. in 2009 for an amount that was kept confidential and is today valued at $1.9 billion. He was appointed chairman of the government of Jamaica’s Economic Growth Council (EGC) in 2016 and was given the Order of Ontario the following year. He is one of the world’s 15 black billionaires. He is also the only black billionaire from Canada to hold that position. According to Carib News, the philanthropist Lee-Chin had made a number of major promises in Canada in 2003 to various organizations, including the Royal Ontario Museum (for $30 million), the Rotman School of Management (for $10 million), and a great number of other organizations.