Cheoy Lee Offshore 27 (Newell Cadet 27)

Description

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 27 (also known as the Newell Cadet or Offshore 27 Newell) is a classic pocket cruising sailboat built by Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd. in Hong Kong starting in 1965 (with production primarily in the mid-to-late 1960s through the early 1970s; examples commonly dated 1965–1970s). It was designed by G. Taylor Newell (American naval architect; original name "Newell Cadet"); production numbers are not precisely tallied in public sources but appear moderate (hundreds likely built across variants like Mk I and Mk II, with hull numbers reported up to the 2000s+ range in owner accounts—e.g., hull #2337 documented). Special features include its long/full keel for excellent directional stability, tracking, and forgiving bluewater manners in a compact, seaworthy package; heavy-duty solid fiberglass construction (thick GRP hull molded to high standards, with Burma teak trim, standard laid teak overlay decks requiring maintenance, and original Sitka spruce spars—aluminum upgrades common); traditional masthead sloop rig; low freeboard and elegant sheer lines with handsome overhangs for timeless aesthetics; surprisingly spacious interior for its size (standing headroom ~6 ft, 2–4 berths, basic galley/head, and teak accents—Mk II often with fiberglass liner, traveler, and improved bulkheads); and a strong reputation as one of the safest, most capable small offshore cruisers of its era—proven in extensive ocean voyages (including documented Pacific circumnavigations and 20,000+ NM logged by owners), with solid build quality, good motion comfort, predictable handling, and surprising performance in breezes, ideal for coastal, singlehanded, or moderate bluewater adventures.