Cheoy Lee Offshore 50 (Alden 50) Tall Rig

Description

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 50 (also known as the Alden 50 or Offshore 50 Ketch) is a classic large bluewater cruising sailboat built by Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd. in Hong Kong starting in 1966 (with production in the late 1960s to early 1970s; examples commonly dated 1966–1970s). It was designed by John G. Alden (renowned American naval architect known for elegant, seaworthy offshore designs); production was very limited at approximately 12 hulls (per sailboatdata.com; some owner/Alden sources suggest up to 17–20+ including variants like aft/center cockpit or deckhouse layouts, with one noted steel hull built in Holland). Special features include its long/full keel for exceptional directional stability, tracking, and protected rudder in heavy seas; heavy-duty fiberglass construction (solid GRP hull and deck, with teak trim, laid teak decks, and original Sitka spruce spars—aluminum optional); masthead ketch rig (balanced for short-handed manageability, with tall rig variant offering increased sail area and performance); spacious accommodations (midship or aft cockpit with generous interior volume, tankage, and storage for liveaboard/offshore use); and a reputation as a sturdy, comfortable heavy cruiser with excellent motion in waves, proven offshore capability (transatlantic passages noted), and timeless classic lines—ideal for long-distance bluewater cruising, though as 50–60+ year-old vessels, teak maintenance, rigging updates, and potential early GRP concerns are key.