Asean Lady Yacht

Design & Construction

Designed around a displacement steel hull and superstructure she features a 21.28m beam and a 3.95m draft. The yacht has an internal volume of 2,385 GT (Gross Tonnes). The design also incorporates a heli-pad.

Construction started in mid 1998 with the keel laid under the project name 'Proa 2000'. Launched in March 2003 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was delivered to her owners in January 2004.

Exterior Design

A proa design is fairly uncommon for a motor yacht in the 21st century, but the concept is rooted in traditional boat design dating back thousands of years. While slightly more common in sailing yacht design, where the smaller outrigger hull, or ama, is positioned windward, the proa offers more stability than a catamaran, as the main hull dominates while the smaller hull follows along, reducing stress between hulls.

From ahead, Asean Lady has an almost ship-like presence. The slender main hull carries a long raked bow with a pronounced double chine, while the superstructure rises in stacked tiers above. Rows of large rectangular windows wrap around the decks, giving the yacht a distinctive appearance that differs from almost every other yacht of her era. The bridge features reverse-raked glazing, while the broad superstructure spans between the two hulls to create enormous internal volume.

The narrow hull forms were chosen to minimise drag. Brian Chang specifically wanted an economical yacht capable of long-distance cruising, and the proa arrangement allowed the design team to create substantial interior space without the displacement typically associated with an 88m yacht. Ian Mitchell, part of Team New Zealand's successful 1995 America's Cup design team, transformed Chang's ideas into a workable naval architecture package after several earlier design attempts failed to gain traction.

The exterior decks reflect the yacht's family-oriented brief. Large open areas occupy the upper levels, including a vast teak deck that spans almost the full width of the vessel. Cranes and deck equipment support tender and watercraft operations, while the main foredeck stores tenders and toys. The unusual asymmetrical layout means guest circulation differs significantly from a conventional yacht, with outdoor spaces concentrated around the main hull and upper decks rather than along continuous side decks.

Practical engineering plays a major role in the design. A retractable Rolls-Royce azimuth bow thruster rotates through 360 degrees, allowing the yacht to turn on her own axis and providing exceptional manoeuvrability for a vessel of this size. The system can also propel the yacht at up to 6 knots should the main engine become unavailable.

Interior Design

If the exterior challenges convention, the interior does so even more. Asean Lady's owners spent around two and a half years of the yacht's four-year build programme refining the interior, creating a space centred around traditional Chinese craftsmanship and artwork.

The reception hall immediately sets the tone. An enormous carved timber archway dominates the entrance, featuring intricate scenes of leaves, birds and trees carved from a single slab of wood before being fitted into the yacht. The craftsmanship throughout the yacht reflects specialist skills sourced from different regions of China, many of which owner Annie Chang considered increasingly rare.

Beyond the entrance lies a full-beam dining room with space for a 22-seat dining table and additional tables besides. Custom artwork was commissioned specifically for the yacht, including a 24-carat gold-plated four-panel artwork depicting peacocks and peonies, along with a large work titled The Twelve Beauties, created from carved stone and ivory.

The forward main deck lounge and bar area is one of the yacht's most impressive spaces. Rich timber and marble finishes appear throughout, while intricately carved panels create visual depth. The bar ceiling alone reportedly required five months of carving work. Large windows on three sides flood the room with natural light, and the breadth of the proa configuration creates a remarkable sense of width within the space.

A central entertainment zone includes a dedicated karaoke and theatre room with leather-lined soundproof doors, a feature that proved particularly popular with the owner's grandchildren. Nearby, a dramatic sweeping staircase combines Italian wrought-iron detailing with Chinese carving traditions. A large mirror reflects the carved panels and increases the visual impact of the space.

Throughout the yacht, glossy timber, marble surfaces and handcrafted detailing create an interior that feels closer to a private residence or cultural showcase than a typical contemporary superyacht.

Accommodation

Asean Lady accommodates up to 18 guests in eight suites, while a total guest capacity of 20 was deliberately avoided despite the available volume. The owners preferred fewer cabins with substantially larger living spaces for family use.

The owner's suite occupies the forward section of the yacht and spans approximately 160m² (1,722ft²), making it larger than many luxury apartments. A king-sized bed sits within a sleeping area defined by backlit onyx columns, while the en suite bathroom includes twin basins and a large spa bath. A private office connects to the suite and can be separated when additional privacy is required. The suite also benefits from its own private balcony.

The eight guest cabins are generously proportioned and each follows its own decorative theme. Large windows bring natural light deep into the accommodation spaces, while every cabin has an en suite bathroom. The individuality of each suite reflects Annie Chang's desire to showcase different artistic influences and decorative approaches throughout the yacht.

Crew accommodation is arranged within the main hull and houses up to 18 crew. Unlike many yachts of this era, the crew areas benefit from high ceilings, timber finishes and a spacious mess area. The captain's cabin occupies a position close to the wheelhouse on the uppermost deck.

Performance & Capabilities

Powered by a single diesel Caterpillar (3412) 12-cylinder 599hp engine running at 1,800rpm, motor yacht Asean Lady can reach a top speed of 15kn and comfortably cruises at 12kn. With a fuel tank capacity of 138,000 liters, she has a maximum range of 10,000nm at her cruising speed. Asean Lady features a retractable Rolls-Royce azimuth bow thruster with a propeller arm that can turn 360°, providing incredible maneuverability. In the event of a main engine failure, the bow thruster can generate 600hp to produce an emergency speed of 6 knots, sufficient to reach a safe haven.

Amenities

Air conditioning offers increased on-board comfort.