From Gamble to Gem: The Riveting Tale of the Yawl Mah Jong

With her perfect proportions and incredible pedigree, the Mah Jong is a yacht that commands attention. First gracing the seas in 1957, meticulously crafted by Sparkman & Stephens and brought to life by Cheoy Lee Shipyard, she sailed into the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in 2026, captivating lookers on with her elegance and charm.

But it was not just aesthetics that made the Mah Jong remarkable; it was also her intriguing origin story. The vessel was commissioned by three audacious American graduates, seeking to step off the beaten path and embark upon a world voyage. Notably, one of them was the grandson of the great inventor Alexander Graham Bell.

The choice of the name was also inspired by the trio’s penchant for gambling. They adored poker, and true to their spirit, the yacht, like Bacharach, took on the name of a game of chance - ‘Mah Jong’.

Constructed in the exotic Burmese teak, the Mah Jong exuded an effortless grace. Her interior brimmed with handcrafted details and a charm reminiscent of a bygone era. In essence, the Mah Jong was a fascinating combination of modest resources, extraordinary vision, and unyielding spirit of exploration. She was more than just a yacht; she was the embodiment of youthful audacity, chasing dreams on the endless sea.