Adastra defies conventionality and stands as a superyacht unlike any other. Resembling a spacecraft with its distinct profile, this 140-foot vessel, launched in 2012, has spent nearly a decade navigating the world’s waters.
Owned by an individual who prefers anonymity, the yacht has embarked on extensive journeys, crossing oceans and exploring renowned cruising destinations. With a robust design aimed at stability and safety in ocean travel, the owner shared, “Adastra is a truly stable and safe oceangoing yacht.” Its uniqueness is further accentuated by its innovative architecture.
Conceived by British architect John Shuttleworth, Adastra has garnered not just acclaim, but a host of accolades and awards. Its defining feature is its three silver hulls, resembling an outrigger canoe. Shuttleworth describes it as an “engineering marvel,” a structure that had never been conceived or constructed before.
Crafted by McConaghy Boats in Zhuhai, China, the custom design underwent rigorous structural analysis. This involved evaluating a computer model of Adastra for its response to wave impact, slamming, and the outriggers’ resilience in rough seas. E-glass and Kevlar hulls are seamlessly integrated into a carbon-fiber superstructure, resulting in a vessel that weighs just 49 tonnes – equivalent to a conventional 60-foot yacht. Each component, from hatches to port lighting, was custom-designed by McConaghy using carbon fiber to optimize weight reduction. This lightweight design not only ensures hydrodynamic efficiency, stability, and performance but also translates to minimal fuel consumption and environmental impact. Shuttleworth asserts that Adastra uses only “one-seventh the amount of fuel” compared to conventional yachts of similar size.
In addition to its seaworthiness, Adastra was designed to convey environmental awareness and promote a shift toward reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel usage.
Enduring storms of up to 50 knots, Adastra boasts a remarkable range of 10,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Propelled by a single 1,150 horsepower Caterpillar C18 engine, it achieves a maximum speed of 23 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 17 knots. Outrigger engines by Yanmar provide additional power, and water makers keep the freshwater tanks full for transoceanic voyages.
With a draught of 3.9 feet, Adastra navigates narrow waters that are inaccessible to most yachts, making it ideal for shallow regions. Equipped with a custom anchoring system utilizing three anchors, it ensures stability.
Despite its eco-conscious credentials, Adastra doesn’t compromise on luxury. The exterior layout offers secluded spaces and communal areas, thanks to the main hull’s extension over the water. Designed for up to six crew members and nine guests, its Scandinavian-inspired interior design by Jepsen Designs is minimalist, accentuated by abundant natural light through curved windows and skylights. The main cabin is connected to the salon, while guest accommodations and the galley are strategically placed.
Adastra’s ample beam of 52.5 feet accommodates a spacious aft deck with lounges and alfresco dining. The foredeck features a sunbed, and the garage door transforms into a diving platform when extended.