Launched in 2012, the Adastra trimaran shook up superyacht codes by fusing bold styling, exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology. Designed by naval architect John Shuttleworth and built by McConaghy Boats at the Zhuhai factory in China, this 140-foot (42.50-metre) boat asserted itself at the time as a veritable manifesto of nautical innovation.
Futuristic, innovative design
The Adastra doesn't go unnoticed. Its distinctive silhouette with three tapering hulls gives it a radically different look from traditional yachts. With a length of 42.50 meters and a beam of 16 meters, its atypical proportions reduce drag and optimize high-speed performance. The yacht's construction was based on ultralight materials such as carbon fiber for the superstructure and a Nomex honeycomb core, maintaining rigidity without weighing the boat down.
The hull, made of a sandwich of glass foam and Kevlar, ensures enhanced strength while minimizing weight. This technical choice guarantees exceptional performance. The Adastra's trim design has been conceived to guarantee smooth, stable sailing, even in difficult sea conditions.
Impressive performance
The Adastra isn't just a visual masterpiece; it's also designed for performance. Its main engine, a 1,150 hp Caterpillar C18, enables it to reach a cruising speed of 16 knots, with a top speed of 23 knots.
Thanks to its remarkably low fuel consumption, less than 25 liters per hour at cruising speed, it can cover more than 10,000 nautical miles without refueling: an asset for ocean crossings. Low fuel consumption is made possible by hull optimization and an efficient propulsion system that maximizes range without sacrificing performance.
Interiors worthy of the finest yachts
Inside, the Adastra doesn't go for half-measures either. Designed to accommodate up to 9 passengers in addition to the 6 crew members, the yacht features a spacious saloon with breathtaking panoramic ocean views, as well as an ultra-modern dining room and helm station. The open-plan interior layout has been designed to maximize space while offering top-of-the-range comfort.
The owner's cabin, located at the stern of the trimaran, is a true haven of peace, while two guest cabins comfortably accommodate the owner's family or guests. Crew accommodation, located close to the engine compartment, optimizes the use of space and enhances the functionality of every area on board.
Practical innovations and accessibility
In addition to its performance and design, the Adastra also boasts a number of practical innovations. One of the most impressive features is the transom that can be transformed into a bathing platform: an ingenious solution that transforms the aft space into a floating terrace for enjoying the pleasures of the sea to the full.
Another unique feature is the anchoring system. It relies on three anchors, all operated by carbon-fiber drum winches and hydraulically controlled. The main anchor, a custom Bruce-style anchor weighing 130 kg, is deployed from the starboard link arm. The bow anchor, weighing 80 kg, deploys from the bow using a carbon fiber arm, while the third anchor, weighing 60 kg, deploys from the port link arm and is used as a stern anchor.
The yacht's aerodynamics and hydrodynamics have been meticulously designed to minimize air and water resistance, enabling the trimaran to sail with optimum efficiency. To guarantee the functionality of this concept as a luxury yacht, in-depth research was carried out into stability and comfort at sea, specifically adapted to this type of craft. Pool tests and wave trials with radio-controlled models were used to assess performance and stability. These analyses led to the optimization of the height of the floats (stabilizers) to facilitate movement at sea.
Combining performance, innovation and luxury, the Adastra is now an impressive model in its class: a benchmark that marked the evolution of luxury yachting at the time. With an estimated value of $10 million and annual running costs approaching one million, McConaghy Boats and naval architect John Shuttleworth have reinvented the very concept of the luxury yacht.
