More than five years in the planning, the 139-foot (42.5-meter) trimaran Adastra is truly unlike any other megayacht. Certainly, her triple-hull configuration ensures that heads turn wherever she goes. But, her story is about much more than a different look. The owners, Anto and Elaine Marden, are experienced cruisers who wanted a far more fuel-efficient, long-range yacht than was typically available.
With design by John Shuttleworth and construction at the Chinese shipyard of McConaghy Boats, the project required a lot of planning. For instance, the shipyard readily admits that no other design and build team has ever applied a power trimaran form to a luxury yacht. Therefore, the team did extensive tank testing to evaluate stability and overall performance characteristics. The data convinced them to adapt the height of the outriggers (the outter two hulls on arm-like extensions) and the shape of the outrigger hulls themselves. The former permitted better movement through the water, while the latter bolstered stability. Furthermore, the team performed a structural analysis of every component anticipated to go onboard. Light weight was vital, to ensure low fuel consumption, a major benefit of trimarans and one coveted by the Mardens.
Boasting a 52-foot (16-meter) beam, Adastra has enormous guest spaces. Accommodations for nine in the owners’ party are aboard, including a full-beam master suite below decks. It further has access directly to the main-deck saloon. Two additional guest staterooms, plus all cabins for the six crew, sit below decks, too.
Seeing Adastra is one thing, but seeing how she went from a rough sketch to a completed project is another. This video gives you a time-lapse look at exactly that. It additionally includes commentary by the build and design teams as well as the owners. Ultimately, you will understand why the project is one of the most forward-thinking yachts of all time.
Leave a Reply