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The Fast, Fuel-Efficient Adastra: Officially the World's Most Bad-Ass Superyacht
By Rain Noe - Jul 04, 2013
If there's one thing we all hate, it's losing a yacht race. Owning a yacht and taking the time to think up a really clever name for it, only to become the laughingstock of the marina because it's too slow, is a feeling few of us enjoy. That's why when my next paycheck comes in, I'm going to pick one of these Adastra superyachts up. The trimaran design keeps most of the boat out of the water, allowing for swift speed with less fuel consumption; as soon as I'm skipper, I'll ensure my old yacht-racing nemesis, Blake Chambers, will regretta his next Regatta.
Every time I turn these lights on,
I whisper to myself: "Boo-yah"
All facetiousness aside, the Adastra is a beautiful piece of design; I oughtn't be bitter for not having earned the shipping fortune required to own one. Designed by UK-based John Shuttleworth Yacht Designs and built by McConaghy Boats over a period of five years, this superyacht is a no-effort-spared exercise in lightweight design and streamlining of form.
This is me throwing a news crew off the deck of
my boat because I didn't care for their tone.
The Shuttleworth design team writes,
We have undertaken state of the art structural analysis of all the major components in the yacht in order to achieve the light weight required for very low fuel consumption. The deck and superstructure is constructed from carbon fibre with Nomex honeycomb core, the hull is glass/kevlar foam sandwich and the interior is light weight oak cabinetry using honeycomb panels. To help reduce weight further, virtually every aspect of the boat is custom built. This includes carbon fibre hatches, toilets, portlights and ladders, which are all built specifically for the vessel.
Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics above the water line were carefully considered as we developed the overall exterior shape and we kept the boat streamlined both for air and water passing over the structure. The smooth seamless, unbroken surfaces also help to reduce weight as the outer-skin forms part of the structure to absorb torsional loads.
"I'm not going to tell you again! You DRY
YOUR FEET before you step onto my deck"
The resultant 42.5-meter craft is an oceangoing vessel with a 4,000-mile range—long enough to cross the Atlantic or the Pacific without refueling—due to the gas-sipping performance enabled by the design. And it can hit 43 kph, leaving Blake Chambers in the dust.
Steering wheel, carbon fiber. And the seat is upholstered
with the hide of an exceptionally rare brown unicorn.
Unsurprisingly, the Adastra won Most Innovative Design at this year's World Superyacht Awards. I didn't see many Core77 readers there this year, but if any of you want to join me next year, just e-mail me for tickets. Unless your last name is Chambers.
"Like what you see, Chambers?
Get used to it. You'll never see the front"
Rain Noe
Rain Noe is a writer and industrial designer based in New York City.
10 Comments
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it looks like a klingon bird of prey!Report as spam
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@Michael Ridey - The article specifically stated the speed (43km/h) which is the same speed as you mentioned.
That speed seems fine when compared with the next most efficient yacht - a sail boat...!Report as spam -
Love seeing your craft on the water in Deep Water Bay every morning, on my way to work.
Hope you are planning some nice cruises this summer! Need a crew member? Although my experience is only sailing dinghys; I can make a mean bloody mary.
Cheers!Report as spam -
obviously the choice vehicle for someone planning to take over the world.!Report as spam
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Sorry to disappoint, but according to the ship specs from the builder, it's designed to be an economical long-distance cruiser, with at top speed of 23 knots. Slippery design is to reduce drag, etc., and improve range.
!Report as spam -
I bet Queen Amidala will like this.!Report as spam
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if this thing were golden I would be singing 'badda bap bap bamm I'm lovin it!"!Report as spam
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Usually I am dismissive and resentful of affluent folks, but I find myself pleased that someone could afford to build this boat so that I have the opportunity to see it. The article sets a great tone for appreciating it as well. Thanks.!Report as spam
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I'll get you, tenacious C!!Report as spam
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I've seen better.!Report as spam
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