The striking 42.5m trimaran Adastra was launched in China on 11th April 2012. She is the result of meticulous attention to detail and innovative design to create a yacht that meets the needs of a very experienced ocean voyaging couple and their family, and to provide the level of comfort and style expected in a yacht of this class and size. No effort has been spared in the challenge to produce a beautiful yacht that has exceptionally low fuel consumption and yet provides excellent sea keeping qualities and luxurious accommodation. In the seven years following her launch she covered more than 60,000 miles, weathered 50 knot winds and crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. She has proven herself to be an exceptionally seaworthy, comfortable and fuel efficient ocean going vessel.
On winning the 2013 Showboats award for naval architecture, Boat International stated. "this yacht will have the best performance in the most sea states of all those presented". To find out more about the award winning naval architecture used in these designs read the article "Adastra - The search for a seakindly fuel efficient vessel". Read more.
Her slender hulls and streamlined exterior allow her to travel faster in the open ocean and at 17 knots she has a 4,000nm range so can comfortably cross both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at hi-speed. Measurements taken during the sea trials show that her fuel consumption at 10.5 knots is as low as 17 litres per hour when carrying 10% fuel and water. At cruising load (20 tonnes fuel and water) she uses just 25 litres per hour therefore on delivery trips her range is 10,000nm starting with 30,000 litres of fuel.
Adastra takes the power trimaran concept further than has ever been attempted before, previous vessels like Earthrace and Cable and Wireless were stripped out record breaking machines. The challenge of turning this concept into a viable luxury yacht has led us to further research and develop new thinking on stability and comfort at sea for this type of craft. Extensive tank testing and radio controlled model tests in waves have been carried out to analyse stability and performance. Outrigger height has been optimised for ease of motion at sea, and a new outrigger shape has been developed to increase stability in waves.
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 lightweight 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.
Photographs by Jochen Manz.
Photographs by Orion Shuttleworth.
After 4 years in build by McConaghy boats in Zhuhai China, the fuel efficient 42.5 m Trimaran Adastra was launched into the Pearl River on 11th April 2012.
From left Orion, John, and Sky Shuttleworth
Adastra under construction in McConaghy yard Zhuhai China
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A forward facing door through the saloon window gives easy access to a large sunbed on the foredeck.
The aft deck has a sofa and bar area to port and a dining area to starboard, further aft there is space for a
4.9 metre tender and directly below is a garage which can store a 3.1 metre tender.
The garage door has been designed to fold out and create a large dive platform.
Adastra's 16 metre beam creates a spacious saloon area on the main deck which offers superb views through a panoramic window and accommodates a lounge area, dining table and navigation station.
Extra space has been created below deck by slightly flaring the central hull just above the waterline. This area has been split into two sections with a full-width master cabin located aft with access from the deck saloon, and two further guest cabins, accommodation for the crew, and the galley located forward of the engine compartment. Adastra offers comfortable accommodation for nine guests and up to six crew members.
The main helm station, which has seating for two, is positioned in a raised pilot house situated between the aft deck and the saloon area and forms part of the cross beam structure.
The vessel's profile has been kept low to reduce the vertical centre of gravity and improve stabilty in waves. The overall shape has been kept streamlined to optimise aerodynamics and hydrodynamics above the water line and the smooth unbroken surfaces help to reduce weight as the outer-skin forms part of the structure to absorb torsional loads.
Shuttleworth Design Ltd
Gurnard
Isle of Wight
UK
