explorer motor yacht astra

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Link to search page
• US: +1 (561) 833 4462
• US: +1 (206) 209-1920
• MC: +377 99 90 74 63

ASTRA Yacht for Sale

ASTRA Yacht for Sale - 76' Custom

Open Gallery

Contact Us For More Information

Detailed information.

Content Sections

BROKER COMMENTS

ASTRA is a super strong expedition vessel that can go anywhere in the world, regardless of the weather. After completing her 151 day circumnavigation via the five southern capes in May followed by an extensive shipyard period she is ready to depart for Antarctica or the Northwest Passage.

In Dag Pike’s article on ASTRA in Passagemaker magazine in March 2018 he said:

“...I would put this 80-footer in the category of the ultimate passagemaker - a vessel capable of taking on the world’s toughest oceans and coming out on top. She has to be one of the toughest boats of her size ever built... with traditional sheer lines and purposeful superstructure. No frills here, just a proper functional boat built for one of the toughest jobs in the world”.

Please read the attached links to ASTRA's website and Dag Pike's article.

ASTRA is a 23.35 metre customised polar expedition vessel with the highest ice class rating and ice breaking capability. All this on a vessel that is just below 24 metres in length and also European CE certified.

According to construction drawings aboard (and confirmed by thickness measurements carried out during the survey in September 2020), the hull shell plating thickness varies from 15mm on the bottom plates tapering through 13, 11 and 9 mm on the outer shell plating and deck areas. UTI testing (Sep 2020) indicated less than 4% reduction in the original shell plating, in part attributed to ASTRA having operated in fresh water in the Baltic for her initial 22 years.

She is powered by a low/medium speed Mitsubishi main engine (M.E.) of 1,350 BHP, that is started by compressed air at 30 Bar, in the same manner as a merchant vessel. You do have to remember that ASTRA was built as strongly as was feasible for a vessel of her size and she is a big step up from the small scale electrics and battery starts commonly found on other vessels below 24 m.

The main engine goes through a 3:1 reduction gearbox, reducing the RPM at the propeller to 1/3 of that at the engine. The propeller shaft is approx. 12” in diameter and, on seeing it, you start to get a real sense of her strength and design capability for adverse weather. The propeller itself is a 4 bladed controllable pitch propeller (CPP) of 1.72 m in diameter and the rudder is a high performance Schilling rudder (+/- 64°) that can be operated either hydraulically or electrically.

The Schilling rudder, combined with a 100kW hydraulic bow thruster, provides incredible manoeuvrability for a vessel of ASTRA’s size. Fitted with 4 conning positions from the navigation bridge, the vessel can be handled from Port, Centre and Starboard (looking forward) and the centreline aft when manoeuvring astern.

During ASTRA’s refit in 2017, aside from the work you might expect in a repair period, the following major additions were made: - Air conditioning in all areas - new Portuguese bridge - new Furuno navigational equipment - new 4 automatic rotating stabilisers - large additional battery banks (to be able to lie at anchor without auxiliaries)

- increased fuel capacity

- fresh water maker

- new oak cabin soles - new toilet and shower facility on the lower deck

With the new MagnusMaster rotating stabilisers fitted in Sep 2017, even in seas of 4-5 metres in height and it was remarked that “...this went largely unnoticed, with coffee cups staying firm on the table and the passengers able to get on with their normal activities. The vessel was only moving steady slightly up and down without rolling side to side”.

Anyone that has ever owned a SAAB or VOLVO will have had the opportunity to appreciate Swedish engineering. A substantial hydraulic system is at the heart of the ship’s systems on ASTRA and hydraulics power the following systems: - Bow Thruster - Anchor Windlass - Towing Winch - Stern Flap - Forward Crane - Aft Crane - Fire Pump

The key systems aboard are provided with a back-up system that provides 100% redundancy, including: - Engines - Steering - Bilge Pumps - Air Compressors - Power Generation.

Built as a rescue vessel, ASTRA is incredibly stable and has no ‘point of vanishing stability’. When fully laden, with all tanks full, she still has a GM of 0.98m.

In addition to air conditioning, ASTRA has substantial heating capability from her CTC boiler (that can run electrically or from diesel) and is very cosy onboard, with ample heating radiators and lots of hot water. Heating is one of the areas where her ice class comes in to play, with heating blowers in the foc’sle store and steering flats, hot water discharge points from the engine cooling discharge to deck if required for clearing ice (lancing) and, running just below the bulwarks, is a heating coil for clearing ice from the scuppers. This has stainless steel pipework, as is common for the majority of systems onboard.

ASTRA's owner is a Master Mariner who has prepared her to an extent this broker has never seen aboard any yacht. She has my absolute highest recommendation. It has been a highlight of my career assisting with her purchase and now an honor to represent her.

~ John Clayman ~

CONSTRUCTION

• Steel hull & deck. Aluminum alloy superstructures with Triclad bi-mitalic welded strip.
• Built to DNV Ice Class Super 1A Swedish & Finnish rules.
• Hull shell plating up to 15 mm.
• Double bottom tanks.
• Keel hung SCHILLING Rudder with 64 degree +/- deflection allowing steerage at 1.6 knots.
• Four watertight bulkheads with watertight glands for all plumbing and cable penetrations.
• Two-part polyurethane JOTUN commercial paint on all exterior surfaces summer 2022.
• JOTUN commercial antifouling paint summer 2022.
• Three H-2 Sonihull Ultrasonic antifouling transducers.
• Engine room main seachest and watermaker/airconditioning seachest.

Accommodations

ASTRA's accommodations are appropriate for a polar exploration yacht with low maintenace in mind and comfort at sea.

On the maindeck are the saloon, galley, laundry, skipper/owner's cabin and large toilet compartment with stall shower.

Three watertight doors lead to the decks. There are external stairs to the engine room and also the wheelhouse. There are four double cabins on the accommodation deck along with another toilet compartment with stall shower. In 2021, the lower saloon as shown on the attached drawings has been replaced with a 1500 litre freezer and lockers sized for long life milk containers and dry stores.

During the circumnavigation, the crew enjoyed freshly prepared meals in all conditions as the galley is highly functional with the cook kept secure.

• MIELE Refrigerator
• 2021 BOSCH four burner range with pot holders and oven
• BOSCH extrator fan
• Double stainless steel sinks
• Stainless steel work surfaces
• Dedicated drawers and storage cupboards - a place for everything
• MIELE washing machine
• MIELE dryer
• Three BE-CE helm seats rehupolstered 2021
• Ship's office and radio desk
• Aft Conrol station
• Flag locker

ASTRA's engine room occupies over half her length with plenty of room to work around for maintaince. Located amidships/aft, the engine room is an ideal location to work in almost all weathers. The electrical switchboard and new 23 kW Cummins Onan genset are in the control room removed from any contaminants. In the event of an engine room fire, the genset would be safeguarded and would be able to provide electrical power for communications and navigation equipment. Access to the Engine Room is through watertight doors leading to the control room and the workshop. An escape hatch to the aft deck is also provided. A soft patch is fitted around the escape hatch to facilitate removing large equipment from the engine room.

There are 3 sources of generating power from the shaft generator, Volvo Penta and Onan.The 2021 MECC ALTE 50 kVA shaft generator is a big plus in that the running hours on the other generators is not increased and it is so amply sized that it can power everything on board.

A last generation mechanical engine, the MITSUBISHI at 8 tons is an incredibly large engine for a vessel of this size. It is coupled with a very heavy duty gearbox and 1718 mm controllable pitch propeller in a 2021 nozzle. If there was an issue with one cylinder head you can work on that cylinder on its own rather than having to lift the whole bank of cylinders.

The water maker only needs to run four hours daily for the ship's complement's needs and Silver-ion dosing of the fresh water ensures purity. Two complete independent air-conditioning systems provide 100% redundancy.

The workshop, with ample space to carry out repairs even has a lathe and proper drill press.

There are two separate systems (Main Engine or Volvo) to run the hydraulics and the Volvo Penta also provides get home power to the main shaft.

ASTRA has one electric and one hydraulic steering pump. Having one that is hydraulic, powered off the main engine, means there is less electrical demand for the generator. The hvirtually maintenance free rotary vane steering gear requires less space to fit and there is not the associated hydraulic oil leaks that occur with steering gears of the hydraulic ram type.

Following her circumnavigation all equipment was fully serviced.

• Mitsubishi S6U-MPTK 1350 hp (933 kW) main engine with dry exhaust with 13,300 hours (December 2022) 12,000 service prior to circumnavigation followed by the next 6,000 hour service post return.
• Finnǿy G50 FK gear boax with 2.96:1 reduction
• BERG 4 blade 1718 mm controllable pitch prop
• 2021 2000kg Opitima nozzle by Damen
• The propeller shaft is is fitted in an oil bath. DEEP SEA SEAL shaft seals are seawater cooled.
• Berg 100 kW (135 hp) hydraulic bow thruster
• 2017 Four MAGNUSMASTER electric rotary stabilizers; fully retractable
• TENFJORD SR-562L rotary vane steering gear operated by four bridge joy sticks and helm.
• 2022 WASP W-FLC-1500 fuel polishing system.
• Five integral main fuel tanks and the integral 2,300 lityre day dank provide for 31,400 litre capacity expandable to 44,000 litres.
• One stainless steel engine room hydraulic tank with also the aft ballast tank having been converted for spare hydraulic oil.
• 500 litre lube oil engine room tank and 1,280 litre waste oil tank with THRIGE PUMPER sludge pump.
• Two LEROY SOMER 400 VAC 2.2 & 5 kW air compressores for the main engine controls and starting and for the air outlets.
• 2017 FLAGSHIP MARINE airconditioning system fitted with two chilled water pumps, two seawter pumps and two compressors.
• INGERSOLL RAND air dryer is fitted for the compressed air system.
• Radiators are fitted throughout the vessel for the heating system supplied by the engine room CTC 100 OLJA-EL calorifier/diesel heater.One ENWA MT-6000 watermaker with 250 litres/hour output.

ELECTRONICS

Fully upgraded in 2021 with the latest Vector Chart Radar system and additional safety measures, such as Wave Height Analyser and infra-look ahead.

• 2021 SAILOR INMARSAT VSAT System
• 2021 Fleet Broadband
• 2021 Inmarsat C
• 2021 FURUNO MF/HF SSB Radio
• 2021 FURUNO Chart Radar 3220 BB
• FURUNO FAR-1513 backup Radar
• NXT Solid State Radar facing aft to track small craft astern
• Four HATTELAND LCD monotors for the FURUNO Black Box & CCTV system
• 2021 FURUNO Timezero 4 with worldwide charts
• 2021 FURUNO Wave Analyser WV-100
• 2021 OSCAR Navigation A1 system
• 2021 Autopilot SIMRAD AP70
• Backup SIMRAD AP70 autopilot
• 2021 Two FURUNO GP39 satellite compasses
• 2021 Two FURUNO GP-150 GNSS units
• FURUNO wind speed and direction indicator
• Two SAILOR 2 VHF radios with DSC
• Two SAILOR RT2048 VHF radios
• Multiple ICOM handheld VHF radios
• TAIYO TD-L1550 Synthesized VHF Automatic Digital Direction Finder
• 2021 SILECMAR digital montoring system for all analog and digital sensors to allow local readout in the engine room, navigational bridge and remotely ashore.
• 2021 SILECMAR highly accurate fuel flow monitoring system for the Mitsubishi main engine and the Volvo auxiliary engine.
• Clock & Barometer
• Entertaiment system throughout the accommodations
• 2021 RIBCRAFT 5.30 Metre(17'-5") Commercial RIB w/ twin SUZUKI DF30 ATL four stroke outboard motors.
• 2021 RIBCRAFT 4.2 Metre (13'-10") Commercial Rib w/ SUZUKI DF50 ATL four stroke outboard motor.
• SKARHAMNS AB hydraulic windlass with two gypsies and two warping drums on foredeck.
• Two 184 kg POOLE stockless galvaninized steel anchors each with 120 metre 16 mm chain rodes.
• One 2014 PALFINGER PK18500 M hydraulic crane on aft deck with 18 metre reach with up to 5,750 kg SWL. Invaluable for loading stores.
• One HEILA HLM 5-2S hydraulic crane on fordeck
• Hydraulic towing winch on aft deck with 15 ton bollard pull.
• Water cannon on the monkey island for firefighting or repelling pirates.
• Hydraulic hinged transom flap.
• Two Seematz and one Norselight searchlights on the monkey island.
• Horn for whistle signals

There are six banks of batteries aboard.

• One 24 V @170 A24 V @ 42 Ah bank of two 12V/170 Ah batteries for the Volvo Penta generator starting.
• One 12 V/120 Ah bank for the Onan generator starting
• One 24 V @ 180 Ah bank of two 12 v/180 Ah servbice batteries
• One 24 V @1000 Ah bank of twelve 2V / 1000Ah cells for the inverter
• One 12 V @ 380 Ah bank of four 24 V 190 Ah emergency bank

All batteries are sealed maintenance free. The emergency bank is fitted in a locker aft of the bridge deck. The radio bank is fitted are located below the bridge console. The inverter bank is in the workshop. The other banks are in the engine room or the control room.

The various banks are charged by the following battery chargers.

• One VICTRON SKYLLA 24V/50 A battery charger located in the engine room for the service bank.
• One CTEK 24 V/14A battery charger located in the engine room for the Volvo Penta generator starting bank
• One CTEK 12V/7A battery charger for located in the control room for ONAN generator starting battery
• One SBC 24 V/20A battery charger located in the wheelhouse for the radio bank
• One VICTRON SKYLLA 24V/25A inverter/battery charger located in the deck locker for the emergency bank
• One VICTRON 24V/8000VA/200A inverter/charger located in the workshop for the inverter bank
• One 400V/30kVA shore power transformer is fitted
• Two 15kVA Transformers are fitted in the control room for lighting
• One VAGGON 30 kW frequency converter is fitted to allow connection to 60 Hz shore power
• One Volvo Penta MD120A, 40 kVA, 400/230V/50 Hz main generator with dry exhaust
• 2021 Onan 23 kW gneset w/ 1400 hours (December 2022)
• 2021 MECC ALTE SpA 50 KVA shaft generator
• 2021 New Switchboard panel in control room supplied by Progener

SAFETY and FIRE PROTECTION

• Two DESMI SA50-180/4 400 VAC 20 cu metre/h (88 gal/minute main bilge pumps)
• One DESMI S125-8275/402 400 VAC 70 cu metre/ h (308 gal/minute fire /bilge pump)
• One Portable 400 VAC submersible bilkge pump stowed in aft deck locker.
• Main bilge pumps connected to bilge suction manifold to nine compartments.
• High water float swtches coinnected to bridge alam panel.
• Two on deck & one engine room fire stations with lay flat hose and fogging nozzles.
• Water cannon mounted on monkey island can also be supplied by a hydraulic pump on the main engine.
• Nine 6 kg dry powder portable fire extinguishers.
• Three 5 kg CO2 portable fire extinguishers.
• Two 45 kg CO2 remotely operated fixed fire extinguishers for the engine room and control room.
• General alarm system with break-glass throughout the vessel.
• CONSILIUM fire alarm system with smoke/heat detectors throughout the vessel.
• Two 2017 VIKING 12DK+12 person liferafts with Solas B emergency packs serviced fall 2022.
• Three round life bouys, twelve SOLAS Approved life jackets, five line throwing appliances, Six SOLAS Immersion suits.
• McMURDO SMARTFIND G5 406 MHz EBIRB
• Comprehensive first aid kit, defibrillator and emergency oxygen

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

ASTRA Yacht for Sale

77' explorer | 1995 | €2,000,000.

• Yachts for sale
• utility boats

Last updated Mar 20, 2024

Astra Yacht | 77' Explorer 1995

ASTRA is a super strong expedition and explorer vessel that can go anywhere in the world, regardless of the weather.

ASTRA completed successfully the circumnavigation on the southern hemisphere as the first motorboat < 24M in 2021 -2022.

Very strong and stable, with the functionality and safety of a rescue vessel. Astra was originally built in class with DNV, rated Ice Class Super 1A /(16mm steel hull) and was later upgraded significantly(E+1 mio.)in 2021 to exceed performance with the newest in nav. equipment and the 12,000 hour Mitsubishi main engine overhaul completed + much more.

The layout of Astra is both very practical and comfortable, and provide an easy access between all areas and decks and sections. Big ship technology compactly presented.

Whistle clean and turn key ready! Maintained by a very experienced and demanding owner and crew all year. A unique and a very special vessel explorer that has proven very seaworthy in the toughest weather with waves up to 10 meters at deep sea. 

Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by De Valk Barcelona.

Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.

INQUIRE ABOUT ASTRA

Have questions about this yacht? Fill out the form below and our team of experts will contact you soon.

Your privacy is important to us. Find out how we protect it. Privacy Policy

First-Time Yacht Buyer?

Read our guide to learn the process for buying ASTRA

Astra HIGHLIGHTS

• Yacht Details: 77' Explorer 1995
• Location: Yaiza, ES-GC, Spain
• Engines: Mitsubishi
• Last Updated: Mar 20, 2024
• Asking Price: €2,000,000
• Maximum Speed: 9 kn
• Max Draft: 10' 6''

Astra additional information

• Cruising Speed: 8 kn
• Beam: 21' 9''
• Hull Material: Steel
• Displacement: 343,921.13 lb
• Fuel Tank: 6 x 4750|liter
• Fresh Water: 1 x 1730|liter
• Holding: 1 x 1000|liter
• Max Passengers: 12
• Single Berths: 1

Complete Mitsubishi engine service report available

6 tanks 29,000 liters - the capacity expandable to 44,000 liters with external adaptable aft deck fuel tanks.

4 rotor ship stabilizers fully serviced Magnusmaster, The Netherlands

Forward crane: 1T Heila HLM

Aft crane: 6T Palfinger PK from 2012 

Both fully serviced

A major refit in 202-2021 for euro +1 mio. adding sophisticated navigation equipment (e.g. wave detector) Mitsubishi main engine 12,000 hour overhaul, new Onan 24KW generator, new shaft generator, gearbox overhaul, Damen Optima nozzle adapted, hull and superstructure treatment and paint, brand new rigs and much more.

Was originally build to DNV rated Ice Class super 1A. In 2017, class was taken out and certified as EU design category A.

Pitch propeller 

EXPLORE THIS YACHT

Schedule a Tour of ASTRA

Contact our team to schedule a private showing.

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR SALE View All

255' custom 1962, karlskrona, sweden, 220' commercial 1979, amelia, la, us, 77' explorer 1995, yaiza, es-gc, spain, 66' azimut 2019, ajaccio, france, 64' custom 2018, virginia beach, va, us, 54' pershing 2002, st tropez, 83, france, 53' custom 1988, tromsø, norway, other explorer yachts for sale view all, 61' explorer 2025, bergamo, it-bg, italy, 61' explorer 2021, varazze, it-va, italy, 49' explorer 2016, elburg, netherlands, 61' explorer 2022, mallorca, es-pm, spain, 53' explorer 1992, charlotte amalie, us virgin islands, 79' explorer 2023, istanbul, turkey, 95' explorer 2005, related services.

LOGIN OR REGISTER

Hi, welcome back.

Login and pick up from where you left off.

Creating an account allows you to save and compare your favorite yachts.

By creating an account you agree to the terms of use and our privacy policy.

Specifications

Home » Yachts for sale » Explorer Motor Yacht Astra

Asking price EUR

(vat: not paid).

  Explorer Motor Yacht Astra exterior  

  Explorer Motor Yacht Astra interior  

Full specifications.

2024© FALCONRYDELL.COM

Search our website

• Featured Yachts
• Yacht Search
• Mega Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sport Fishing
• Express Cruisers
• Long Range Yachts
• Center Consoles
• Sailing Yachts
• Great Deals
• Yacht Buyers Guide
• Neptunus Yachts
• Johnson Yachts
• Yachting Lifestyle
• Selling Your Yacht
• Marketing Your Yacht
• The Gilman Difference
• Miami Boat Show 2024
• Ft. Lauderdale 2023
• Palm Beach FL 2024

76' 8" CUSTOM 1995

Specifications.

• Description
• Full Specifications
• Steel hull & deck. Aluminum alloy superstructures with Triclad bi-mitalic welded strip.
• Built to DNV Ice Class Super 1A Swedish & Finnish rules.
• Hull shell plating up to 15 mm.
• Double bottom tanks.
• Keel hung SCHILLING Rudder with 64 degree +/- deflection allowing steerage at 1.6 knots.
• Four watertight bulkheads with watertight glands for all plumbing and cable penetrations.
• Two-part polyurethane JOTUN commercial paint on all exterior surfaces summer 2022.
• JOTUN commercial antifouling paint summer 2022.
• Three H-2 Sonihull Ultrasonic antifouling transducers.
• Engine room main seachest and watermaker/airconditioning seachest.

ASTRA's engine room occupies over half her length with plenty of room to work around for maintaince. Located amidships/aft, the engine room is an ideal location to work in almost all weathers. The electrical switchboard and new 23 kW Cummins Onan genset are in the control room removed from any contaminants. In the event of an engine room fire, the genset would be safeguarded and would be able to provide electrical power for communications and navigation equipment. Access to the Engine Room is through watertight doors leading to the control room and the workshop. An escape hatch to the aft deck is also provided. A soft patch is fitted around the escape hatch to facilitate removing large equipment from the engine room.

There are 3 sources of generating power from the shaft generator, Volvo Penta and Onan.The 2021 MECC ALTE 50 kVA shaft generator is a big plus in that the running hours on the other generators is not increased and it is so amply sized that it can power everything on board.

A last generation mechanical engine, the MITSUBISHI at 8 tons is an incredibly large engine for a vessel of this size. It is coupled with a very heavy duty gearbox and 1718 mm controllable pitch propeller in a 2021 nozzle. If there was an issue with one cylinder head you can work on that cylinder on its own rather than having to lift the whole bank of cylinders.

The water maker only needs to run four hours daily for the ship's complement's needs and Silver-ion dosing of the fresh water ensures purity. Two complete independent air-conditioning systems provide 100% redundancy.

The workshop, with ample space to carry out repairs even has a lathe and proper drill press.

There are two separate systems (Main Engine or Volvo) to run the hydraulics and the Volvo Penta also provides get home power to the main shaft.

ASTRA has one electric and one hydraulic steering pump.  Having one that is hydraulic, powered off the main engine, means there is less electrical demand for the generator. The hvirtually maintenance free rotary vane steering gear requires less space to fit and there is not the associated hydraulic oil leaks that occur with steering gears of the hydraulic ram type.

Following her circumnavigation all equipment was fully serviced.

• Mitsubishi S6U-MPTK 1350 hp (933 kW) main engine  with dry exhaust with 13,300 hours (December 2022) 12,000 service prior to circumnavigation followed by the next 6,000 hour service post return.
• Finnǿy G50 FK gear boax with 2.96:1 reduction
• BERG 4 blade 1718 mm controllable pitch prop
• 2021 2000kg Opitima nozzle by Damen
• The propeller shaft is is fitted in an oil bath. DEEP SEA SEAL shaft seals are seawater cooled.
• Berg 100 kW (135 hp) hydraulic bow thruster
• 2017 Four MAGNUSMASTER electric rotary stabilizers; fully retractable
• TENFJORD SR-562L rotary vane steering gear operated by four bridge joy sticks and helm.
• 2022 WASP W-FLC-1500 fuel polishing system.
• Five integral main fuel tanks and the integral 2,300 lityre day dank provide for 31,400 litre capacity expandable to 44,000 litres.
• One stainless steel engine room hydraulic tank with also the aft ballast tank having been converted for spare hydraulic oil.
• 500 litre lube oil engine room tank and 1,280 litre waste oil tank with THRIGE PUMPER sludge pump.
• Two LEROY SOMER 400 VAC 2.2 & 5 kW air compressores for the main engine controls and starting and for the air outlets.
• 2017 FLAGSHIP MARINE airconditioning system fitted with two chilled water pumps, two seawter pumps and two compressors.
• INGERSOLL RAND air dryer is fitted for the compressed air system.
• Radiators are fitted throughout the vessel for the heating system supplied by the engine room CTC 100 OLJA-EL calorifier/diesel heater.One ENWA MT-6000 watermaker  with 250 litres/hour output.

ELECTRONICS

Fully upgraded in 2021 with the latest Vector Chart Radar system and additional safety measures, such as Wave Height Analyser and infra-look ahead.

• 2021 SAILOR INMARSAT VSAT System
• 2021 Fleet Broadband
• 2021 Inmarsat C
• 2021 FURUNO MF/HF SSB Radio
• 2021 FURUNO Chart Radar 3220 BB
• FURUNO FAR-1513 backup Radar
• NXT Solid State Radar facing aft to track small craft astern
• Four HATTELAND LCD monotors for the  FURUNO Black Box & CCTV system
• 2021 FURUNO Timezero 4 with worldwide charts
• 2021 FURUNO Wave Analyser WV-100
• 2021 OSCAR Navigation A1 system
• 2021 Autopilot SIMRAD AP70
• Backup SIMRAD AP70 autopilot
• 2021 Two FURUNO GP39 satellite compasses
• 2021 Two FURUNO GP-150 GNSS units 
• FURUNO wind speed and direction indicator
• Two SAILOR 2 VHF radios with DSC
• Two SAILOR RT2048 VHF radios
• Multiple ICOM handheld VHF radios
• TAIYO TD-L1550 Synthesized VHF Automatic Digital Direction Finder
• 2021 SILECMAR digital montoring system for all analog and digital sensors to allow local readout in the engine room, navigational bridge and remotely ashore.
• 2021 SILECMAR highly accurate fuel flow monitoring system for the Mitsubishi main engine and the Volvo auxiliary engine.
• Clock & Barometer
• Entertaiment system throughout the accommodations
• 2021 RIBCRAFT 5.30 Metre(17'-5") Commercial RIB w/ twin SUZUKI DF30 ATL  four stroke outboard motors.
• 2021 RIBCRAFT 4.2 Metre (13'-10") Commercial Rib w/ SUZUKI DF50 ATL four stroke outboard motor.
• SKARHAMNS AB hydraulic windlass with two gypsies and two warping drums on foredeck.
• Two 184 kg POOLE stockless galvaninized steel anchors each with 120 metre 16 mm chain rodes. 
• One 2014 PALFINGER PK18500 M hydraulic crane on aft deck with 18 metre reach with up to 5,750 kg SWL. Invaluable for loading stores.
• One HEILA HLM 5-2S hydraulic crane on fordeck
• Hydraulic towing winch on aft deck with 15 ton bollard pull.
• Water cannon on the monkey island for firefighting or repelling pirates.
• Hydraulic hinged transom flap.
• Two Seematz and one Norselight searchlights on the monkey island.
• Horn for whistle signals

There are six banks of batteries aboard.

• One 24 V @170 A24 V @ 42 Ah bank of two 12V/170 Ah batteries for the Volvo Penta generator starting.
• One 12 V/120 Ah bank for the Onan generator starting
• One 24 V @ 180 Ah bank of two 12 v/180 Ah servbice batteries
• One 24 V @1000 Ah bank of twelve 2V / 1000Ah cells for the inverter
• One 12 V @ 380 Ah bank of four 24 V 190 Ah emergency bank

All batteries are sealed maintenance free. The emergency bank is fitted in a locker aft of the bridge deck. The radio bank is fitted are located below the bridge console. The inverter bank is in the workshop. The other banks are in the engine room or the control room.

The various banks are charged by the following battery chargers.

• One VICTRON SKYLLA 24V/50 A battery charger located in the engine room for the service bank.
• One CTEK 24 V/14A battery charger located in the engine room for the Volvo Penta generator starting bank
• One CTEK 12V/7A battery charger for located in the control room for ONAN generator starting battery
• One SBC 24 V/20A battery charger located in the wheelhouse for the radio bank
• One VICTRON SKYLLA 24V/25A inverter/battery charger located in the deck locker for the emergency bank
• One VICTRON 24V/8000VA/200A inverter/charger located in the workshop for the inverter bank
• One 400V/30kVA shore power transformer is fitted
• Two 15kVA Transformers are fitted in the control room for lighting
• One VAGGON 30 kW frequency converter is fitted to allow connection to 60 Hz shore power
• One Volvo Penta MD120A, 40 kVA, 400/230V/50 Hz main generator with dry exhaust
• 2021 Onan 23 kW gneset w/ 1400 hours (December 2022)
• 2021 MECC ALTE SpA 50 KVA shaft generator
• 2021 New Switchboard panel in control room supplied by Progener

SAFETY and FIRE PROTECTION

• Two DESMI SA50-180/4 400 VAC 20 cu metre/h (88 gal/minute main bilge pumps)
• One  DESMI S125-8275/402 400 VAC 70 cu metre/ h (308 gal/minute fire /bilge pump)
• One Portable 400 VAC submersible bilkge pump stowed in aft deck locker.
• Main bilge pumps connected to bilge suction manifold to nine compartments.
• High water float swtches coinnected to bridge alam panel.
• Two on deck & one engine room fire stations with lay flat hose and fogging nozzles.
• Water cannon mounted on monkey island can also be supplied by a hydraulic pump on the main engine.
• Nine 6 kg dry powder portable fire extinguishers.
• Three 5 kg CO 2  portable fire extinguishers.
• Two 45 kg CO 2   remotely operated fixed fire extinguishers for the engine room and control room.
• General alarm system with break-glass throughout the vessel.
• CONSILIUM fire alarm system with smoke/heat detectors throughout the vessel.
• Two 2017 VIKING 12DK+12 person liferafts with Solas B emergency packs serviced fall 2022.
• Three round life bouys, twelve SOLAS Approved life jackets, five line throwing appliances, Six SOLAS Immersion suits.
• McMURDO SMARTFIND G5 406 MHz EBIRB
• Comprehensive first aid kit, defibrillator and emergency oxygen

BROKER COMMENTS

ASTRA is a super strong expedition vessel that can go anywhere in the world, regardless of the weather. After completing her 151 day circumnavigation via the five southern capes in May followed by an extensive shipyard period she is ready to depart for Antarctica or the Northwest Passage. 

In Dag Pike’s article on ASTRA in Passagemaker magazine in March 2018 he said:  

“... I would put this 80-footer in the category of the ultimate passagemaker - a vessel capable of taking on the world’s toughest oceans and coming out on top. She has to be one of the toughest boats of her size ever built... with traditional sheer lines and purposeful superstructure. No frills here, just a proper functional boat built for one of the toughest jobs in the world ”.

Please read the attached links to ASTRA's website and Dag Pike's article.

ASTRA is a 23.35 metre customised polar expedition vessel with the highest ice class rating and ice breaking capability. All this on a vessel that is just below 24 metres in length and also European CE certified.

According to construction drawings aboard (and confirmed by thickness measurements carried out during the survey in September 2020), the hull shell plating thickness varies from 15mm on the bottom plates tapering through 13, 11 and 9 mm on the outer shell plating and deck areas. UTI testing (Sep 2020) indicated less than 4% reduction in the original shell plating, in part attributed to ASTRA having operated in fresh water in the Baltic for her initial 22 years.

She is powered by a low/medium speed Mitsubishi main engine (M.E.) of 1,350 BHP, that is started by compressed air at 30 Bar, in the same manner as a merchant vessel. You do have to remember that ASTRA was built as strongly as was feasible for a vessel of her size and she is a big step up from the small scale electrics and battery starts commonly found on other vessels below 24 m.

The main engine goes through a 3:1 reduction gearbox, reducing the RPM at the propeller to 1/3 of that at the engine. The propeller shaft is approx. 12” in diameter and, on seeing it, you start to get a real sense of her strength and design capability for adverse weather. The propeller itself is a 4 bladed controllable pitch propeller (CPP) of 1.72 m in diameter and the rudder is a high performance Schilling rudder (+/- 64°) that can be operated either hydraulically or electrically.

The Schilling rudder, combined with a 100kW hydraulic bow thruster, provides incredible manoeuvrability for a vessel of ASTRA’s size. Fitted with 4 conning positions from the navigation bridge, the vessel can be handled from Port, Centre and Starboard (looking forward) and the centreline aft when manoeuvring astern.

During ASTRA’s refit in 2017, aside from the work you might expect in a repair period, the following major additions were made: - Air conditioning in all areas - new Portuguese bridge - new Furuno navigational equipment - new 4 automatic rotating stabilisers - large additional battery banks (to be able to lie at anchor without auxiliaries)

- increased fuel capacity

- fresh water maker

- new oak cabin soles - new toilet and shower facility on the lower deck

With the new MagnusMaster rotating stabilisers fitted in Sep 2017, even in seas of 4-5 metres in height and it was remarked that “... this went largely unnoticed, with coffee cups staying firm on the table and the passengers able to get on with their normal activities. The vessel was only moving steady slightly up and down without rolling side to side ”.

Anyone that has ever owned a SAAB or VOLVO will have had the opportunity to appreciate Swedish engineering. A substantial hydraulic system is at the heart of the ship’s systems on ASTRA and hydraulics power the following systems: - Bow Thruster - Anchor Windlass - Towing Winch - Stern Flap - Forward Crane - Aft Crane - Fire Pump

The key systems aboard are provided with a back-up system that provides 100% redundancy, including: - Engines - Steering - Bilge Pumps - Air Compressors - Power Generation.

Built as a rescue vessel, ASTRA is incredibly stable and has no ‘point of vanishing stability’. When fully laden, with all tanks full, she still has a GM of 0.98m.

In addition to air conditioning, ASTRA has substantial heating capability from her CTC boiler (that can run electrically or from diesel) and is very cosy onboard, with ample heating radiators and lots of hot water. Heating is one of the areas where her ice class comes in to play, with heating blowers in the foc’sle store and steering flats, hot water discharge points from the engine cooling discharge to deck if required for clearing ice (lancing) and, running just below the bulwarks, is a heating coil for clearing ice from the scuppers. This has stainless steel pipework, as is common for the majority of systems onboard.

ASTRA's owner is a Master Mariner who has prepared her to an extent this broker has never seen aboard any yacht. She has my absolute highest recommendation. It has been a highlight of my career assisting with her purchase and now an honor to represent her.

                                                ~ John Clayman ~

Want this Yacht?

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Around the world in a 24m boat: Part one – How Iain Macneil found MV Astra

• Top stories

In the first of a new six-part series, MBY reader Iain Macneil explains what drove him to plan a circumnavigation via five southern Capes in a sub-24m motoryacht…

Growing up on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, there are only two solid career options – sheep or ships!

With my father, grandfather and uncles having all gone to sea, it was fairly easy to see the direction I would head, even though we lived on a croft with about 200 sheep!

I was what might be described as a challenging school pupil, investing more time in my lucrative lobster fishing business and tending the family’s sheep than on my studies.

Article continues below…

Delta Marine 38M superyacht tour: Inside a round-the-world adventure ship

Stødig: the converted lifeboat that’s cruising the west coast of norway, recommended videos for you.

Eventually my father pointed out that fishing could be a difficult business and that having my “ticket” as a merchant mariner would be a sensible backstop to my main ambition of owning the biggest fishing boat on the island.

For the next 13 years I rose through the ranks of the Merchant Navy, travelling around the world on a mixture of general cargo ships and tankers, with time spent with Blue Funnel, Bibby Line, Esso International and Maersk.

As a deck officer I quickly found that navigation was my primary area of interest and skill, and I won a national prize for the subject in the course of my studies at Glasgow Nautical College.

Aged 16 Iain joined the Merchant Navy

However, in the process of sitting my captain’s ticket, I realised that a lot of seafarers struggled with the MCA oral examination part of the process.

I developed a product that would help calm a young officer’s nerves and provide them with guidance on model answers.

The product took off and in 1998 my next challenge was to quit the ranks of the paid and set up a business: Seamanship International.

Iain’s affinity for the sea and business were apparent from an early age

In 2008, Seamanship merged with and then subsequently took over Witherby Publishing. Today, the company is run by myself and my wife Kat Heathcote, and is the world’s largest independent technical marine publisher, publishing maritime regulations and guidance.

Of course, for a seafarer and islander, sitting in an office is difficult. While the nature of the business meant that I still spent time at sea, accompanying deep-sea pilots on the bridge in connection with the passage planning guides that we publish, there was still something amiss.

With my 50th birthday looming on the horizon I began to think about my big next challenge…

Iain as a teenager on board the fishing boat he used to set up his own lucrative lobster business

In my thirties I had read accounts of single-handed ocean crossings and circumnavigations, and with my navigational background it definitely felt appealing to try and find something new or different that I could make my own.

However, I had never really spent time under sail and so a few years of family holidays were spent skippering yachts in the 36-40ft range, undertaking journeys totalling about 1,500nm in the eastern Mediterranean.

Sailing yachts, while fun, didn’t give me the predictability I was looking for and I found the restrictions caused by wind direction and speed frustrating.

Silver Dee , which Iain first spotted in MBY

In my world a passage plan was made, set and undertaken, and a reliable vessel meant a largely predictable voyage.

The ability to get to where I wanted when I wanted was my priority, so in 2015 I decided that an explorer-style motor yacht would suit me better.

Before committing ourselves to the project, we went in search of a “proof of concept” boat, although the concept we were trying to prove was somewhat different for me and my wife, as would become evident later!

Iain and Kat racked up 6,000nm in it preparing for his big circumnavigation

In early 2017 we attended an event called Trawlerfest in the USA, to see up close a wide range of different production GRP trawler yachts .

This trip confirmed to me that my smaller vessel upbringing had definitely left me with a keen eye for robustly built and capable sea boats.

We were both drawn to the 24m steel-hulled boats built by the Dutch shipyards. However, even for someone with my experience, that would be a big (and expensive) jump, so we began to look for a smaller boat in the 15-20 metre range, intending to use it to build our experience and refine our target specification.

Now that I had a focus, I opened my copy of MBY each month, starting at the rear to check the Boats For Sale listings.

I quickly decided that even though this was effectively a prototype purchase, I should use this buying experience as if it were a much larger purchase.

I appointed a buyer’s broker (Seaton Yachts of Newport) after a meeting with John Seaton at Trawlerfest.

John, Kat and I then visited the Netherlands to look at steel-built boats in the 15-20m range and quickly concluded they were around 8 times the budget we had in mind for this starter boat, so GRP construction was now reluctantly added to the spec.

Chance discovery

With that in mind, when the September 2017 issue of MBY magazine dropped on my desk featuring an article about an owner who had just completed a refit of a 16m motor yacht called Silver Dee , I was more than a little interested, particularly when he mentioned that the vessel was now for sale in Antibes.

We flew out to see her in late August 2017, made an offer and completed the purchase in October. Although Silver Dee was of GRP construction, she had an RNLI Arun 16 hull (but had never served as a lifeboat).

Constructed in 1974-76 and based on a GL Watson design, the hull moulding was 1/2in thick and showed no signs of osmosis after 40 years.

She had recently had £350k spent on her, with two new John Deere engines, Sleipner stabilisers , thrusters and a new generator giving her an estimated range of 850nm at 9 knots.

As part of the purchase survey the John Deere representative created performance curves for the engines and I assessed the accuracy of that data on a 500nm shakedown voyage from Antibes to Barcelona via Corsica.

I found that at an economical speed of 6.3 knots, Silver Dee could increase her range to 2,200nm. I then cruised her from Barcelona to Troon on the west coast of Scotland via the Bay of Biscay in June 2018.

Over the following three years we completed approximately 6,000nm, cruising from the South of France to Scotland and then thoroughly exploring the west coast of Scotland from the Clyde to Cape Wrath and then from Skye to the rugged landscapes of Saint Kilda.

Across this period I spent a further £100k on safety and navigational electronics for Silver Dee and used what I learned to more accurately determine the specification requirements for a 24m steel-built boat that would be capable of long distance ocean passages and perhaps even a full circumnavigation of the globe.

This was when the divergence on that proof of concept idea started to set in. While Kat was looking at the beautiful designs of the Dutch expedition yachts, dreaming of time spent on the coasts of Norway and trips to the Caribbean, I had started to form the basis of my big challenge, circumnavigating the globe via the southern oceans – and a very different type of ship would be required to complete it.

The adventure takes shape

Luckily, with the understanding Kat has achieved during more than 15 years of reading and proofing on both a grammatical and technical level, she quickly came to the conclusion that if I were mad enough to want to take on a challenge of that magnitude in a 24m vessel, it was going to be on a very specific type of boat and one that she was highly unlikely to wish to spend time on. She was proved correct in both assumptions!

My experience of cruising aboard Silver Dee had given me a good idea of what I was looking for, but at the time I only had a vague outline of the route I wanted to take.

The more I looked into it, the more enticing it became because the perceived wisdom seemed to be that it was impossible to achieve in a sub-24m motor boat.

But there are motor boats and there are motor boats, and if I could find the right one anything seemed possible. With this in mind I drew up a list of requirements:

Watertight integrity – Essential for any challenge that takes in the southern oceans. I drew the conclusion that the chosen vessel should be constructed to ship classification requirements or built to EU design category ‘A’ (ie with no restrictions).

The hull should be steel and reasonably new with no repair work. This would need to be verified during the survey.

Shape of the stern and bow – With a route that would involve a substantial period in the southern oceans, I didn’t want a transom stern that following seas would push against, continually nudging the vessel off course while straining the steering gear and the autopilot.

I was looking for a finer wine glass-shape stern or canoe stern to allow the waves to cut through, rather than push against, the stern.

A good flared bow, similar to a fishing boat, would minimise green water on deck.

Length versus breadth – A beamier boat would be required as I anticipated the need to carry additional fuel on deck.

Rudder and steering gear – The largest rudder area was desirable to get as much of the propeller flow as possible for steering.

Rather than a system with visible hydraulic rams, the preference was for a keyed rudder with rotary vane, more commonly found on larger merchant vessels that operate in heavier seas.

Autopilot – I knew that full redundancy of the main equipment was vital for long passage lengths, so a back-up autopilot system would be required, even with a full crew.

Propulsion and engines – The efficiency of a single propeller was desirable, although that creates its own challenges in managing any loss of the main engine.

I also had no appetite to replace the main engine and wanted an economical medium/slow speed engine rather than a high-speed one.

Engine room and related spaces – They could not be cramped and needed to provide plenty of room to work in.

Range/endurance – There should be as much capacity for fuel storage and/or additional fuel storage as possible!

Desirable auxiliary equipment – This would include numerous sources of power generation and UPS/battery back-ups, fresh water maker, air-conditioning, stabilisers, bow thruster (hydraulic rather than electric).

Wheelhouse/bridge – The bridge should not be located too far forward or aft and be as close to the longitudinal centre of the vessel as possible.

This is the tipping point around which a ship will pitch and it reduces watchkeeper fatigue. The bridge also needed to be as large as possible to accommodate all the required equipment and their back-ups.

Aft mast – We would need significant navigation and communication equipment, so a vessel that already had a substantial communication mast was also top of the list.

Beginning the search

Armed with this checklist, we began looking in earnest and a lot of profiling of potential vessels was undertaken. We viewed one possible boat in Maine in late 2019 and then three further vessels just before lockdown in March 2020.

Of these, a boat called MV Astra quickly became our favourite. She is a retired Swedish search and rescue vessel (24m/175 tonnes) and she ticked every box and then some!

After a short negotiation, made more difficult by the strictures of the global pandemic, a price was agreed.

MV Astra in its original role as a Swedish search and rescue vessel. Photo: Ships for sale Sweden

MV Astra is a 24m full displacement steel boat and weighs in at a hefty 175 tonnes. Her maximum speed is determined by her waterline length rather than engine size, which in her case equates to 11.88 knots.

The challenge now was choosing a route that followed the rules of the circumnavigation and fitting out MV Astra so she could carry sufficient fuel, stores and equipment while still leaving enough space for me and the crew to live and work.

Unsurprisingly, at this stage Kat decided to focus on running the business and undertaking the activities of DPA (Designated Person Ashore), while I started researching where and how to get the refit work carried out.

MV Astra as she looked when Iain bought it. Photo:

After careful consideration of a number of shipyards, we moved Astra 650nm from her berth in Gibraltar to Lanzarote and the real work could begin on what was soon to become my home for the next 12 months.

Next month: Refitting MV Astra begins and Iain commences preparations for his global circumnavigation…

You can follow Iain’s live location during his round-the-world adventure at: mv-astra.com

If you enjoyed this…

Be first to all the latest boats, gadgets, cruising ideas, buying advice and readers’ adventures with a subscription to Motor Boat & Yachting . Available in both print and digital formats, our monthly magazine will be sent directly to your home or device at a substantial discount to the usual cover price. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Iain’s wife Kat Heathcote is taking care of onshore operations during the voyage

Astra’s businesslike engineroom, as she now looks ready for circling the globe, iain on the bridge of mv astra shortly before departure, if you’ve got $500k to spend on a motorboat, what should you get, swift trawler 54 first look: plugging a gap in the beneteau range, world’s coolest boats: aston martin am37 – the james bond boat that never was, latest videos, sacs rebel 50 tour: the world’s most luxurious rib, fairline targa tour: sensational new british sportscruiser, navan s30 & c30 tour: exceptional new axopar rival, galeon 440 fly sea trial: you won’t believe how much they’ve packed in.

Easy Branches allows you to share your guest post within our network in any countries of the world to reach Global customers start sharing your stories today!

Easy Branches

Call: 076 367 766

THIS Is ASTRA! €2M Ultimate STEEL Explorer With A 9,000 NM Range! (FOR SALE)

Share this page, sharing with friends or social media.

Asking € 2,000,000

ASTRA Yacht for Sale

Not for sale or charter to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters.

ASTRA is a super strong expedition vessel that can go anywhere in the world, regardless of the weather. After completing her 151 day circumnavigation via the five southern capes in May followed by an extensive shipyard period she is ready to depart for Antarctica or the Northwest Passage. 

In Dag Pike’s article on ASTRA in Passagemaker magazine in March 2018 he said:  

“... I would put this 80-footer in the category of the ultimate passagemaker - a vessel capable of taking on the world’s toughest oceans and coming out on top. She has to be one of the toughest boats of her size ever built... with traditional sheer lines and purposeful superstructure. No frills here, just a proper functional boat built for one of the toughest jobs in the world ”.

ASTRA is a 23.35 meter customized polar expedition vessel with the highest ice class rating and ice breaking capability. All this on a vessel that is just below 24 meters in length and also European CE certified.

According to construction drawings on board (and confirmed by thickness measurements carried out during the survey in September 2020), the hull shell plating thickness varies from 15mm on the bottom plates tapering through 13, 11 and 9mm on the outer shell plating and deck areas. UTI testing (Sep 2020) indicated less than 4% reduction in the original shell plating, in part attributed to ASTRA having operated in fresh water in the Baltic for her initial 22 years.

She is powered by a low/medium speed Mitsubishi main engine (M.E.) of 1,350 BHP, that is started by compressed air at 30 Bar, in the same manner as a merchant vessel. You do have to remember that ASTRA was built as strongly as was feasible for a vessel of her size and she is a big step up from the small scale electrics and battery starts commonly found on other vessels below 24 m.

The main engine goes through a 3:1 reduction gearbox, reducing the RPM at the propeller to 1/3 of that at the engine. The propeller shaft is approx. 12” in diameter and, on seeing it, you start to get a real sense of her strength and design capability for adverse weather. The propeller itself is a 4 bladed controllable pitch propeller (CPP) of 1.72 m in diameter and the rudder is a high performance Schilling rudder (+/- 64°) that can be operated either hydraulically or electrically.

The Schilling rudder, combined with a 100kw hydraulic bow thruster, provides incredible maneuverability for a vessel of ASTRA’s size. Fitted with 4 conning positions from the navigation bridge, the vessel can be handled from Port, Centre and Starboard (looking forward) and the centerline aft when maneuvering astern.

Anyone that has ever owned a SAAB or VOLVO will have had the opportunity to appreciate Swedish engineering. A substantial hydraulic system is at the heart of the ship’s systems on ASTRA and hydraulics power the following systems: - Bow Thruster - Anchor Windlass - Towing Winch - Stern Flap - Forward Crane - Aft Crane - Fire Pump

The key systems on board are provided with a back-up system that provides 100% redundancy, including: - Engines - Steering - Bilge Pumps - Air Compressors - Power Generation.

Built as a rescue vessel, ASTRA is incredibly stable and has no ‘point of vanishing stability’. When fully laden, with all tanks full, she still has a GM of 0.98m.

In addition to air conditioning, ASTRA has substantial heating capability from her CTC boiler (that can run electrically or from diesel) and is very cozy onboard, with ample heating radiators and lots of hot water. Heating is one of the areas where her ice class comes in to play, with heating blowers in the foc’sle store and steering flats, hot water discharge points from the engine cooling discharge to deck if required for clearing ice (lancing) and, running just below the bulwarks, is a heating coil for clearing ice from the scuppers. This has stainless steel pipework, as is common for the majority of systems onboard.

During ASTRA’s refit in 2017, aside from the work you might expect in a repair period, the following major additions were made: - Air conditioning in all areas - new Portuguese bridge - new Furuno navigational equipment - new 4 automatic rotating stabilizers - large additional battery banks (to be able to lie at anchor without auxiliaries)

- increased fuel capacity

- fresh water maker

- new oak cabin soles - new toilet and shower facility on the lower deck

With the new MagnusMaster rotating stabilizers fitted in Sep 2017, even in seas of 4-5 meters in height and it was remarked that “... this went largely unnoticed, with coffee cups staying firm on the table and the passengers able to get on with their normal activities. The vessel was only moving steady slightly up and down without rolling side to side ”.

ASTRA's owner is a Master Mariner who has prepared her to an extent this broker has never seen aboard any yacht. She has my absolute highest recommendation. It has been a highlight of my career assisting with her purchase and now an honor to represent her.

                                                ~ John Clayman ~

Specifications

Accommodations, dimensions & capacity, construction.

Complete the form below and one of our experienced sales brokers will be in touch soon.

Full Details

• Steel hull & deck. Aluminum alloy superstructures with Triclad bi-mitalic welded strip.
• Built to DNV Ice Class Super 1A Swedish & Finnish rules.
• Hull shell plating up to 15 mm.
• Double bottom tanks.
• Keel hung SCHILLING Rudder with 64 degree +/- deflection allowing steerage at 1.6 knots.
• Four watertight bulkheads with watertight glands for all plumbing and cable penetrations.
• Two-part polyurethane JOTUN commercial paint on all exterior surfaces summer 2022.
• JOTUN commercial antifouling paint summer 2022.
• Three H-2 Sonihull Ultrasonic antifouling transducers.
• Engine room main seachest and watermaker/airconditioning seachest.

ASTRA's engine room occupies over half her length with plenty of room to work around for maintaince. Located amidships/aft, the engine room is an ideal location to work in almost all weathers. The electrical switchboard and new 23 kW Cummins Onan genset are in the control room removed from any contaminants. In the event of an engine room fire, the genset would be safeguarded and would be able to provide electrical power for communications and navigation equipment. Access to the Engine Room is through watertight doors leading to the control room and the workshop. An escape hatch to the aft deck is also provided. A soft patch is fitted around the escape hatch to facilitate removing large equipment from the engine room.

There are 3 sources of generating power from the shaft generator, Volvo Penta and Onan.The 2021 MECC ALTE 50 kVA shaft generator is a big plus in that the running hours on the other generators is not increased and it is so amply sized that it can power everything on board.

A last generation mechanical engine, the MITSUBISHI at 8 tons is an incredibly large engine for a vessel of this size. It is coupled with a very heavy duty gearbox and 1718 mm controllable pitch propeller in a 2021 nozzle. If there was an issue with one cylinder head you can work on that cylinder on its own rather than having to lift the whole bank of cylinders.

The water maker only needs to run four hours daily for the ship's complement's needs and Silver-ion dosing of the fresh water ensures purity. Two complete independent air-conditioning systems provide 100% redundancy.

The workshop, with ample space to carry out repairs even has a lathe and proper drill press.

There are two separate systems (Main Engine or Volvo) to run the hydraulics and the Volvo Penta also provides get home power to the main shaft.

ASTRA has one electric and one hydraulic steering pump.  Having one that is hydraulic, powered off the main engine, means there is less electrical demand for the generator. The hvirtually maintenance free rotary vane steering gear requires less space to fit and there is not the associated hydraulic oil leaks that occur with steering gears of the hydraulic ram type.

Following her circumnavigation all equipment was fully serviced.

• Mitsubishi S6U-MPTK 1350 hp (933 kW) main engine  with dry exhaust with 13,300 hours (December 2022) 12,000 service prior to circumnavigation followed by the next 6,000 hour service post return.
• Finnǿy G50 FK gear boax with 2.96:1 reduction
• BERG 4 blade 1718 mm controllable pitch prop
• 2021 2000kg Opitima nozzle by Damen
• The propeller shaft is is fitted in an oil bath. DEEP SEA SEAL shaft seals are seawater cooled.
• Berg 100 kW (135 hp) hydraulic bow thruster
• 2017 Four MAGNUSMASTER electric rotary stabilizers; fully retractable
• TENFJORD SR-562L rotary vane steering gear operated by four bridge joy sticks and helm.
• 2022 WASP W-FLC-1500 fuel polishing system.
• Five integral main fuel tanks and the integral 2,300 lityre day dank provide for 31,400 litre capacity expandable to 44,000 litres.
• One stainless steel engine room hydraulic tank with also the aft ballast tank having been converted for spare hydraulic oil.
• 500 litre lube oil engine room tank and 1,280 litre waste oil tank with THRIGE PUMPER sludge pump.
• Two LEROY SOMER 400 VAC 2.2 & 5 kW air compressores for the main engine controls and starting and for the air outlets.
• 2017 FLAGSHIP MARINE airconditioning system fitted with two chilled water pumps, two seawter pumps and two compressors.
• INGERSOLL RAND air dryer is fitted for the compressed air system.
• Radiators are fitted throughout the vessel for the heating system supplied by the engine room CTC 100 OLJA-EL calorifier/diesel heater.One ENWA MT-6000 watermaker  with 250 litres/hour output.

Electronics

Fully upgraded in 2021 with the latest Vector Chart Radar system and additional safety measures, such as Wave Height Analyser and infra-look ahead.

• 2021 SAILOR INMARSAT VSAT System
• 2021 Fleet Broadband
• 2021 Inmarsat C
• 2021 FURUNO MF/HF SSB Radio
• 2021 FURUNO Chart Radar 3220 BB
• FURUNO FAR-1513 backup Radar
• NXT Solid State Radar facing aft to track small craft astern
• Four HATTELAND LCD monotors for the  FURUNO Black Box & CCTV system
• 2021 FURUNO Timezero 4 with worldwide charts
• 2021 FURUNO Wave Analyser WV-100
• 2021 OSCAR Navigation A1 system
• 2021 Autopilot SIMRAD AP70
• Backup SIMRAD AP70 autopilot
• 2021 Two FURUNO GP39 satellite compasses
• 2021 Two FURUNO GP-150 GNSS units 
• FURUNO wind speed and direction indicator
• Two SAILOR 2 VHF radios with DSC
• Two SAILOR RT2048 VHF radios
• Multiple ICOM handheld VHF radios
• TAIYO TD-L1550 Synthesized VHF Automatic Digital Direction Finder
• 2021 SILECMAR digital montoring system for all analog and digital sensors to allow local readout in the engine room, navigational bridge and remotely ashore.
• 2021 SILECMAR highly accurate fuel flow monitoring system for the Mitsubishi main engine and the Volvo auxiliary engine.
• Clock & Barometer
• Entertaiment system throughout the accommodations
• 2021 RIBCRAFT 5.30 Metre(17'-5") Commercial RIB w/ twin SUZUKI DF30 ATL  four stroke outboard motors.
• 2021 RIBCRAFT 4.2 Metre (13'-10") Commercial Rib w/ SUZUKI DF50 ATL four stroke outboard motor.
• SKARHAMNS AB hydraulic windlass with two gypsies and two warping drums on foredeck.
• Two 184 kg POOLE stockless galvaninized steel anchors each with 120 metre 16 mm chain rodes. 
• One 2014 PALFINGER PK18500 M hydraulic crane on aft deck with 18 metre reach with up to 5,750 kg SWL. Invaluable for loading stores.
• One HEILA HLM 5-2S hydraulic crane on fordeck
• Hydraulic towing winch on aft deck with 15 ton bollard pull.
• Water cannon on the monkey island for firefighting or repelling pirates.
• Hydraulic hinged transom flap.
• Two Seematz and one Norselight searchlights on the monkey island.
• Horn for whistle signals

There are six banks of batteries aboard.

• One 24 V @170 A24 V @ 42 Ah bank of two 12V/170 Ah batteries for the Volvo Penta generator starting.
• One 12 V/120 Ah bank for the Onan generator starting
• One 24 V @ 180 Ah bank of two 12 v/180 Ah servbice batteries
• One 24 V @1000 Ah bank of twelve 2V / 1000Ah cells for the inverter
• One 12 V @ 380 Ah bank of four 24 V 190 Ah emergency bank

All batteries are sealed maintenance free. The emergency bank is fitted in a locker aft of the bridge deck. The radio bank is fitted are located below the bridge console. The inverter bank is in the workshop. The other banks are in the engine room or the control room.

The various banks are charged by the following battery chargers.

• One VICTRON SKYLLA 24V/50 A battery charger located in the engine room for the service bank.
• One CTEK 24 V/14A battery charger located in the engine room for the Volvo Penta generator starting bank
• One CTEK 12V/7A battery charger for located in the control room for ONAN generator starting battery
• One SBC 24 V/20A battery charger located in the wheelhouse for the radio bank
• One VICTRON SKYLLA 24V/25A inverter/battery charger located in the deck locker for the emergency bank
• One VICTRON 24V/8000VA/200A inverter/charger located in the workshop for the inverter bank
• One 400V/30kVA shore power transformer is fitted
• Two 15kVA Transformers are fitted in the control room for lighting
• One VAGGON 30 kW frequency converter is fitted to allow connection to 60 Hz shore power
• One Volvo Penta MD120A, 40 kVA, 400/230V/50 Hz main generator with dry exhaust
• 2021 Onan 23 kW gneset w/ 1400 hours (December 2022)
• 2021 MECC ALTE SpA 50 KVA shaft generator
• 2021 New Switchboard panel in control room supplied by Progener

Safety And Fire Protection

• Two DESMI SA50-180/4 400 VAC 20 cu metre/h (88 gal/minute main bilge pumps)
• One  DESMI S125-8275/402 400 VAC 70 cu metre/ h (308 gal/minute fire /bilge pump)
• One Portable 400 VAC submersible bilkge pump stowed in aft deck locker.
• Main bilge pumps connected to bilge suction manifold to nine compartments.
• High water float swtches coinnected to bridge alam panel.
• Two on deck & one engine room fire stations with lay flat hose and fogging nozzles.
• Water cannon mounted on monkey island can also be supplied by a hydraulic pump on the main engine.
• Nine 6 kg dry powder portable fire extinguishers.
• Three 5 kg CO 2  portable fire extinguishers.
• Two 45 kg CO 2   remotely operated fixed fire extinguishers for the engine room and control room.
• General alarm system with break-glass throughout the vessel.
• CONSILIUM fire alarm system with smoke/heat detectors throughout the vessel.
• Two 2017 VIKING 12DK+12 person liferafts with Solas B emergency packs serviced fall 2022.
• Three round life bouys, twelve SOLAS Approved life jackets, five line throwing appliances, Six SOLAS Immersion suits.
• McMURDO SMARTFIND G5 406 MHz EBIRB
• Comprehensive first aid kit, defibrillator and emergency oxygen

Broker Comments

Please read the attached links to ASTRA's website and Dag Pike's article.

ASTRA is a 23.35 metre customised polar expedition vessel with the highest ice class rating and ice breaking capability. All this on a vessel that is just below 24 metres in length and also European CE certified.

According to construction drawings aboard (and confirmed by thickness measurements carried out during the survey in September 2020), the hull shell plating thickness varies from 15mm on the bottom plates tapering through 13, 11 and 9 mm on the outer shell plating and deck areas. UTI testing (Sep 2020) indicated less than 4% reduction in the original shell plating, in part attributed to ASTRA having operated in fresh water in the Baltic for her initial 22 years.

The Schilling rudder, combined with a 100kW hydraulic bow thruster, provides incredible manoeuvrability for a vessel of ASTRA’s size. Fitted with 4 conning positions from the navigation bridge, the vessel can be handled from Port, Centre and Starboard (looking forward) and the centreline aft when manoeuvring astern.

During ASTRA’s refit in 2017, aside from the work you might expect in a repair period, the following major additions were made: - Air conditioning in all areas - new Portuguese bridge - new Furuno navigational equipment - new 4 automatic rotating stabilisers - large additional battery banks (to be able to lie at anchor without auxiliaries)

With the new MagnusMaster rotating stabilisers fitted in Sep 2017, even in seas of 4-5 metres in height and it was remarked that “... this went largely unnoticed, with coffee cups staying firm on the table and the passengers able to get on with their normal activities. The vessel was only moving steady slightly up and down without rolling side to side ”.

The key systems aboard are provided with a back-up system that provides 100% redundancy, including: - Engines - Steering - Bilge Pumps - Air Compressors - Power Generation.

In addition to air conditioning, ASTRA has substantial heating capability from her CTC boiler (that can run electrically or from diesel) and is very cosy onboard, with ample heating radiators and lots of hot water. Heating is one of the areas where her ice class comes in to play, with heating blowers in the foc’sle store and steering flats, hot water discharge points from the engine cooling discharge to deck if required for clearing ice (lancing) and, running just below the bulwarks, is a heating coil for clearing ice from the scuppers. This has stainless steel pipework, as is common for the majority of systems onboard.

ASTRA's accommodations are appropriate for a polar exploration yacht with low maintenace in mind and comfort at sea.

On the maindeck are the saloon, galley, laundry, skipper/owner's cabin and large toilet compartment with stall shower.

Three watertight doors lead to the decks. There are external stairs to the engine room and also the wheelhouse. There are four double cabins on the accommodation deck along with another toilet compartment with stall shower. In 2021, the lower saloon as shown on the attached drawings has been replaced with a 1500 litre freezer and lockers sized for long life milk containers and dry stores.

During the circumnavigation, the crew enjoyed freshly prepared meals in all conditions as the galley is highly functional with the cook kept secure.

• MIELE Refrigerator
• 2021 BOSCH four burner range with pot holders and oven
• BOSCH extrator fan
• Double stainless steel sinks
• Stainless steel work surfaces
• Dedicated drawers and storage cupboards - a place for everything
• MIELE washing machine
• MIELE dryer
• Three BE-CE helm seats rehupolstered 2021
• Ship's office and radio desk
• Aft Conrol station
• Flag locker

Similar Yachts for Sale

Custom yachts for sale.

Proud to be part of the MarineMax family

© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

Week 24 Update - The Home Return Here

Expedition vessel.

Astra Location:  Lanzarote - 31,500 miles later!  

Crew on the trip: iain, mikey, paul, luke, dan, carlos & pete.

As featured in

PASSAGEMAKER & MBY

• May 18, 2022

Week 24 - Home Again, Home Again!

• May 10, 2022

Week 23 - Almost There.......

• May 4, 2022

Week 22 - Southern Circumnavigation Complete

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3583
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

Private YACHT

NOT FOR CHARTER*

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

VIEW SIMILAR YACHTS

Or View All luxury yachts for charter

• Luxury Charter Yachts
• Motor Yachts for Charter
• Amenities & Toys

ASTRA yacht NOT for charter*

55m  /  180'5 | amels | 2014.

Owner & Guests

Cabin Configuration

• 1 Convertible
• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Designed by renowned Tim Heywood
• Versatile accommodation ideal for families
• Interior design by award-winning Laura Sessa
• Full bar on Sundeck
• Fold out TV on Sundeck
• Teppaniaki Grill
• Beachclub with Steam Room / Spa
• Qualified On-Board Masseuse
• Hydraulic Swimstairs on Swim Platform

The 55m/180'5" motor yacht 'Astra' was built by Amels in the Netherlands at their Vlissingen shipyard. Her interior is styled by Italian designer design house Laura Sessa Romboli and she was delivered to her owner in June 2014. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Tim Heywood Design.

Guest Accommodation

Astra has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 suites comprising two VIP cabins.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include steam room, spa, satellite communications, beach club, gym, deck jacuzzi, WiFi and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Astra is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel MTU (16V 2000 M70) 16-cylinder 1,408hp engines running at 2100rpm, she comfortably cruises at 13 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 15 knots with a range of up to 4,500 nautical miles. Astra features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. She was built to Lloyds Register ✠ 100A1, SSC, YACHT, MONO, G6 [+] LMC, UMS classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

PRIVATE YACHT - "Astra" IS NOT FOR CHARTER

Sorry, motor yacht "Astra" is a strictly Private yacht and is NOT available for Charter. Click here to view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting another luxury charter yacht.

"Yacht Charter Fleet" is a free information service, if your vessel changes its status, and does become available for charter, please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Astra Photos

Astra Awards & Nominations

• The World Superyacht Awards 2015 Displacement Motor Yachts of 500GT to 1,299GT Finalist
• International Superyacht Society Awards 2015 Best Power 40m - 65m Nomination
• Asia Boating Award 2015 Best Worldwide Semi Custom Built Yacht (25m and above) Finalist

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

NOTE TO U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION

Due to the international and fluid nature of the yachting business and the fact there is no global central industry listing service to which all charter yachts subscribe it is impossible to ascertain a truly up-to-date view of the market. We are a news and information service and not always informed when yachts leave the charter market, or when they are recently sold and renamed it is not clear if they are still for charter. Whilst we use our best endeavors to maintain accurate information, the existence of a listing on this website should in no way supersede official documentation supplied by representatives of a yacht.

Specification

M/Y Astra

SIMILAR LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER

Here are a selection of superyachts which are similar to Astra yacht which are believed to be available for charter. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

56m | Benetti

from $369,000 p/week ♦︎

55m | Heesen

from $350,000 p/week

from $378,000 p/week

55m | Amels

from $295,000 p/week

59m | Benetti

from $395,000 p/week

Aspen Alternative

50m | Trinity Yachts

from $199,000 p/week

49m | Custom

POA ♦︎

58m | Turquoise Yachts

from $349,000 p/week ♦︎ *

50m | Cantieri Navali di Termoli

from $228,000 p/week ♦︎

60m | Lurssen

from $550,000 p/week

50m | Couach

from $220,000 p/week ♦︎

54m | Baglietto

from $245,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Explorer yacht vs motor yacht: What makes an explorer yacht?

The trend for long-range explorer yachts has been well chronicled, but what exactly makes an explorer yacht? What's the difference between explorers, expedition yachts and motor yachts? And are explorer yachts capable of crossing the Atlantic?   BOAT unpacks what it takes to meet the long-range explorer checklist.

While all expedition yachts can be classed as explorers, not every explorer can come under the expedition yacht category. The term explorer yachts encapsulates more widely a range of motor yachts and sailing yachts, whereas an expedition vessel usually has more of a purpose behind it. This can appeal to both charter guests and yacht owners wanting to whet their appetite when it comes to research, scientific expeditions or learning more about marine life.

Essentially, explorer yachts have the range and capability to undertake an oceanic crossing unsupported. When it comes to the best design features on an explorer yacht , things like deep storage, emissions control and a high degree of maneuverability are some considerations – while things like dive centres, helicopters and snowmobiles enhance adventure capabilities. Compared to explorer yachts, expedition yachts need to be more autonomous when operating in areas with little access to shore-side support or infrastructure.

It's also not just the largest explorer yachts that have the most allure – small explorer yachts are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. The Global Order Book indicates 70 per cent of all explorer yachts fall within the 24- to 40-metre range and during the  Explorer Yachts Summit 2023, BOAT International further analysed why owners are opting for pocket explorers as they embark on global adventures to far-flung destinations.

The five largest explorer yachts in the world

Nord | 141.6m| Lürssen | 2021

Solaris | 139.7m | Lloyd Werft | 2021

Octopus | 126.2m | Lürssen| 2003

Multiverse | 116.2m | Kleven | 2018

Luna   | 115m | Lloyd Werft | 2010

With the number of explorer yachts on order at an all-time high , deliveries from explorer yacht builders are expected every year until at least 2026. It seems as though the superyacht fleet has itchy feet, eager to venture to new pockets of the globe in search of ocean life, wildlife, shipwrecks and more. BOATPro reveals that the ten furthest-travelled superyachts alone recorded 151,955 nautical miles in the first half of 2023. The motivation behind a superyacht expedition is clear – but what are the criteria for an explorer yacht?

Ocean crossing range at a reasonable speed

A common measurement for whether a yacht is a true explorer or not comes with its maximum cruising range – how far can it explore without needing to refuel? Most yachts measuring over 40 metres will be able to cross the Atlantic with a transatlantic cruising range of around 3,000 nautical miles, but serious explorer yachts will have an even longer range. 

EYOS Expeditions co-founder Rob McCallum said: "In one sense, an explorer is simply any reasonably seaworthy boat that can cover the 2,600 nautical miles between Gran Canaria and Barbados on a single tank of diesel. To be suitable for expeditions, however, a yacht must go further – much further."

Andrea Pezzini, founder of charter management and brokerage firm Floating Life , argues: “For us, the minimum range for a yacht to be considered a true explorer yacht is 5,400 nautical miles and a speed for long distances of no less than 10 to 12 knots.” The 90-metre Lürssen yacht  Ice satisfies this criteria, as she can cruise for 6,000 nautical miles at 15 knots without having to fill up.

A robust hull

Explorer yachts need to be able to withstand rough seas and expedition yachts especially need to be able to operate within the weather conditions at the destination they are travelling. When venturing to remote areas of the world, particularly the Polar Regions, a robust hull is an essential. Steel is the most popular material, with Ice Class being a common yardstick for measuring strength. This can range from Polar Class 7 vessels, able to stray into waters first-year ice less than a metre thick, through to Polar Class 1 yachts, capable of operating all year round in any ice conditions.

However, not everyone agrees with the supremacy of steel. Frederic Jaouen, managing director of JFA Yachts , argues: "Explorer yachts should be built in aluminium for the safety aspect — deformation in case of impact as opposed to a tear in a steel or composite hull — but also the weight aspect and performance: [higher] speed, seaworthiness and [lower] fuel consumption.”

Higher crew capacity

The rise of explorer yachts has seen many projects specified with far more crew space. Specialist crewmembers are often needed for long-range expeditions, such as local guides, helicopter pilots, ski instructors or even documentary videographers.

126-metre Octopus , regarded as one of the world's largest explorer yachts, is a fine example of this, with room for a colossal crew of up to 57 people.

Superior storage space

When exploring varied and unpredictable cruising grounds, it is a good idea to have a whole arsenal of tenders and toys at your disposal. As Captain Stan Antrim puts it: "What matters is what you hang on to them – the seaplanes, the helicopters, the sportfish yachts – the whole gamut. Even though you can do the exploring on a 40-metre yacht and be happy, you can’t take all of that stuff with you.”

Autonomous expedition yachts, sometimes on a 40-day operation away from fresh supplies, also need to be equipped with provisions for storage, garbage management and additional berthing for guides and researchers.

Size matters, but it’s not everything

While the definition of a superyacht is longer than 24 metres, some would argue that explorer yachts should be at least 40 metres long to carry all the necessary equipment. However, there are exceptions to the rule, with Cantiere Delle Marche proving highly successful in building compact, yet long-range explorer yachts. The Italian yard’s fleet includes the 33.4-metre Narvalo , which has been designed to cruise with the narwhals that she was named after.

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, yachts for charter, more stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

UFI approval for Moscow Boat Show

• Inspiration

Related News

Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.

• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

September 17 was marked by meeting of the UFI Executive Committee. During the event, the Committe approved the admission of Crocus Expo IEC as a full member of UFI in categories of “Exhibition Organizers” and “Exhibition Centres. Moscow Boat Show has been granted the status of “UFI Approved Event”.

Moscow Boat Show

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry is the association of trade show organizers, fairground owners, national and international associations of the exhibition industry, and its partners. As of 2012, it has 608 members in 224 cities from 86 countries covering 6 continents. The association members are responsible for the management and operation of over 4 500 profile events. The association represents more than 1 000 000 of exhibitors and more than 150 000 000 visitors.

The Crocus Expo Exhibition Centre is a listed member of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), the Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs, the Guild of Exhibition and Fair Operators by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Donald Tramp fund has awarded Crocus Expo IEC Diamond Excellence Award.

Crocus Expo IEC is an ideal venue for running of large international and national exhibitions of different profile including congress events, conferences and scientific symposiums.About 50% of all exhibition events of Moscow take place in Crocus Expo and average exposition space load comprises 85%.

Moscow Boat Show provides the perfect platform from which to preview new products, evaluate market trends, and establish long-lasting and commercially profitable partnerships. Despite the dynamic changes taking place in Russia and the rapid growth of the yachting sector, the show continues to complement and reflect the industry’s demand and is a promotional opportunity not to be missed!

The exposition space will increase up to 45 000 sq m in 2013. More than 350 Russian and foreign companies will participate in the show. The scale of the project confirms confident positions of its positive development.

Moscow Boat Show is the largest project in Russia presenting all the best in the world of yachting. The exhibition annually shows high level of attendance and has already proved as significant and noteworthy event in the world of yachts and boats.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "UFI approval for Moscow Boat Show".

• Charity & Fund Raising
• CharterWorld News
• Classic Yachts
• Coronavirus
• Cruise Ship
• Ecological Yachts
• Expedition Yachts
• Expert Broker Advice
• Feature Superyachts
• Interior Design
• Legal & VAT Yacht Issues
• Luxury Catamarans
• Luxury Gulet
• Luxury Phinisi
• Luxury Trimarans
• Luxury Yacht Design
• Luxury Yachts
• Marinas & Harbours
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Electronics
• Marine Equipment
• Mega Yachts
• Modern Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• New Launch Yachts
• New To Charter
• Open Style Sports Yachts
• Private Jets
• Sailing Yachts
• Social Media
• Sports Yachts
• Superyacht Crew
• Superyacht Photographers
• Superyacht Products & Supplies
• Superyacht Refits
• Superyacht Reviews
• Superyachts
• Uncategorized
• Yacht Builders
• Yacht Charter
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• Yacht Charter Picks
• Yacht Charter Specials
• Yacht Delivered to Owner
• Yacht Designers
• Yacht Events & Boat Shows
• Yacht Fashion
• Yacht Industry News
• Yacht Photos
• Yacht Racing
• Yacht Racing & Regattas
• Yacht Safety Equipment
• Yacht Support Vessels
• Yacht Tenders
• Yacht Videos
• Yachting Associations
• Yachting Awards
• Yachting Business
• Yachts For Charter
• Yachts For Sale

Quick Enquiry

Superyacht news:.

Email Your Yachting News to: news @ charterworld.com

Luxury Yachts At Events

The Caribbean

The Mediterranean

Ferretti Group announces its presence at Moscow Boat Show 2013

Dates for the 6th International exhibition of boats and yachts Moscow Boat Show 2013 revealed

VIP Mega-Yacht Destination Flisvos Marina to participate in Moscow Boat Show 2013

Official Opening of Moscow Boat Show 2013 on March 12

39m luxury yacht EVOLUTION for charter on Australia’s east coast

Charter Special on board 36m luxury yacht CALYPSO I from Italy to Greece

Croatian charter yacht LA PERLA offering 10% discount on exclusive vacations in the Adriatic

Charter a yacht during the Monaco Historic and F1 Grand Prix festivals and soak up the atmosphere from on deck

Westport announce the first hull of their 36m W117 range is nearing completion

Superyacht LAUNCHPAD previously Feadship 1010 delivered

65m Feadship superyacht PROMISE.D delivered

Discover our Top 10 brand new yachts available for charter worldwide this year

Florida charter yacht REAL SUMMERTIME offering 10% discount

Discover summer in New England aboard a luxury charter yacht: Escape to this beautiful northeast corner of the USA

Looking ahead to the 2024 MYBA Charter Show in Genoa

Last minute yacht charter deals in the Bahamas

49m sailing yacht ANIMA MARIS is offering discounted rates for the remaining summer weeks in Croatia