A Hundred Years of Heritage

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1 YACHT REVIEW Astondoa Century 110 A Hundred Years of Heritage 58 INVICTVS

YACHT REVIEW Very few shipyards can boast a continuous family-run heritage that dates back a full century, but since 1916 three generations of the Astondoa family have been producing yachts on Spain

2 YACHT REVIEW Very few shipyards can boast a continuous family-run heritage that dates back a full century, but since 1916 three generations of the Astondoa family have been producing yachts on Spain s Costa Blanca. They celebrated the remarkable achievement in considerable style at the recent Yachts Miami Beach show, debuting this eye-catching 110-footer that proved to be the highlight of the event By Craig Barnett INVICTVS 59

YACHT REVIEW The Century s highly contemporary interior was styled by Cristiano Gatto s studio in Venice, Italy and features many innovative materials and processes.

3 YACHT REVIEW The Century s highly contemporary interior was styled by Cristiano Gatto s studio in Venice, Italy and features many innovative materials and processes. I In 1916 when Jesus Astondoa Martinez first began constructing wooden yachts on Spain s southeastern Mediterranean shores, the sleepy fishing town of Santa Pola s primary source of income was derived from the vast salt evaporation ponds, or salines, that occupied the flat land behind the town. Once filled with salt water, the searing Spanish summer would slowly raise the water aloft, drop by drop. Shambling home for afternoon siestas, through the heat haze workers would regard the flocks of pink flamingos, shimmering like apparitions in the furnace-like midday sun. Today those same soporific saline ponds are operational and nature still painfully slowly produces organic salt for kitchens around the world. If Jesus Astondoa Martinez had the gift of premonition however, he would in no way relate with the pedestrian nature of sleepy Santa Pola with the frenzied industrious activity at the shipyard his grandson runs today. Rome wasn t built in a day and the pyramids certainly took considerably longer, but in just 7- months, from concept to construction, from building the mold to splashing the finished article in the azure Med waters, Astondoa Yachts have taken a 110 superyacht from virtual to reality. What better way to celebrate your centennial year and heritage than with a project of momentous significance? Laughing as he orders us a coffee, Jesus Hernandez Astondoa s Commercial Director explains their commitment to complete the project in all-but impossible time. While the yacht was in the port, waiting to be loaded onto the transporter in time to make the show, a team of twelve guys from the yard were still working feverishly aboard her. As the straps went on to lift her out they stepped off and headed for the mini-bus to take them back to the shipyard. On the bus we did a head count, only eleven! Fortunately, we managed to tear away the last guy from his labors or he d have arrived to meet US Customs with a screwdriver still in his hand! Sitting at the southern end of the display on Collins Avenue the Astondoa Century proved to be a showstopper, her multi-faceted lines and contemporary design setting a tone that was unmatched by any other global debutant at the event. While awaiting Cristiano Gatto, the Venice-based interior who created her interior, we took the time to admire the quality of the exterior completion of the tri-deck that towered above us, including the sharp defined angles of her molded superstructure that contrasted with the impeccable smoothness of her polished hull. David Galante of G Marine, Astondoa s representative in the Americas, notices our admiring glances and offers a comment as he passes: You could build a bigger yacht, but why? he asks. Having a boat that accommodates your style is most important. Having walked from stem to stern we happened upon the 110 s rather neat tender garage, which is revealed when the transom plate lowers to create an extended bathing platform. Inside resides a Williams jet tender with the capacity to carry eight, which is launched and recovered using a simple winch system 60 INVICTVS

4 YACHT REVIEW fitted to the forward section of the garage. While the tender may not possess the ability to convey the full compliment of ten guests that the yacht can accommodate, two SeaDoo personal watercraft are cleverly concealed on the foredeck, ensuring all those aboard can enjoy their time on the water. In fact, the watercraft garage is worthy of note for the accuracy with which the covering hatch has been fabricated; with the craft on their bunks the lid closes with just millimeters to spare around the handlebars, it s precision engineering at its best. Though we re getting ahead of ourselves somewhat, imagine we ve boarded, appreciated the comforts afforded by the generous cockpit with its aft banquette served by a dining table, and headed straight to the foredeck. Here, in an elevated position above the full-beam master below, one enjoys a commanding position and one of the best thought-out forward solariums we ve come across on a yacht of this size. Under the reverse rake of the wheelhouse windshield sits a deep sofa, but rather than fashioned in a simple c-shape as is traditional, it is flanked and split by extended padded portions. The result is a space that can be used by numerous occupants enjoying various positions, whether that be sitting, or stretched out in full length repose for reading or sun bathing. It s one of those simple and ingenious solutions that one can t believe is not more common. Forward of the sofas a triple sunpad sits atop the coachroof. The sunpad is enclosed between guardrails that not only highlight the quality of the in-house metalworker s talent in invisible welding, but whose sport rake add a subconscious and purposeful dynamic to the yacht s profile. While on the subject of dynamism, the Astondoa Century s performance figures certainly do justice to her aggressive exterior aesthetic. Posting a full 24-knots at maximum speed and cruising at 20- knots, this is a voluminous superyacht with the abil- Lowered gunnels ensure guests enjoy the full benefit of sole to ceiling glazing on the main deck, especially in the formal dining area. INVICTVS 61

YACHT REVIEW In specifying for two watercraft in the forward garage the owner sacrficed 5 of length of the master cabin, which remains a generous size.

5 YACHT REVIEW In specifying for two watercraft in the forward garage the owner sacrficed 5 of length of the master cabin, which remains a generous size. ity to get your party to that favored anchorage and quickly. With one last rueful glance at the sunpads we imagined our day taking a different turn: instead of trudging the show we could blast across from Miami to Bimini, at 50-miles offshore we d down our morning expresso and be playing in turquoise Bahamian waters before midday. For propulsion Astondoa has elected to fit twin MTU 16V 2000 series engines with two 2,217hp as standard, or up rated to 2,400hp as an option. Making full use of the 3,000- gallon fuel tanks you ll cover a respectable 500- miles at cruising speed. Back on the dock, the ever enthusiastic Cristiano Gatto bounds up to us, breathlessly confessing this is the first opportunity he s had to see the finished result of his studio s labors. Eagerly the Italian designer ushers us onboard and into the main salon. Light and views have obviously been the primary focus of the overall design, with full height glazing running the length of the space. Standing on a dark oak sole in the entry lobby we note how occupants of the two low white sofas that face inwards toward each other enjoy unimpeded views thanks to the lowered bulwarks, while coffee tables and cabinetry have all been kept low-level for the same purpose. The décor is predominantly white, with black and stainless steel accents for contrast and bright splashes of color introduced through the soft furnishings. The salon is reflected in the high gloss of the forward bulkhead upon which a large piece of artwork hangs, but it is when stepping into the starboard corridor that one s spatial awareness is distorted through an optical illusion. Mirrors are something of a leitmotif throughout the boat, but when the door to the ondeck master stateroom is opened the forward mirror makes the corridor look 200 long! Passing through a neat dressing room/salon where the owner s wife s penchant for footwear is catered for with storage space for 55 pairs of shoes and a walkin wardrobe we enter the master suite that features an aft facing double bed. On this particular unit the 62 INVICTVS

6 The owner s en-suite features details like a playful smartglass window for the shower cubicle and organic material laminated in resin for the liner.

7 YACHT REVIEW owner s desire for two watercraft in the foredeck garage means the master cabin has been foreshortened by 5 (1.5m), but the option exists for a larger suite to be fashioned if only a single watercraft is required; moving the en-suite to the forward area and creating a more voluminous stateroom. A vanity/bureau occupies a portside position in the master, below the long window that features on either side, while the en-suite is a true masterpiece that demonstrates the creativity of Gatto s studio. The glazed panel that partitions the cabin from the shower cubicle is playfully completed in smartglass, switching between opaque and clear at the touch of a button, while the liner of the shower is uniquely fabricated. Within a backlit laminate of white Perspex are long stems of pressed tree twigs, creating the dramatic effect of slashes of dark lines that are softened by their organic origin. We re always looking for new and exciting materials and processes, explains Gatto as he admires the piece. A lot of effort goes into discovering unique and original elements that we can incorporate, in order to add texture and layering, but without them being intrusive on the more minimalist contemporary styling. With this he points out another panel liner that though finished in white gloss features a pattern that subtly adds texture. This is another new process we ve recently come across, he declares proudly. The effect is created by covering the panel in resin, then a piece of material is briefly pressed onto it prior to drying. This way you can create any finish you like, from the fine threaded texture of silk, to organic surfaces like tree bark, or any fabric Imagined as a space that blurs the boundary between inside and exterior spaces, the sky lounge achieves this with aplomb. 64 INVICTVS

YACHT REVIEW style finish you choose. Located on the portside of the main deck resides a clinically clean galley, finished in high gloss white and stainless steel.

8 YACHT REVIEW style finish you choose. Located on the portside of the main deck resides a clinically clean galley, finished in high gloss white and stainless steel. The onboard chef no doubt enjoys the benefit of working in such a thoughtfully designed space, equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances from Miele, while the family can also pop in for a snack at the breakfast bar that sits under the portside window. The social aspect of full country kitchens are popular amongst yacht owners in the US on larger yachts, but this casual counter top for snacking makes a great addition on this 110. From the galley a companionway leads down to extremely generous accommodations for the six crew, who enjoy the use of a large square and three en-suite cabins; the captain s cabin in fact being only slightly smaller than those reserved for guests. For its part guest accommodation, arranged on the lower deck, consists of two VIPs amidships and two twins forward. The VIPs feature inward facing double berths and all en-suites are finished to the highest of standards with Gessi hardware and the resin twig shower liners. Again splashes of bright colors have been utilized to break up the white, grey and black monochrome palette of the cabins and tactile elements have been introduced with items like the knurled metal door handles. Cedar-lined closets with underlit rails demonstrate an attention to detail, as does the wooden sole in higher traffic areas offset by soft underfoot when one steps out of bed. Heading up to the upper deck we pass through the wheelhouse, which features teak decking, carbon fiber details and day beds to port and starboard. While a practical space for the captain to carry out his duties, it is also a social place for guests to comfortably hang out while underway. Cleverly, instead of wing stations flanking the wheelhouse as one would expect when viewing the yacht from the exterior, the bulging appendages house staircases for guests and crew to move around the yacht s exterior, meaning internal volumes are not compromised. Leading aft from the wheelhouse a few steps takes us into the sky lounge, another airy space that benefits from large lateral glazing and glass inserts in the ceiling overhead. Again the use of teak decking and carbon fiber in the flooring not only offers a highly durable surface, but also has the added purpose of blurring the distinction between the interior space and the aft terrace. Somewhat compact due to the inclusion of a sizeable wet bar, a lounge area and aft sundpads, the aft terrace is the only area of the yacht that perhaps would benefit from a more sympathetic use of space. Before signing of and complimenting the designer and shipyard executives on the truly astounding miracle they d achieved in creating such a complete and ad- SPECIFICATIONS LOA: (33.50m) Max Beam: 23 1 (7.03m) Max Draft: 5 10 (1.80m) Displacement (light ship): 113 US Tons Displacement (full load): 134 US Tons Fuel capacity: 3,620 US Gal (13,700 L) Fresh water capacity: 1,000 US Gal (3,800 L) Max Speed: 24-knots Cruising Speed: 20-knots Range: 500nM Engines (standard/option): MTU 16v 2000 M84/M93 Power (standard/option): 2x 2,217hp/2,400hp Construction: PRFV/GRP Cabins: 4+1 owner s suite Guest Accomm: 10 persons Certification: Germanischer Lloyds Builder: Astondoa Yachts (Santa Paola, Spain) Exterior Design: Astondoa in-house studio Interior Design: Cristiano Gatto Design (Italy) mirable yacht in the time they had, we popped into the engine room. Entered either through the tender garage an access point to port, the engine room is an exercise in polished metal. Shining polished metal liners cover the overhead and bulkheads, neatly concealing all wiring and plumbing that does not require constant eaxamination, while strainers and filters that do need monitoring are easily accessible. The engineering space, like the rest of the Astondoa Century is a credit to a shipyard that is celebrating 100-years of yacht building. And based on this unit, having survived perhaps one of the most challenging times the sector has faced, Astondoa would be fully deserving of celebrating many more anniversaries into the future. INVICTVS 65

G Marine Introduces Astondoa's New 65 Top Deck

G Marine Introduces Astondoa's New 65 Top Deck Second Generation of Family Fun For Immediate Release Contact: Romina Bompani -754-422-6985 rbompani@gmyachts.com Marilyn DeMartini - 954-564-7234 md@prpower.biz!