The remarkable trimaran Earthrace, which was designed to run on biodiesel and go around the world, couldn’t achieve its objective as it was rammed and sunk by a Japanese whaling ship. Another trimaran which is much more luxurious and much larger than Earthrace is in the making and nearing completion. It has been commissioned by Hong Kong residents Anto and Elaine Marden. It has been designed by John Shuttleworth Yacht Designs and is being built by McConaghy Boats. The yacht is currently being constructed in China. Called Astrada, the yacht has a dimension of 16 by 42.5-meter.
Shuttleworth believes that Earthrace was nothing more than a stripped out record breaking machine, whereas Astrada is a luxury trimaran built on that basic form. But transforming that basic form into a luxury yacht has taken time and it has been five years and counting since the process started. However, it is reportedly nearing completion. This luxury trimaran will not run on bio fuel but is designed to be fuel efficient. Measures have been taken to keep it lightweight and streamlined. The hull is made from glass/Kevlar foam sandwich material and the superstructure is made from carbon fiber with a honeycomb core.
The main source of power for the yacht is the Caterpillar C18 engine, putting out 1150 hp at 2300 rpm. There are two smaller Yanmar outrigger engines, which each manage 110 hp at 3200 rpm. It can manage a top speed of 22 knots and has a range of 4,000 miles at 17 knots. The yacht has a full-width master cabin, guest cabins, and crew accommodations. It can accommodate nine passengers and six crew members. Apart from a navigation station and a pilot house the yacht will feature a galley, lounge area and main dining area. The yacht has a foredeck sun bed and an aft deck bar and dining area and a diving platform. Its price or cost has not been indicated anywhere, so far.
Via: gizmag
