Dutch shipyard Moonen Yachts has announced the launch of the seventh hull in its 122 Martinique series. The 37.4-metre steel and aluminium yacht, previously known as Project YN205, has now been christened Ad Astra.
She was last seen in February last year, when her hull and superstructure were joined at the Dutch shipyard’s Den Bosch facility.
Following her launch, Ad Astra will undertake sea trials in the North Sea before being delivered to her owner in the Caribbean and joining the charter market soon after.
According to BOATPro, Ad Astra (then Project YN205) initially began construction on speculation in April 2023. She was listed for sale with IYC before being sold to an American owner during her build.
Exterior design is owed to René Van Der Velden, while the custom interiors are styled by the team at Hollander Yacht Design, and the naval architecture was completed by longstanding collaborator Diana Yacht Design.
According to the yard, Ad Astra is distinguished by several bespoke features reflecting her owner’s lifestyle and taste, including a Jacuzzi aft of the sundeck and a bright orange boot stripe across her hull.
“The christening and launch of Ad Astra mark another proud milestone in the Martinique series”, shared Moonen Yachts technical director Nicky van Zon. “Each new build reflects the strength of the platform while giving space for owners to make their yacht truly their own. With her striking orange waterline and bespoke lifestyle features, Ad Astra is a perfect example of this balance.”
Moonen Yachts project manager Ian Vermoen continued: “Working with the owner to bring their vision to life has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of the craftsmanship and dedication our team has shown in delivering this unique yacht. Seeing her christened and launched is a moment of celebration for all involved.”
IYC’s California managing partner and sales consultant, Matthew Stone, added: “We are incredibly proud to announce the successful launch of the stunning 37m Moonen Martinique, Ad Astra. It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside the new owner, as well as with Moonen Yachts, Hollander Yacht Design, and the dedicated team at IYC Yachts.”
He continued: “Initially, the owner considered larger yachts and explored multiple shipyards and brokerage options. However, the discussions consistently returned to Moonen, thanks to its exceptional quality, large volume, and the impressive flexibility in customising technical modifications. This collaboration also enabled us to work closely with the fantastic interior team at Hollander Yacht Design to create a tailored design that met the client’s specific needs.”
Built in high tensile steel, Ad Astra will include worldwide shore power connectivity and dual US-European domestic power outlets, optimised for side-boarding arrangements.
Accommodation is for up to 10 guests across five cabins, including a main deck forward-facing owner’s cabin, and there are further quarters for seven crew. The 345GT yacht is expected to reach a maximum speed of 17 knots and offer a range of 4,000 nautical miles.
