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From Netherlands to Caribbean: How Moonen is Making a Statement
The Art of the Statement: Building a Yacht with Identity
In the world of superyachts, a new launch is a common occurrence. But every so often, a vessel emerges with a personality so distinct it demands a second look. The christening of the seventh Moonen 122 Martinique, now named AD ASTRA, is one of those moments. She is a powerful testament to a builder that has perfected the balance between a proven, rock-solid platform and an owner’s personal vision. With an eye-catching orange waterline, this 37-meter yacht isn’t just another hull; she is a vessel with identity, a message to the industry that a yacht’s soul is just as important as its specs.
The American Choice: Why a 122-Footer Was the Right Call
The story behind AD ASTRA is as compelling as her design. The owner, an experienced American client, initially considered larger yachts from other shipyards. This is a critical detail, as it highlights Moonen’s value proposition. As Matthew Stone of IYC explains, discussions kept coming back to Moonen for its “exceptional quality, large volume, and the impressive flexibility in customising technical modifications.” For a builder, this kind of feedback is a gold standard. It proves that Moonen’s platform offers the substance and adaptability that can rival larger, more expensive options, making it the smart choice for a discerning owner who prioritizes quality over sheer size.
A Masterclass in Personalization: The Human Touch
AD ASTRA is a masterclass in owner-driven personalization. Every detail was considered to reflect the owner’s lifestyle and taste. The Jacuzzi provides a space for relaxed, open-air living, a feature that enhances the yacht’s social capabilities. But it’s the orange waterline that truly makes a statement. It is a bold design choice that gives the yacht an unmistakable identity, a flash of color that separates it from the crowd. This is not about building a cookie-cutter yacht; it is about working closely with an owner to bring their unique vision to life, a process that Moonen’s in-house craftsmen handled with confidence and dedication.
The Dutch Pedigree: A Legacy of Excellence
The success of AD ASTRA is a collaboration of expert minds. Her elegant exterior design is the work of René van der Velden, with the robust naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. The interior, penned by Hollander Yacht Design, was crafted with personalized elements by Moonen’s team. This fusion of a proven platform with expert design and Moonen’s in-house craftsmanship ensures that AD ASTRA is not only visually stunning but also technically sound. It is the result of a legacy of excellence in Dutch shipbuilding, proving that Moonen’s reputation for quality is well-earned.
A New Chapter of Exploration
With her christening and sea trials complete, AD ASTRA is on her way from the Netherlands to the Caribbean. This isn’t just a delivery; it is a launch into a new chapter of adventure. This highly capable yacht, which will also be available for charter, is ready to cruise the seas and serve as a home for her owner’s journey. AD ASTRA is more than the seventh hull in a successful series; she is a testament to Moonen’s vision and the owner’s choice, a bold new player on the seas, built for a life of freedom and exploration.
