Ad Astra 60 is an 18-metre lobster boat developed by Piloda Yachting, based in Torre Annunziata, with design by Francesco Guida. The vessel was presented at the 2025 Cannes Boat Show and was built with a stated objective: to stand apart in a market the shipyard regards as increasingly broad yet increasingly uniform. The project is grounded in principles of timeless design, functionality, intelligent simplicity, and attention to detail, expressed through contemporary engineering solutions.

Piloda Yachting has operated in the nautical industry for over 15 years, managing more than 200 vessels annually. This hands-on operational experience directly informed the technical choices aboard Ad Astra 60, from the layout of an engine room designed for ease of maintenance to systems conceived for long-term reliability.

"Ad Astra is the result of deep, hands-on knowledge gained where yachts are truly tested: in daily operation and maintenance. Every technical choice, from an accessible engine room to systems engineered for effortless service and intelligently integrated safety, was made with longevity in mind. This is not a yacht designed for the present alone, but one conceived to perform, evolve, and endure for decades." Walter Di Palo, Head of Piloda Group's Yachting Division
Installation of the Smartgyro SG20

The gyroscopic stabilisation system selected for Ad Astra 60 is the Smartgyro SG20, installed by SV Servizi, a long-standing technical partner of the shipyard. SV Servizi managed the full process: from the preparation of foundations and mounting plates through to onboard installation and final commissioning.

"The installation process was straightforward and well supported. Smartgyro proved to be more than a supplier: our team supported the shipyard throughout all critical phases, and the SG20 integrated cleanly into the designated installation area, with minimal impact on onboard systems while delivering immediate performance benefits." Armando Petrone, SV Servizi
The modular design of the Smartgyro SG20 facilitated integration aboard and simplifies future maintenance operations. The vacuum-sealed flywheel sphere can be opened and serviced onboard without removing the entire unit. All surrounding systems — cooling, braking, inverter and control electronics — remain individually accessible.

Technical specifications

The Smartgyro SG20 is engineered for vessels in the 45–55 ft range, making it a natural fit for an 18-metre yacht of this class. It delivers a maximum anti-rolling torque of 15,500 Nm at a rated speed of 9,500 RPM, ensuring effective roll reduction both underway and at anchor.

Ad Astra 60 is powered by twin MAN I6-800 engines, providing a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 32 knots. The hull is optimised for both planing and displacement modes, featuring a pronounced stem, spray chine to limit swell and stern exits designed for hydrodynamic efficiency.

Onboard comfort

"Smartgyro's performance has exceeded expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in comfort and stability. It allows owners and guests to fully enjoy the boat's spaces, whether cruising at speed or relaxing at anchor." Salvatore Bonavita, Head of the Technical Department, Piloda Yachting
Ad Astra 60 represents a synthesis of form and function: an aesthetic rooted in nautical tradition combined with engineering solutions designed to deliver reliability and comfort over the long term. The integration of the Smartgyro SG20 sits coherently within this design philosophy.