Piloda Yachting presents Ad Astra 60: the Italian lobster boat

A yacht designed to stand out in a market that tends toward standardization: elegant, functional, authentic. Ad Astra 60 is the new project by Piloda Yachting, the yachting division of Piloda Group, developed in collaboration with designer Francesco Guida.

Ad Astra 60 was conceived with a clear objective: to offer a yacht that stands apart through design, technology, and a precise construction philosophy. In a market where the offer is increasingly wide yet increasingly uniform, Piloda Yachting has chosen to return to fundamentals: timeless aesthetics, functionality, intelligent simplicity, and attention to detail—all with a contemporary outlook. It is also a yacht appreciated by sailors, who recognize it as a kindred design thanks to its balance, proportions, and authentic dialogue with the sea.

“We wanted to preserve a classic, elegant appearance that would not be a victim of short-lived trends. This is a yacht that stands out for its elegance, without stylistic devices that tie it to a passing fashion,” says Francesco Guida, responsible for the naval architecture and both exterior and interior design. Its elegance is understated yet present—like a refined, confident woman of class, capable of captivating without ever raising her voice.

A project that evolves, not imitates

“Compared to a traditional down east style boat, we worked to create a cleaner deck, focusing carefully on the stem, the spray rails, and the transom exits to maximize hull efficiency,” Guida continues. The result is a seaworthy hull with excellent navigational qualities. The interiors were conceived to welcome both owners who enjoy the sea on day cruises and those who prefer longer stays onboard. Two layouts are available: three cabins and two heads with an outdoor galley and supplementary facilities in the saloon; or two cabins with a galley on the lower deck and an exterior grill. All spaces are finished with high-quality materials such as solid teak and teak veneers, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Down East spirit, Mediterranean flair

The formal and philosophical inspiration comes from American down east boats, reinterpreted for Mediterranean tastes and made contemporary through a careful study of proportions and functionality. Propulsion is via straight shafts, “still today the most reliable and durable solution, ensuring autonomy, maneuverability, and management costs aligned with real-world use,” explains Salvatore Bonavita,
Project Manager at Piloda Yachting.

The current configuration features twin MAN I6-800 engines, delivering a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 32. Ad Astra 60 also sails efficiently in displacement mode, with stable trim and reduced fuel consumption, thanks to a hull designed to perform effectively in both regimes—ensuring a consistently enjoyable navigation experience and encouraging long days at sea.

Design, liveability, and substance

The interior and exterior spaces were designed for versatile use: the cockpit and saloon are seamlessly connected by a sliding door, turning the main deck into a continuous space, almost entirely open to the air—even within the superstructure, thanks to an electrically operated sunroof. The dining area comfortably seats up to six, with solutions that highlight conviviality.

The layout and finishes reflect a philosophy of “true detail”:“We will never build a bed with a sharp corner. Nor a yacht with misaligned headliners. What you don’t see is exactly what makes the difference. For us, quality is real before it is perceived,” emphasizes Bonavita. The result is a yacht capable of appealing both to owners downsizing from larger vessels in search of functionality and comfort, and to younger owners looking for a distinctive yet solid product, perfectly suited for family use.