The AD ASTRA 60 has an unlikely origin story. Her designer, Francesco Guida, took the traditional New England lobster boat—recognisable by the low stern so fishermen could haul traps from the water—and transformed her into a chic day boat. Her name, AD ASTRA, is a shortening of the Latin phrase per aspera ad astra— ‘through hardship to the stars’—an apt name for a working boat with grand ambitions.

At 18 metres, she carries six guests across three cabins: a master suite forward with ensuite, and two guest cabins along a central corridor. A crew cabin sits on the lower deck, accessible from the salon. Her interiors are filled with natural light thanks to ample windows.

On deck, her cockpit is spacious and social, built for long days at sea. A garage aft accepts a tender up to 2.85 metres. For those who want it, stabilisation is available: gyro or fins.

She’s no slouch either. A planing GRP hull, 32 knots top speed, 25 at cruise, and a 300-nautical-mile range make island hopping a breeze.

She’s offered as a new build under RINA Cat B classification, and full shipyard warranty with Piloda Yachting, a boutique yard with small-scale production, assuring attention to detail.