Making Waves: Astondoa – Historic Shipyard Has Vision For The Future

We recently paid a visit to Astondoa, a Spanish shipyard renowned for its extensive range of what we’d like to call “production/custom” yachts in the 40- to more than 120-foot range.

By Maria Roberta Morso

August 10, 2012

We recently paid a visit to Astondoa, a Spanish shipyard renowned for its extensive range of what we’d like to call “production/custom” yachts in the 40- to more than 120-foot range.

Production/custom may sound like an oxymoron, but in this case, the term is appropriate. Indeed, this builder is willing to offer its customers the ability to customize their yachts, no matter their size. And it is not just a matter of interior style and décor, owners have the ability to choose technical equipment and both interior and exterior layouts.

We wondered how Astondoa could offer such a level of customization and keep its prices competitive. Our visit there provided the answer: The shipyard does everything in-house. Astondoa has its own design department and employs hundreds of skilled craftsmen and technicians who build everything, including furniture, upholstery and hardware.

Since Jesús Astondoa Martínez founded the company in 1916, three generations have catered to the family business. Today, the Astondoa Group has three shipyards, plus an impressive 150,000-square-foot joinery workshop (called Classyc). The modern headquarters are located in Santa Pola, a sunny, touristic town near Alicante, on the Costa Blanca.

Astondoa currently produces three ranges of yachts in composite. Their interior design is the work of renowned Italian designer Cristiano Gatto. The ranges include an Open line (five models from 40 to 67 feet), a Flybridge line (five models from 43 to 62 feet) and the Motoryacht line (10 models from 66 to 122 feet). The company has also pre-engineered platforms for cutsom yachts from 120 to 185 feet, built in steel and aluminum. One notable recent launch is the 150-foot Samurai One, with an interesting interior design by Gatto.

Well-known throughout Europe, Astondoa is seeking to expand its market. The Flagship Marine Group currently represents the Spanish brand in North America and the Caribbean. The Miami-based firm’s experienced president, Rafael Barca, is working with the shipyard’s team on design tweaks to meet the requirements of the demanding American clientele. The strategy seems to be working. Flagship Marine has already sold a number of Astondoas from 65 to 70 feet to American owners.

For more information, visit flagshipmarinegroup.com or astondoasa.com