On the main deck, the Astondoa 655’s L-shaped settee is along the aft bulkhead and port corner, facing backward, giving guests a spectacular view. Slide open the aft door and with a “click,” the door and bulkhead window recess into a lower pocket, completely out of the way, blending the aft deck with the salon. A full glass superstructure, including the single-pane windshield and sunroof, allows the Astondoa 655 to convert with your lifestyle desires or weather concerns. Flow is the name of the game as the 655 becomes a very “social” platform for owner and guests alike.
In the salon area large U-shaped settee and twin hi-low tables with fold-out leaves, perfect for both formal and intimate dining. Looking for a more casual alfresco meal experience? Not to worry; the aft deck houses a wet bar, electric grill and fridge/icemaker below.
Matching the sporty helm seats is the starboard pod-style helm console, with leather and polished metal trim against a black dash. It’s a simple layout, with room for dual Garmin multifunction displays (nav, radar, tech gauges, etc.) and a Schneider Electric touchscreen display to operate pretty much everything electrical. Throttle controls and the Volvo joystick controller are situated on a starboard-side console.
Maintaining a focus on social areas, Astondoa designed the Astondoa 655 with a galley below, but it’s not hidden in a below deck cave as on similarly sized competitors’ models. The airy main deck is carried down to the galley thanks to an atrium-like arrangement. There’s a full complement of appliances, including a full-height Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer, covered sink with Tres faucet, Miele induction three-burner cooktop and oven, and Miele dishwasher. Upper/lower cabinets and drawers solve the storage conundrum.
Accommodations are finished with the same standard of woods and materials as the rest of the Cristiano Gatto-designed yacht. Forward is the VIP stateroom with a center berth that is so roomy and well-appointed, it could be confused with the master. An ensuite head complete with marble countertops and sink and a shower with a rain forest showerhead makes a statement. Even the starboard guest stateroom with twin berths has ample headroom, large windows and a hanging closet.
The full beam mid-ship master suite is just aft of the galley and includes a center berth with hull windows for commanding views; the head is to starboard behind sliding doors. Offering his-and-her sinks and a shower, this location allows for a deeper stateroom versus the head between the cabin and engine room.
As if that’s not enough to impress, the crème de la crème are two more features not typically found on yachts in this size range. Port and starboard mid-ship fold-down platforms are accessible from the side decks, creating a mini-oasis, great for a private respite or to catch the sunset.
Galante commented that these decks offer “a megayacht feel.” Indeed! Astondoa also added a sun-deck lounge area to the carbon-infused cabin top. From the easy-to-navigate steps along the side of the superstructure, it’s a perfect secluded space or a sightseeing perch with unobstructed viewing.
The company’s founder, Astilleros Astondoa (the “AA” trademark), may not be widely known in the U.S., but with innovative offerings like the Astondoa 655 Coupe, his 100-year-old company is certainly making its mark.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 62′
Beam: 16′ 5″
Draft: 3′
Displacement: 35,500 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 845/185 U.S. gals.
Power (std):2x 900-hp Volvo IPS 1200 D13
Cruise/Top Speed: 25/33 knots
Range: 300 nm@ cruise
Price (tested): $2.2 million
Contact: G Marine
(954) 866-1636
gmyachts.com • astondoa.com
By Tom Serio, Southern Boating July 2017