CARBON TENDERS FROM POTSDAM: AST JOINS DEUTSCHE YACHTEN
Potsdam-based Advanced Sailing Technologies strengthens the network with its expertise in lightweight carbon construction, electric propulsion and bespoke tender manufacturing.
Deutsche Yachten is pleased to welcome AST – Advanced Sailing Technologies as its newest member. Based in Potsdam, Germany, AST develops and manufactures premium luxury tenders using ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre sandwich construction.
With its specialist expertise in lightweight engineering, electric propulsion systems and customised manufacturing, AST further strengthens the capabilities of the Deutsche Yachten network and its offering to the international superyacht industry.
Quality made in Germany founded in Potsdam-Babelsberg in 2017, AST remains wholly owned by its founders and managing directors, Thilo Keller and Catarina Jentzsch. The company specialises in the development, manufacture and distribution of tenders constructed using advanced carbon-fibre sandwich technology.
Every AST tender is manufactured exclusively at the company’s facility in Potsdam, underlining its commitment to “Quality made in Germany.”
“Our tenders combine the efficiency of series production with an exceptionally high degree of customisation. Every boat is built to order and configured according to the owner’s individual requirements,” says Catarina Jentzsch, founder and managing director of AST.
“Joining Deutsche Yachten gives us the opportunity to contribute our expertise even more effectively to the international network of the German superyacht industry.”
Extensive customisation through modular production, AST’s current portfolio comprises five tender models ranging from 2.80 to 5.00 metres in length. Depending on the model, customers can select from as many as six deck layouts, while the colours and specifications of the hull, deck, rub rails, upholstery and decking can be individually combined.
The company’s proprietary modular manufacturing system enables a broad range of configurations while maintaining efficient and consistent production processes. According to AST, each tender model can be configured in as many as 40 billion different combinations.
All tenders are manufactured exclusively to order, using carefully selected materials and premium components to meet the requirements of each individual project.
Lightweight construction and efficient propulsion technology is another core area of AST’s expertise. Across its range, the company offers six electric propulsion systems and eight combustion-engine options.
The consistent use of lightweight carbon-fibre sandwich construction significantly reduces the weight of ASTenders. Combined with optimised hull designs, this contributes to exceptional energy efficiency and performance.
According to the company, ASTenders require approximately 30% less propulsion power than a comparable rigid inflatable boat to achieve similar performance. Depending on the selected configuration, the tenders can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, while electric versions offer a range of up to 120 nautical miles.
The ASTender 500 the company’s latest model, the ASTender 500, represents a significant advancement in lightweight tender design.
“With a wet weight of well under 300 kilograms and the most powerful available engine configuration, the ASTender 500 is approximately one tonne lighter than a comparable jet tender weighing around 1,300 kilograms,” explains Catarina Jentzsch. “It is an absolute game changer and a clear statement for the industry.”
Dedicated to the superyacht market since its foundation, AST reports that it has manufactured several hundred boats. The company maintains a strong focus on the superyacht sector, with most of its revenue generated through projects involving mother vessels measuring 80 feet and above.
AST therefore operates in a highly specialised market in which uncompromising quality, outstanding customer service, bespoke solutions and reliable project execution are essential.
With AST joining the network, Deutsche Yachten gains another highly specialised member combining technological expertise, customised manufacturing and German production excellence.
