The tiller terminates immediately behind the aft beam and contains
an extendable Ronstan tiller extension which allows the skipper
to helm from out on the windward hull or relax in the cockpit. The
transition from deck to trampoline is seamless, which allows you to
move weight around the boat without much effort.
All halyards and the mast rotation controls are on the mast and
boom which keeps the deck clear and functional. The mast is stepped
onto the cuddy cabin top and supported by an internal ring frame.
The cuddy is large enough for one non-claustrophobe to sleep in,
but the wing decks look a more comfortable proposition for overnight
camping. Having a Plastimo hatch on the cuddy means that all the gear
will remain dry no matter how much spray is thrown around on deck.
On the bow the carbon prod is secured by a stainless loop and a
channel that is moulded into the deck while the 5.5m^2 furling jib is
fastened by a solid ring bolt to the fore deck. With 17m^2 of working sail42 Boating New Zealand
LEFT To get things
moving in the light airs
deploy the screecher.
BOTTOM Solid, well-
constructed systems for
expanding/contracting
the outer pontoons.
RIGHT The Astus
features good deck
space – enough to
accommodate two hefty
sailors in comfort.