AST – Advanced Sailing Technologies strengthens the competence network of the Deutsche Yachten working group.

Deutsche Yachten welcomes AST – Advanced Sailing Technologies (AST for short) as its newest member. Based in Potsdam, the company develops and manufactures high-quality luxury tenders using ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre sandwich construction. Since its foundation, AST has consistently focused on the specific requirements of the international superyacht industry. With its expertise in lightweight construction, electric propulsion solutions and bespoke manufacturing, AST further expands the capabilities of the German network.

AST was founded in Potsdam-Babelsberg in 2017 and is 100% owned by its founders and managing directors, Thilo Keller and Catarina Jentzsch. The company specialises in the development, manufacture and distribution of tenders built using carbon-fibre sandwich technology. All boats are manufactured exclusively at the company’s Potsdam facility, reflecting its strong commitment to “Quality made in Germany.”

“Our tenders combine the benefits of efficient series production with an exceptionally high degree of customisation. Every boat is built to order and configured according to the owner’s requirements. Membership of Deutsche Yachten gives us the opportunity to contribute our experience even more strongly to the international network of the German superyacht industry,” says Catarina Jentzsch, founder and managing director of AST.

The current portfolio comprises five tender models ranging from 2.80 to 5.00 metres in length. Depending on the model, customers can choose from up to six different deck layouts, while colours and specifications for the hull and deck, rub rails, upholstery and decking can be individually combined. AST’s proprietary “modular manufacturing principle” enables a wide range of variants while maintaining efficient production processes. According to the company, each tender model can be configured in up to 40 billion different ways.

Another key area of expertise is propulsion technology. AST offers six electric and eight combustion-engine options across its range. The consistent use of lightweight carbon-sandwich construction reduces the weight of ASTenders and, together with the hull design, contributes to high levels of energy efficiency. According to the company, its tenders require around 30% less propulsion power than a comparable RIB to achieve similar performance. Depending on the configuration, speeds of up to 70 km/h are possible. Electric versions can achieve a range of up to 120 nautical miles.

AST’s latest model is the ASTender 500. Catarina Jentzsch explains: “With a wet weight of well under 300 kilograms and the highest available engine specification, it is around one tonne lighter than a comparable jet tender, which weighs approximately 1,300 kilograms. It is an absolute game changer and a real statement for the industry.”

Since its foundation, AST says it has built several hundred boats. The company has a clear focus on the superyacht segment, with the majority of its revenue generated from mother vessels measuring 80 feet and above. AST therefore operates in a market where the highest quality standards, outstanding customer service, the ability to meet individual requirements and reliable project execution are all critical.

Production is exclusively carried out to order: each tender is individually configured and built using high-quality materials and components.

With AST, Deutsche Yachten gains another company that combines technological expertise, bespoke manufacturing and German production quality.