The S/Y Athena isn’t just a yacht; she is a masterclass in maritime engineering, blending the golden age of yachting with cutting-edge 21st-century technology. When she was delivered in 2004 by the renowned Royal Huisman shipyard in the Netherlands, she immediately claimed her title as one of the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever built.
Design and Architecture
Athena was born from the collaboration between legendary naval architect Gerard Dykstra and designer Pieter Beeldsnijder. Her aesthetic is that of a classic three-masted gaff-rigged schooner, characterized by her elegant white hull and traditional lines. However, beneath that vintage charm lies a hull built from Alustar—a high-tech aluminum alloy—making her incredibly strong yet surprisingly light for her 90-meter length.
Power and Performance
Despite her massive 1,103 gross tons, Athena is a true performer. Under full sail, she can deploy over 2,600 square meters of canvas, reaching speeds of nearly 19 knots. For a vessel of this scale, that is a staggering feat of aerodynamics. When the wind dies down, she relies on twin Caterpillar engines that allow her to cruise comfortably at 14 knots, with a transatlantic range of 4,000 nautical miles.
Life On Board
The interior, designed by Rebecca Bradley, is a tribute to classic mahogany craftsmanship, spread across three levels. She accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms, supported by a professional crew of up to 21. One of her most spectacular features is the crow’s nest lift: a motorized seat that travels up the main mast, giving guests a bird’s-eye view from 60 meters above the sea.
Athena remains a rare sight in port—as seen in your photo—and continues to be one of the most respected “Queen of the Seas” in the global superyacht fleet.
