We are delighted to announce the launch of Athos, the world’s largest privately-owned two-masted schooner. Measuring 62m overall and designed by Andre Hoek, the operation to bring Athos to water involved a dramatic journey through the Dutch countryside.

 

Too heavy to lift with a crane, the wheels of a giant trailer were carefully inserted under the cradle and the entire 400-tonne structure was carefully driven on to a pontoon. The next stage of this major logistical operation saw the barge and its precious cargo towed on a two-day journey from our yard in Zaandam (close to Amsterdam) to the northern Dutch port of Harlingen. It was here that Athos’ deep-V hull made her first contact with the water as the yacht was launched by a massive 2000-tonne lift.

 

The yacht was then towed on her own keel back to the HJB yard, where we are mow making a start with stepping Athos’ phenomenal rig. At 62m, the main mast is the longest built by Rondal or anyone else in Holland and, like the 15m fore boom and 23.5m main boom, is made of carbon fibre.

 

A technical marvel in every respect, sea trials of this breathtaking superyacht will begin shortly. Watch this space for more details.