[SigSplash]

Originally Posted by Norgale

I'd say the rudder is for sailing. The twin screws are for cruising in places where sailing wouldn't be practicle or may be dangerous. Variable pitch props and the thruster would give the captain super control over moving the ship under any circumstances. Maybe some of that is redundant but with that much ship and that much money why take a chance on less? Pete

I more or less understand the practicality of having that much control via the props and thruster. I merely don't know how effective the single rudder will be with the twin props. It seems like they would have done something like the Elan 450.

[PropBet]

Originally Posted by YachtForums

We'll look forward to the final photogaphy... if they get Athena *and* her masts to fit into a picture! :-)

Any updates / images of her under sail, or complete with her rigging up?

Truly a spectacular boat.

[AMG]

Originally Posted by PropBet

Any updates / images of her under sail, or complete with her rigging up?

Truly a spectacular boat.

Yes, here she is: http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/ro...ns-athena.html

And SigSplash, I doubt Athena will need two rudders, they are for fast boats that can have a broach when the rudder is lifted out of the water. Under engine she wouldn´t need a rudder at all... but it is good for the autopilot.

[Norgale]

A twin screw yacht would have two small rudders behind each prop for proper steerage but the Athena is so big she needs that much rudder under sail. When using the props there would be no problem steering her as the water would be thrust along each side of the rudder giving her plenty of steerage even at very slow speeds. However as stated above with twin screws she wouldn't even need a rudder as the steering can be acomplished by vectoring the speed of each prop or backing one while the other goes forward for a sharper turn. The variable pitch props could help with this too although that's probably more for efficiency and speed than steering. Pete

[SigSplash]

Good explanation, thanks.

[Norgale]

Hey SigSplash you are most welcome. Would you have any info on the call sign for the Athena? Pete

[SigSplash]

I'm not sure about her call sign, but this may help: http://www.cdlive.lr.org/vesselstatus.asp?LRNO=1007237

[Norgale]

Thanks for the link SigSplash. It does show the registration number but what I'm looking for is her radio call sign. Usually three or four letters and then a number.
You can go to "ship locator" and see the position of all ships that are out on the sea but you can't id a particular ship unless you have the radio call sign. With that you can tell exactly where the ship is at any given time.
My interest here is that I'm building a model of her to go R/C sailing. If she ever got close to where I live I'd go and take a look at her and get some of my own pictures. Pete

[SigSplash]

I found a database that said her call sign was ZCNP.

Here is the link: http://e-ships.net/index/A16.shtml

[PropBet]

Originally Posted by AMG

Yes, here she is: http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/ro...ns-athena.html

WOW... just wow.
Jaw dropping wow.
What an amazing boat.

[Norgale]

SigSplash that's it. I've looked everywhere for the listing but just didn't hit on the right list. The last group I found has 50 Athena's listed and didn't find the right one. Thanks very much for this link. Pete

[SigSplash]

No problem.

[FISHTIGUA]

I've just seen the photos of Athena being moved from the build-shed.

Those motorised platforms she is on are from a Dutch company called Mamoot (Mammoth). Fantastic machines, they have V8 Deutz engines linked to hydraulic motors and axles that can be linked in multiples of how ever many you need. They are driven by one person with a walk-about remote control.

A Dutch guy I met in Venezuela was moving an oil refinery with a set of them and showed me around all the kit. They even have a super-crane that packs up into 12 shipping containers.

Interesting bits of kit.

Dave

[SigSplash]

Those are very effective and efficient. We use them constantly.