Photo Caption: Looking aft from the Bridge Deck conversation area, sofa seating and ottomans reside under protected cover. To the outboard edges of this picture, you can see the aft tender davits waiting to retrieve.

Photo Caption: Just aft of the hard covered conversation area is the exterior, al-fresco dining table. The table remains a permanent fixture of the aft deck, while folding chairs are utilized for easy stowage. The dining area is flanked by two staircases leading to the main deck, while Athena's Mizzen mast towers through the awning opening behind.

Photo Caption: Looking aft from the port navigation station, stainless stansions and varnished wood rails line the perimeter decks and every walkway. A symphony of support struts and wires create a vertical maze that boggles the mind.

Photo Caption: This is one of four main exterior staircases, two forward and two aft, that grant access between the bridge deck and the main deck. There is also a crew access ladder centrally located on the bow. Again, notice the rail-lined tables on deck. While they are certainly beautiful, those details will need lots of attention in the years to come.

Photo Caption: The depth of detail becomes more evident upon closer examination of the staircase hand rail. The Dutch are known for their excellent woodwork and Royal Huisman takes this legacy to another level.

Photo Caption: The main aft deck is better equipped, with food prep and wet bar stations just forward of the port/starboard dining tables. This lay-out creates a clear passageway... with the exception of that pole!

Photo Caption: The satellite seating at each corner of the main aft deck carries on with Athena's theme. Sizes and shapes may change, but the finish and style is consistent throughout.

Photo Caption: A perfect place to romp in the sun or simply vegetate, the aft-deck lounge features a partial hood to keep the sun out of your eyes while warming your body. The U-shaped structure that surrounds the lounge pads adds protection from the wind... and keeps you from rolling out of bed when Athena begins to heel.

Photo Caption: Seats ranging from cushioned to bare teak are integrated throughout the decks, along with rail-lined end tables. These seats also double as storage lockers for deck equipment and we expect they will see their share of stow-aways as well.

Photo Caption: Mounted prominently and in stately fashion, the style of Athena's nameplate invokes her classic roots. Even the lighting is conducive to the era, with a stainless bar running above the nameplate that uses conventional spot bulbs for illumination. None of that new-fangled backlighting allowed!

Photo Caption: This hand rail exemplifies Royal Huisman's mastery, with wood-bending that is borderline mind-bending. This is only one of dozens of junctions that must be mated-up properly. A time consuming and arduous process at best, it's the difference that reflects generations of woodworking skills.

Photo Caption: When this bell first rang in 2004, it was heard around the world. It is mounted on the front deck, in between Athena's main anchor winches. Note to the vane, check your reflection against the top of the bell, not the rim.

THE YACHT: WHEELHOUSE...

Photo Caption: Seven flat panel displays line the bridge. Noticeably absent is the ship's wheel, until you look out the bridge windows. A bench seat is provided for central command, with adjustable helm chairs taking position behind port and starboard auxillary workstations.

Photo Caption: The overview of the instrument control panel...

Upper-Left: Search Light
Lower-Left: Iridium SatPhone
Left-Center: Robertson Autopilot w/ B&G Nav System
Upper-Center: C. Plath Compass
Lower-Center: Roller-Ball Mouse
Right-Center: Throttles and analogue RPM gauges
Right-Lower: For/Aft Controls for Holland/Roer twin 275hp thrusters
Right-Upper: “Now Hear This!” (Avaya Internal Voice Over IP)

Photo Caption: A close-up of the central display panels features three of the captain’s favorite prime time shows. To port… engine rpm’s, loads, exhaust temps, oil pressures, etc. At center… the next destination and how to get there without running aground. And to starboard… pitch, rudder angle, depth, heading, wind speed, wind direction, etc.