Superyacht Athena arrived at Orams Marine Services in Auckland during February 2011 for a comprehensive nine month refit program. Athena is a 90m (295ft) three masted schooner and when she was launched she was the world's largest private sailing yacht.One of the major elements of the refit was a complete repaint of the hull and superstructure and extensive varnish work. The mast and rigging were removed for a full service including running rigging, fixtures and composite components as well as the two shafts and propellers for a full service and antifoul at the dry dock at Babcock. The painting of the three masts was described as being similar to painting three 20m yachts. The removal of the masts and rigging was a huge logistical exercise involving four cranes and a rigging crew of 20 working over four days. Throughout the whole project there was up to 60 people working on the yacht at and one time.
Craig Park Managing Director of Orams Marine Services said;
" It had been and inspiration to be involved with such an outstanding vessel and the company was proud to have worked on two previous Superyachts for the same owner"
The slide show below shows Athena at different stages of the refit and how she looks now. The photos are by Clive Bennett and Ivor Wilkins.
