Athena is a clipper-bowed three-masted gaff-riggedschooner built by Royal Huisman in 2004 for Internet entrepreneur James H. Clark. Clark purchased a 47.4 meter sloop, Hyperion, from Royal Huisman in 1998. As Hyperion was nearing completion, Clark began to consider the possibilities of a larger yacht, which could include a theater, library, more guest space and a more capable galley, taking inspiration from the 1920s Krupp built motor yacht "Talitha".
The yacht was re-fitted in 2008.[1] It can support 12 guests and 22 crew, and is built under Lloyds Register classification.[2]
Athena is the winner of the Show Boats International Award for Best Sailing Yacht over 40 Meters for 2004.
A book titled “Athena – A Classic Schooner For Modern Times” (photography by Louie Psihoyos, writer Jack Somer) describes the history, the construction and the life of this vessel.[3]
In July 2012 the Athena was listed for sale with an asking price of US$95 million,[4] and reduced to $75 million in June 2014.[5] In summer 2014 Athena was listed as available for charter in the South Pacific, priced at approximately €260,000 per week.[6] As of May 2019 the asking price was listed as $45 million (USD).[7]