€28m superyacht Athos sails into Strangford Lough

€28m superyacht Athos sails into Strangford Lough

8 July 2020

ONE of the world’s most desirable ‘superyachts’ sailed into Strangford Lough last week — and it could be yours provided your pockets are deep enough.

The 62-metre long Athos is on the market for a cool €28 million — hardly a in the ocean.

If that sounds a bit on the pricey side, you might consider a charter rental, but that would set you back €185,000 a week, plus expenses and a generous tip for the crew.

For that kind of money though you could be forgiven for demanding nothing but the best and Athos does not disappoint.

The largest privately-owned two-masted schooner in the world, she was built in 2006 for a Dutch shipping magnate. 

There is accommodation for up to ten guests in five luxuriously appointed cabins. There are also crew quarters for up to ten staff.

The dining table can accommodate up to 12 guests and there is a separate bar and lounge areas.

It even has its own inflatable flying boat and other toys include sailing dinghies, speedboats, diving gear and fishing gear, and lots more tucked away in its cavernous lockers.

Athos spent several days at anchor in Strangford Lough last week and her presence certainly generated plenty of local interest, if not from offers to purchase.

She is on a long term charter and is currently cruising up the west coast of Scotland.

Among the crew members is 20 year-old Melissa Ramm, from Donaghadee, who works as a deck hand.

Her mum, Margaret, was lucky enough to get on board when Athos pulled into Antigua in the West 

Indies back in March just before the Covid lockdown.

“It’s a stunningly elegant yacht,” said Margaret. “I would certainly have no problem living on it.”