The two-masted schooner Athos has completed a full-scale refit at Huisfit, the refit branch of Royal Huisman, which included a 1.25 metre extension at the stern and a total rebuild of the interior.
The yacht, now measuring 63.2 metres, arrived at the Huisfit facility in Amsterdam in September 2021 and has had up to fifty people working on her at one time during the 14-month project. She was originally launched by Holland Jachtbouw in 2010 with design by Hoek Design.
For the refit, Hoek Design once again stepped in to oversee the naval architecture, interior styling and layout changes of the guest accommodation, main saloon, crew service areas and navigational deckhouse. Meanwhile, Peter Mikic Interiors was responsible for the layout and styling of the main deckhouse and interior decoration.
The extension was a key component of the refit and involved the careful reconstruction of the yacht’s aluminium hull. The additional length has allowed for a completely reconfigured cockpit, with a two-metre sunbed area and a new teak transom.
The main cockpit area has also been enlarged to create a well-appointed space that’s been conceived as the social hub of the yacht. There is seating for up to 12 guests with flexible tables that can function as coffee tables or dining tables. The flow of the area has been improved too, with easier access to amenities – including a new bar with a fridge and icemaker.
Athos‘ deckhouses have undergone significant changes to the layout and modification. The owner’s deckhouse on the stern has been overhauled with a new configuration and style. The main deckhouse floor has been raised to one level and redesigned with a focus on natural light, with the addition of a classic-looking bar and sofa seating. Further forward, the former crew companionway has been replaced by a larger, third deckhouse that is styled and crafted in the same way as the other two.
This new deckhouse allows space to house a new navigation and secondary steering station, which, in turn, offers an additional social area for the crew below deck.
In terms of lower deck changes, the owner’s deck has been ripped out and replaced with additional portholes on both bulkheads. In a bid to create a warmer and more inviting ambience, hard panelling has been replaced by soft fabrics and planked wood flooring has been carpeted. The en suite has been divided into two and a walk-in wardrobe has been fitted as well.
Modifications can also be seen in the remaining guest accommodation, with new carpeting and upholstery throughout. A chandelier has been added to the corridor connecting the cabins and the original staircase has been replaced with a new space-saving stairway. By removing a day head, the portside cabin aft has received a new queen berth and sofa seating.
Elsewhere, the yacht has been given a cosy media room and an upgraded galley, which was completely rebuilt with new appliances in line with modern, professional-grade galleys. In the crew quarters, the laundry has all-new appliances, the crew cabins have new floors and the crew mess has enjoyed the benefit of new worktops.
In terms of performance, Athos has received new booms, new sails and new carbon rigging to ensure improved sail management and performance. Other enhancements include all-new navigation, alarm and safety systems and new lighting throughout. New audio-visual equipment has been fitted and the yacht’s tender has also been rebuilt, with a second tender added.
Project manager Jeremy “Bear” Wynne from Wynne Projects Ltd. praised the quality of Huisfit’s work. “The multiple modifications have been beautifully done. The attention to detail and finish is excellent. The additions and modifications have not only improved the functionality of the yacht, they have also enhanced the appearance,” he said.
Athos marks the flagship of Holland Jachtbouw.
