Who and what is Athena?

 So, who and what is Athena?

In Greek mythology, she is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. She is also a warrior, but very different than her brother Aries. Aries was all brawn and force. In combat, Athena brought in strategy and intelligence. When together, they were a formidable duo, but rarely did they fight. By extension, she is also the goddess of technology, navigation and boat building. Useful attributes on board. 

Our Athena is a Stamas 44' ketch, designed by Bob Johnson who also designed the Island Packet line of sailboats. They only made 23 of our boat, while there are hundreds of IPs in various sizes. She was built in 1985 of fiberglass, has two masts and a center cockpit. The interior, typical of her age, is sipele mahogany. She has classic lines, and people have told us she's a good looking boat. 

We chose this boat for several reasons. The previous two owners took very good care of her, and she may have spent most of her time sitting in the boatyard. Only 3000 hours on the engine. Kristen wanted a center cockpit for security from breaking waves over the stern, higher for dryness in general, and visibility, plus having the helm station farther forward. I was attracted to the versatile ketch rig, which allows a wide variety of sails to be flown depending on wind direction and speed. We both like the interior layout and appointments. She has a v-berth forward cabin that sleeps two, and an aft cabin with transverse berth. Kristen and I take the aft cabin, the v-berth is for our guests. The salon is amidship, and includes a table and bench which can be used as another berth, the galley, the navigation station, and lots of storage. Under the floor is a 300 gallon water tank, 175 gallon diesel tank, and lots and lots of storage space for our folding bicycles, spare ropes, wires, parts, and food. 

Under the cockpit is the engine room, which is generous on a boat if this size. There's a 63hp Perkins diesel, plus a 5.5 kw diesel generator, water heater, solar controllers, water pump, and a spaghetti bowl of wires and hoses. When we first looked in here, we were quite befuddled as to which wire went where, but now it's become quite familiar. 

We also chose this boat so we can accommodate guests. Would you like to join us? Several of our friends have, for just an evening, a weekend or several weeks. 'Tis said that the most dangerous thing on a sailboat is a schedule. Nonetheless, we will be crossing the Gulf Stream in a few days, landing at Bimini, the Berries and Nassau to meet with friends who will sail with us for a week, then another friend for another week, then a third for I'm not sure how long. 

While in the Bahamas, our modes of communication will change. We have a satellite device for emergencies and weather data, and Kristen will have her phone activated. My phone will be limited to those times when we have WiFi; perhaps at a restaurant or marina. Send emails and texts, and I'll respond when I get access. Or send to Kristen. 

Also, these emails are being archived as a blog at https://sail-athena.blogspot.com/

And as always, I would love to hear feedback. What would you like to read? Got any questions for me? 

G

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