BALTIC BREEZE

The Athena is typical of the cats designed and built in the 1990s by Fountaine Pajot – mainly for the charter market, although a fair proportion were bought for private use. A spacious but simple interior is bright and airy, and above all easy to maintain. There are four double cabins and two heads, plus a spacious saloon, which included the galley and vestigial chart table. Despite the fact that most were bought for charter, the accommodation is entirely adequate for private family sailing, although stowage is largely in open lockers and the décor could be more interesting. The Athena is one of the better performing of the charter-orientated cats, being comparatively light with fine-sectioned hulls. Bridgedeck clearance is good. Sail handling is straightforward from the large cockpit and there is plenty of sunbathing space forward of the saloon. A long production run (from 1995-2005) means prices vary a lot. Many are located overseas, particularly in the Med and Caribbean, which must be factored into the price