ATHENA 38 | Walkthrough [Second-hand] | Multihulls World

► On the second-hand market for boats under 40 feet, the Lagoon 380 has become the must-have. Admittedly, this bestseller, which saw more than 900 examples built, has aged pretty well and offers remarkable comfort for its size... but for budgets just over €100,000, there are other models to consider, such as the Athena 38 by Fountaine Pajot, which offers two advantages: it is more affordable than the Lagoon and is faster under sail! ► Launched at the La Rochelle boat show in September 1994, the Athena 38 was positioned between the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42. All the models in this second generation, designed by Joubert/Nivelt, are characterized by their blunt bows, very rounded shapes on the inside (the miracle that polyester GRP must have been for naval architects long familiar with wood, steel, aluminum, and chined bilges!) and finally the overhanging coachroof cap, which is the one feature that would be retained and still remains today. ► Lightweight and well-canvased, the Athena 38 is lively and fun to sail from the single helm station – positioned on the aft face of the coachroof, on the starboard side. Obviously, the relatively short length and skeg keels reduced do it no favors when close-hauled in bigger seas, but in all other conditions, this little catamaran will surprise more than one helmsman with its performance - which can be boosted by decent sails and the installation of folding propellers. ► The model Graham presents to us is from 2001 and is a three-cabin version - the entire starboard hull is dedicated to the owner. The nacelle offers a rounded saloon that can easily accommodate six people, a chart table/desk, and a U-shaped galley. Logically, there is only one bathroom per hull. On the starboard side, Graham has a fully equipped workshop. Admittedly, the comfort is somewhat rustic, the sill at the entrance to the nacelle is a higher than we see today, the sugarscoops are not particularly wide and the paneling is a little worn in places... but for a nearly 25-year-old multihull purchased for €115,000, the Athena 38 still has a lot to offer and, above all, can take you anywhere: An excellent base for refit! ► Technical specifications: Builder: Fountaine Pajot Architect: Joubert/Nivelt Interior design: Olivier Flahault Length: 38’ (11.6 m) Beam: 20’8” (6.3 m) Draft: 3’1” (0.95 m) Air draft: 59’ (17.85 m) Light displacement: 12,125 lbs (5.5 t) Sail area: 947 sq ft (88 m²) Motors: 2 x 20 HP Fuel: 180 l Water: 360 l Second-hand price: from €100,000 ex-tax ► Sign up for our newsletter and win a free two-month subscription to Multihulls World by clicking here: https://bit.ly/48JP1Vk ► Become a FREE SUBSCRIBER to Multihulls World's YouTube page now -    / multihullsworld   ► Log on to our website to discover over 600 multihulls tests! Subscribe to our newsletter to take advantage of our promotions and boat show invitations! https://www.multihulls-world.com/ ► Follow us on Facebook! https://m.facebook.com/MultihullsWorl... ► Discover us on Instagram!   / multihulls_world   ► Follow our multi news on X https://twitter.com/multihullsworld?l... ► Let’s talk about business   / multicoques-mag-multihulls-world   ► Like us on TikTok!   / multihullsworldmag   #multihullsworld #yachting #multihull #cruising #bluewater #sailing #sailcruising #seatrial #boatreview #bluewatersailing #boat #boatlife #boating #sailingday #magazine #youtube #tiktok #catamaran #emmanuelvandeth #athena38 #secondhandboat #saintlucia #rodneybay