SmartRigging has announced that it will supply PBO rigging to the 204-foot schooner Athos, currently under construction in Holland. This will be the largest project in the world to fit lightweight stays, a revolutionary solution introduced by SmartRigging in 2005.

The Athos project already involved some of the greatest names in the Dutch yachting industry. Designed by Andre Hoek, the aluminium schooner is currently under construction at Holland Jachtbouw. She will be equipped with Rondal carbon masts, and SmartRigging has now joined the team looking to ensure Athos a maximum sailing performance.

When launched in the beginning of 2009, Athos will be the world’s largest private schooner.

SmartRigging will supply all the stays for this groundbreaking project. The rigging package will offer weight savings of up to 80 percent compared to traditional steel stays. Athos will also benefit from the unprecedented experience recently gained by SmartRigging with a range of yachts in the Americas Cup and Ocean Racing.

“The owner of Athos chose to partner with us due to our technical expertise in the field of lightweight stays,” explains SmartRigging managing director Rinze van der Schuit. “Pricing was not an issue: The Athos project is pushing the envelope of design and technology in many ways and the rigging will be no exception.”