The Hyperion was commissioned by the famous Jim Clark, creator of the once world-famous Netscape Internet browser. He wished to build himself the largest sloop with the tallest mast, which would be the most computerized vessel on earth. Long before he built Hyperion, Clark had founded Seascape, a company that did only one thing in complete secrecy: developing software for his owner's future yacht. He wanted the yacht to be fully handled by 22 touch-screen monitors located throughout the boat and interfaced with a network of 30 Silicon Graphics computers. Unfortunately the owner's hopes to replace the classical computer controls did not materialize fully: numerous "glitches" and failures caused a number of unpleasant situations on board during the first voyages. For this reason, instead of relying solely on Seascape software and touchscreens, Clarke added the traditional controls for his second boat - the massive schooner Athena. It didn't take long for Hyperion to become the world's largest sloop - in 2000 she was launched in Georgia, which was one meter longer than Athena.
