Baltic Yachts has been commissioned to build an advanced composite 39.6m custom classic sloop from the board of Dutch designers Dykstra Naval Architects. Building will commence in early autumn this year, with launch and delivery expected in 2021.

The yacht has distinctive pilot cutter-style features, including a straight stem, bowsprit, counter stern and deep bulwarks, but a very modern approach to emissions and the environment. Dykstra Naval Architects describes the yacht as having ‘timeless elegance’. The interior styling by deVosdeVries design will feature a ‘light and contemporary’ interior using stained oak, dark bog oak trims and ‘industrial chic hardware’. 

There will be a notable emphasis on efficiency with features such as ‘smart’ cabins, designed to automatically minimise power consumption when unoccupied, and air conditioning energy waste recycled to heat water. With an electric propulsion system powered by a lithium ion battery bank, the yacht will be able to operate in ‘silent’ mode for long periods.

“This is a very consumption-conscious vessel using sophisticated computerised monitoring to pre-determine cabin ‘sleep’ modes depending on the conditions,” says Baltic Yachts’ Matthew Lester, who has been working on the project. He adds that Baltic has also been working closely with a specialist air-conditioning company to maximise the use of waste air conditioning heat.

Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman, the yacht will be built to a DNV GL unlimited worldwide charter code. The yacht is designed with an owner’s suite forward and three double guest cabins. Crew accommodation for six will be arranged aft.  

“We are delighted to be working with a new client who is both a keen yachtsman and is technically experienced,” comments Baltic Yachts’ CEO Henry Hawkins. “A great deal of pre-planning and engineering has gone into this project and we are enjoying working with the owner.”

The sailing-yacht market, which remains a niche within the superyacht market, is still dominated by a handful of established sailing-yacht builders: the only yards that have delivered more than five sailing yachts over the past five years are Baltic Yachts, Royal Huisman and Southern Wind. In contrast, over the same period, 22 yards have made only one sailing-yacht delivery. While this number of one-off builders is gradually decreasing as the market consolidates, this statistic remains challenging for builders trying to maintain a steady flow of orders from fewer prospective clients.

Data provided by The Superyacht Agency shows that Baltic Yachts has maintained a fairly consistent delivery rate over the last 10-year period, with an average of one delivery per year. This is very positive considering the unpredictability of the sailing-yacht market and this rate looks set to continue over the next few years. The shipyard has also maintained a consistent average length of deliveries ranging between 40-45m. Baltic's other project scheduled for delivery in 2021 is the Baltic 146 Custom.

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