The Baltic 175 Pink Gin VI, the world’s largest carbon fibre sloop, when launched, embarked on an unusual maiden voyage recently – by road. She was safely transported over a distance of 21km from Baltic Yachts’ inland manufacturing site at Bosund to the waterfront yard in Jakobstad in preparation for final fit out and launching next month.
The all carbon composite 160-ton, silver sloop might be impressively light for a yacht of her size, but she proved quite a challenge for the local road system. She travelled at an average speed of about 10km/hr during the journey during which roundabouts, a railroad crossing and other obstacles had to be negotiated. Baltic Yachts had permission to widen the road and temporarily removed traffic signs so that the unusual load could travel safely along her way.
She is now waiting for her 71-ton, two-stage lifting keel to be fitted before her launch on May 12th. The delivery of the 175ft/54m yacht to her owner will take place in mid-summer.
Naval architecture for Pink Gin VI is by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and interior design and styling by Design Unlimited. Key features include her 223ft/67.9m tall sloop rig set on carbon fibre spars and remarkable accommodation design. She is also fitted with two balconies, which fold out to form openings in her topsides.
The displacement of 235 tons (light craft) is low for a yacht of this size and has been achieved by using advanced carbon sandwich hull and deck construction methods and closely monitored weight control. The sail plan is generous with a mast height of nearly 67 metres above the waterline. She will be a powerful, fast sailing yacht on all points and will remain comfortable in all conditions.
The interior layout and styling is by Design Unlimited who have worked with the owner on a number of projects. The new yacht will have an interior in which texture and surface treatment will play a large part in the design.
Carefully selected materials will be used to produce an interior countered by an elegance and sense of comfort ideal for relaxing during long world cruising passages. The master stateroom is positioned forward and comprises a large open plan suite incorporating an impressive and unusual fold-out private balcony for direct access to the sea. A similar balcony is set into the topsides amidships to port providing direct access to the yacht’s main entrance lobby.
Also in build in Baltic Yachts’s facility in Jakobstad, Finland, is a powerful, rugged yet stylish semi-planing luxury motor yacht due to launch this year.