The Baltic 111 Raven, equipped with revolutionary hydrofoils, has triumphed in early sea trials, showcasing exceptional reliability and attaining sustained speeds in the high 20s. Over ten consecutive days of rigorous testing off Baltic Yachts' headquarters in Jakobstad, Finland, the super-lightweight sloop exhibited its prowess, setting the stage for its imminent handover to the owner in October.
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This superyacht is the first in its class to integrate hydrofoils mounted on adjustable side arms, supporting a substantial portion of its displacement. The sea trials marked the culmination of a meticulous two-year build and testing phase, characterized by Baltic Yachts' commitment to weight reduction, critical for the project's success.
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The yacht’s overall concept, including the interior and exterior styling is by Finn Jarkko Jämsén. Naval architecture is by Botin Partners and structural engineering by PURE Design in New Zealand, both of whom are at the leading edge of the latest America’s Cup foiling technology. Leading the Raven project is the highly experienced Garth Brewer of A2B Marine Projects.
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Raven's performance, meeting initial expectations, has been a result of a collaborative effort involving the foil team, rig suppliers, sailmakers, structural engineers, and the Baltic Yachts build team. Henry Hawkins, Baltic Yachts' Executive Vice President, expressed delight in the promising and successful trials but emphasized that this marks just the beginning of the journey.
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Sailing under a full main and a triple-headed sailplan, Raven showcased its foiling capability, utilizing the leeward foil to support a significant part of its displacement. The yacht, designed to sail on its chine, maintains its transom immersed, equipped with trim tabs for altering fore and aft trim.
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Captured in photographs sailing in moderate wind and sea conditions at impressive speeds, Raven is now poised for transfer to a location offering optimal conditions for further testing.
Baltic Yachts was founded in 1973 with a clear objective to build better yachts that are lighter, stiffer, and faster. With more than 550 yachts launched, that objective has been continuously met.
Credits: Dan-Erik Olsen/Baltic Yachts