Baltic 39 Information, Review, Specs

The Baltic 39 was produced by Baltic Yachts from 1977 to 1983, with 74 units built during its production run. During this era, Baltic Yachts was rapidly establishing its reputation for building high-performance sailing yachts through a blend of innovative design and uncompromising quality. The company, founded in 1973, prioritized superior performance and offered flexibility in design, setting the stage for models like the 39.

The design philosophy behind the Baltic 39 aimed for a medium displacement performance vessel, intended for all-round sailing with a particular emphasis on upwind performance. Key to this design was the incorporation of a high ballast ratio and a high aspect ratio fin keel, which contributed significantly to its stability and pointing ability. While a fin keel was the most common configuration, providing excellent maneuverability, a keel/centerboard version was also available, offering a variable draft for shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Baltic 39's design translates directly into its commendable sailing performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.07, the yacht is well-balanced, indicating good performance across a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or unwieldy in heavy breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 43.3% signifies a high degree of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to its canvas effectively and maintain a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 229.86 places the Baltic 39 in a middle-to-heavy displacement category for its length, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly hull rather than an ultra-light racer. Owners frequently describe the Baltic 39 as offshore capable, safe, and sea-kindly, consistently praising its ability to perform well on all points of sail. Its fin keel design further enhances maneuverability, making it responsive at the helm. Despite its performance orientation, the Baltic 39 is often noted as manageable for a couple to handle without requiring a full crew. Some feedback suggests that the boat, with its generous sail plan, can feel a bit overpowered in stronger winds, hinting at its robust performance capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance focus, the Baltic 39 offers a generous and well-appointed accommodation layout for a vessel of its size. A notable feature is the inclusion of a full owner's cabin aft, providing privacy and comfort. The interior is designed to maximize natural light, benefiting from large deck hatches, deck prisms, and ample cabin windows.

The typical interior arrangement includes a fully equipped galley, a dedicated navigation station, a comfortable main salon, and a V-berth forward. The finish quality, while not explicitly detailed in available reviews, aligns with Baltic Yachts' reputation for robust, well-crafted vessels of their era, often incorporating quality materials like wood trim. While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted that storage capacity, while adequate, might be less extensive compared to some other dedicated cruising boats of similar size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Baltic 39 consistently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting their robust construction, safety, and offshore capabilities. Many appreciate the boat's solid feel and its ability to handle various sea conditions with a comfortable motion. The consensus is that the Baltic 39 offers an excellent blend of performance and cruising comfort, making it a highly rewarding boat to sail. One owner enthusiastically stated they would buy the same boat again and have never felt the need for another vessel. The ease with which the Baltic 39 can be handled by a smaller crew is also frequently praised. As with many older yachts, potential owners should consider the typical maintenance associated with a vessel of its age, though no specific widespread recurring issues beyond general wear for boats of this vintage were prominently highlighted in owner feedback.