Baltic 47 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Baltic 47 emerged from Baltic Yachts' esteemed production line during a period when the shipyard was deeply entrenched in leveraging advanced composite materials to build high-tech, performance-oriented vessels. Designed by Judel/Vrolijk, the yacht embodied their philosophy of achieving optimum performance combined with easy handling through a light to medium displacement design.

Baltic Yachts, founded in 1973, had by the mid-1990s firmly established itself as a leader in composite yacht manufacturing, a hallmark of their construction philosophy. During its production run, the Baltic 47 was offered with several keel configurations, including a winged keel and a keel/centerboard option, catering to owners who desired the flexibility for shallow water sailing or those with a more performance-minded focus. The standard deep draft for the Baltic 47 is 8.67 feet, indicating a performance-oriented fin keel. A total of nine units of the Baltic 47 were built, each benefiting from the builder's emphasis on integrating cutting-edge marine technology with traditional craftsmanship.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Baltic 47's design ratios underscore its capabilities as a responsive and stable performance cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 22.13, she is well-equipped for spirited sailing even in lighter winds, suggesting excellent responsiveness and acceleration. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.41 (41%) is commendably high, indicating substantial stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a considerable press of sail without excessive heeling. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 178.8 places her firmly in the medium-light displacement category, reinforcing her design as a performance cruiser rather than a heavy, traditional yacht.

Anecdotal reports align with these figures, consistently describing the Baltic 47 as offering optimum performance and easy handling. The fin keel variant, in particular, is noted for providing splendid maneuverability. Baltic Yachts' overarching design principle for yachts of this era was to deliver high-performance designs that do not compromise on comfort, ensuring a rewarding and comfortable cruising experience in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details for every Baltic 47 are not uniformly documented due to the builder's emphasis on customization, the model generally offers a spacious and well-appointed interior designed for comfortable long-distance cruising. Baltic Yachts' commitment to quality is evident in the general finish and use of materials, typically featuring high-quality wood joinery and robust fittings, characteristic of yachts from this prestigious builder.

The interior layout of a Baltic 47 would typically include a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining area, a well-equipped galley, and one or more heads. Aft cabins, often a single large owner's cabin or two smaller guest cabins, would also be standard. Storage is typically ample, designed to accommodate provisions and gear for extended voyages. Ventilation would be achieved through a combination of deck hatches and portlights, ensuring airflow throughout the living spaces. Despite the performance orientation, Baltic Yachts places significant emphasis on user-friendliness in technical design and maximum comfort in interior spaces.