Baltic 55 DP Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Baltic 55 DP entered production in 1984, with its final unit delivered in 1989, resulting in a limited fleet of nine hulls. Designed by Douglas Peterson in the early 1980s, the yacht quickly demonstrated its capabilities by achieving significant racing successes in its inaugural year, including a third-place finish in the Newport-Bermuda Race and a first-place finish in the Block Island Race. This immediate competitive performance underscored Peterson's design philosophy, which aimed to prove that racing prowess and ease of cruising were not mutually exclusive concepts in yacht design.

Baltic Yachts, founded in 1973, established itself on a vision of building yachts that were "lighter, stiffer, faster and better," consistently pioneering the use of advanced composite materials like carbon fibre to achieve superior performance characteristics. The 55 DP, like many Baltic models of its era, reflects this ethos, featuring a hull and deck constructed with a sandwich laminate for enhanced rigidity and improved interior climate control. A hallmark of Peterson's design for Baltic, the 55 DP incorporates a characteristic near-flush wedge deck and a double cockpit configuration, optimizing both performance-oriented sail handling and comfortable on-deck living. While the primary keel configuration was a fin keel, specific yachts, such as "Gryning," were noted to feature a shoal draft wing keel, indicating some customization options during the production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Baltic 55 DP’s design ratios reflect its ambition as a powerful yet manageable cruising yacht. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.42, she possesses ample sail power, suggesting strong performance in lighter air conditions and a lively feel across the wind range. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.418 indicates a high degree of stiffness, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable, stable motion in a seaway. Despite her generous proportions, the Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 362.59 places her firmly in the category of a heavier, more substantial cruiser, known for comfort and offshore capability rather than extreme light-displacement speed.

The standard fin keel design contributes to "splendid manoeuvrability," making the large vessel surprisingly agile for its size. Paired with a spade rudder, this configuration offers excellent control and responsiveness, a critical attribute for a yacht capable of both long-distance cruising and competitive racing. The combination of a powerful sail plan, significant ballast, and a responsive underwater profile ensures that the Baltic 55 DP delivers a rewarding and confident sailing experience across various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts could vary between individual builds, the Baltic 55 DP's interior is consistently characterized by the extensive use of teak, a traditional marine timber known for its durability and aesthetic warmth. The sandwich construction of the hull and deck not only contributes to the yacht's structural integrity but also helps in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate, insulating against both heat and cold. As a yacht of 55 feet, the Baltic 55 DP would typically feature a multi-cabin arrangement, offering substantial living space for extended cruising or accommodating a larger crew. The quality of finish and materials aligns with Baltic Yachts' reputation for uncompromising craftsmanship, providing a robust and elegant living environment expected of a premium performance cruiser from this era.