Consistently Classy

By Steven Killing

No matter who designs Baltic's boats, they all come out looking great and, amazingly enough, related to each other. Whether created by Doug Peterson or, in this case, the Judel -Vrolijk design team from Germany, that classy styling is always there.

The new Baltic 35 is the smallest of the yachts now available from Baltic Yachts in Finland. When Baltic was formed it had formidable competition down the road from Nautor, builders of the Swan line. But it managed to establish an excellent reputation by maintaining the same level of quality that Nautor had set for boats from Finland, yet created a styling that was distinctive enough to be recognized as "Baltic." The only way I can describe the difference between Baltic and Nautor in cabin shapes is that the Baltic models appear a little more angular and perhaps lighter visually obviously a very subjective comment. When I get a new design from either company, I begin to smile before I even get the envelope open. I know I'm going to like the product.

Rolf Vrolijk, who used to be a sales representative for C&C Yachts in the days when the Canadian company designed for Baltic, decided he could do a better job of designing than the designers themselves, and struck out on his own. He has been very successful and has teamed up with Judel to produce such winners as Dusselboot, Outsider, Espada, Pinta and Container, some names that you may recognize from the Admiral's Cup and the SORC. Baltic had built a couple of Judel-Vrolijk boats and the relationship worked well enough that the design team got the chance to do the 35.
The hull was designed "with more displacement, better stability, more volume inside, no trim problems when the boat heels," as well as better downwind control, than an equivalent pure racing boat. To achieve these goals Baltic has gone for a wide beam aft, but added volume forward above the waterline to correct the usual bow down problems.

Many advantages are found with the fractional rig, this one a seven eighths. With the use of swept back spreaders, the baby stay has been eliminated, and that means smoother tacking. The smaller headsails are easier to handle, and if you don't feel like putting one up at all, the boat will sail well under main alone. Off the wind, with smaller spinnakers set lower on the rig, the tendency to roll is reduced.

The interior, though, is the area that sells most Baltics. When looking at the accommodation plan of any Baltic boat, one is struck by the angled bulkheads, and you may be tempted to decide, "That's a bit too weird for me." But hold your judgment until you get on board. You'll hardly notice the angles, but you will notice the space that has been created. The bulkhead configuration provides space for the galley stove and icebox without shortening the after berth along the centerline. There is room for the chart table, as well as a place beside the berth to change your clothes. This trick of angled partitions has been used before, and it still works well. The larger Baltics have been impressive with their aft cabins, and even here in 35 feet the designers have managed, by keeping the depth of the cock­pit to a minimum, to provide an inviting area.

The Baltic 35 will be available for spring delivery. For more information, contact Baltic Yachts, Hollming Ltd., Box 2320, SF 68555, Bosund,Finland.

Specifications:
Sail
Manufacturer: Baltic
Model: 35
Model Year: 1984
Length: 35 – 40 Ft

Steve Killing is an independent designer based in midland, Ontario. He is the Head of the Design program from North America’s Cup Challenge.
Originally Published in Canadian Yacht’s Nov 1984 issue.