The Baltic 121 “Alice” has left the shipyard in Jakobstad, Finland. The new performance cruiser was designed for long voyages but, according to Baltic Yachts, is also intended to be agile to sail and easy to handle with a small crew. The hull and exterior design are by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design, whilst the interior was developed by Adam Lay Studio in southern England.
The new vessel is therefore built in line with a principle that characterises many of the Finnish shipyard’s individual vessels: to save weight without compromising on comfort or range. The The History of Baltic Yachts ranges from the construction of simple mass-produced boats to complex carbon-fibre superyachts such as ‘Alice’.
The telescopic keel changes the draught by 2.25 metres
The hull and load-bearing structure are made of carbon fibre. According to the shipyard, the displacement in light condition is 109 tonnes, of which 35 tonnes is ballast. The proportions – 37.08 metres in length and 8.30 metres in width – are striking.
The telescopic keel can be lowered from 4.15 to 6.40 metres. The 2.25-metre difference broadens the range of possible use: in shallower waters, the keel remains retracted; at sea, the greater draught and the resulting increased leverage improve stability, whilst the NACA-profiled keel provides greater lift and sailing performance.
With its combination of variable draught, full-carbon construction and large sail area, ‘Alice’ joins the ranks of Baltic’s fast long-distance cruising designs. Even more elaborate is the Baltic 142 ‘Canova’ with its DSS foil for added stability and high speeds.
Sail handling with a small crew
Despite its size, the new vessel should not require a large crew for every sailing manoeuvre. The mainsail is hydraulically furled into the boom, whilst the headsails are fitted with Reckmann furling systems. A captive winch is used to set the sail, as well as for the mainsheet. The headsails are trimmed using four large Harken deck winches.
Ryan Taylor, shipyard captain at Baltic Yachts, reports that it takes just a few minutes from casting off to setting sail. Once perfectly trimmed, he believes that ‘Alice’ should be just as easy to manoeuvre as a significantly smaller performance yacht. It remains to be seen whether the owner will make the most of her regatta potential.
No independent measurements of sailing speed or handling characteristics are currently available. Nor has the shipyard provided any specific details regarding the sail area.
Glass deckhouse connects the saloon and the cockpit
The deckhouse features extensive glazing and offers an almost unobstructed view of the surroundings. A fixed bimini shelter protects the outdoor area – and in particular the guest cockpit – whilst underway and at anchor. Unlike a fabric solution, it remains ready for use at all times, but had to be structurally integrated into the lines of the superstructure and the load paths of the 37-metre Baltic.
Designer Adam Lay has opted for brushed walnut wood, textured veneers and fabrics in subtle shades for the interior. The surfaces of the inlays in the cabin are reminiscent of small waves. Wall lights echo the shape of tree branches. According to the British interior specialist, the interior design is intended to be perfect for everyday family life, without losing its homely character.
The large windows allow daylight to reach deep into the rooms and provide a direct view of the water. This ensures that, even on a yacht of this size, the saloon remains closely connected to the cockpit and the surroundings.
Technical specifications:
- Overall length: 37.08 m
- Waterline length: 33.80 m
- Width: 8.30 m
- Draught: 4.15 to 6.40 m
- Displacement: 109 t (empty)
- Ballast: 35 tonnes
- Material: carbon fibre
- Ship design and exterior design: Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design
- Interior: Adam Lay Studio
- Owner's representative: A2B Marine Projects
Book recommendation
Blue-water sailing Bobby Schenk’s book addresses the practical and technical aspects of long-distance sailing trips. These include coping with heavy weather, insurance matters, communication at sea and long-term life on board. The guide complements the profile of the ‘Alice’ by covering those long-distance sailing topics that require careful preparation, regardless of the yacht’s size or budget.
Is a 37-metre yacht with a small crew still proper cruising or simply a luxury? Join the discussion.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT