These days, even though the word “green” is on everyone’s lips, there is one area where, unfortunately, it won’t get you incredibly far: boats and yachts. At least, not yet. A number of designers have produced some fascinating renderings and concepts demonstrating magnificent futuristic watercrafts that rely on solar power, wind power, and even waterpower. And they are exactly what is needed in a world more and more concerned with the state of the environment and dwindling fossil fuel reserves – efficient, clean sailing. But, for now, boats and yachts still rely largely on massive amounts of fuel to motivate them. So much so that people considering a yacht often find themselves backpedaling upon learning exactly how much expense is devoted to the cost of fuel alone. Sometimes, in order to advance technology, we find it necessary to look back at what worked in days gone by, and Baltic of Finland has been perfecting the sailing technology of yore for decades. One of their grandest models is the Baltic 152 Custom known as Pink Gin.
The B152 was created with the lavish amenities and exquisite craftsmanship expected of the finest luxury sailing yachts. It even features some technologies that are new to the market. Balancing fine, highly-varnished teak woods, mirror-polished stainless accoutrements, and proven vacuum-infused sandwich glass construction with carbon fiber elements in its overall construction, the B152 should last several decades without much concern. To ensure enthusiastic performance from such a large vessel, Baltic enlisted the help of structural engineers from SP-Technologies and architects Judel/Vrolijk & Company to craft a super yacht that would not only travel at an alarming clip, but do so with a stability and solidity that most other boats of this caliber lack.
The Baltic 152 nods to traditional luxury sailing vessels, but offers a slightly more athletic design than some other sailing yachts of this size. Pink Gin’s interior, created by Design Unlimited, greets passengers with a warm and clean environment, indulging the senses with plush cushions, ornate lighting appointments, and every amenity one would expect from a yacht of this nature. Some of the panels may deceive, as they’re not wood but fine leather. The 152-foot sailboat sleeps 12 people comfortably, provides generous living and dining areas for entertaining and sets new standards for personal luxury performance super sailing yachts.
In the realm of the sailing yacht, no current craft is completely green, including the Baltic 152. It derives its non-wind power from an 875-horsepower Caterpillar diesel and feeds off a 2,377-gallon fuel tank. However, sailboat engines are usually used for navigating into and out of harbors, not for primary movement. For that, there is the wind. Because the Baltic 152 also boasts air conditioning, a full galley with refrigerator, freezer, stove, dishwasher, and fan, and a host of electronic equipment, it also makes use of a host of batteries, and holds over 1,400 gallons of water. But again, these power features are only used when the equipment is being used. Since there is no engine constantly cranking out exhaust fumes, and one could actually cruise from San Francisco Bay to Honolulu on less than a tank of gas, it is fair to say that a sailboat truly is one of the greenest, cleanest ways to enjoy the ocean, and possibly travel in general.
Founded in 1973, Baltic quickly earned a reputation for producing boats of a cutting-edge nature. Light colored woods, exotic materials, clean design lines, and an air of efficiency dictated the tone of most Baltic crafts. It caught the attention of both the press and public alike, and within their first four years of business, Baltic was experiencing proverbial overnight success. From then, like other businesses, it enjoyed highs and lows, consolidations and reconfigurations, but today is held in the original hands that first formed Baltic nearly four decades ago.
While Baltic’s spotted corporate past has made it difficult to ascertain exactly what the company is doing from time to time, one thing has always remained the same: their commitment to building quality sailboats. With a core following of dedicated clients, Baltic has endured many trying economic times, and today is no different. Two of Baltic’s major selling points are a tradition of solid craftsmanship and experience and an excellent balance of performance and luxury. So often, sailboats sacrifice one for the other, but Baltic has worked diligently since its inception to produce boats that represent and honor both the sport of sailing and the luxury of yachting. The Baltic 152 Custom absolutely attests to that. And being primarily propelled by the forces of nature, you can enjoy stylish, comfortable yachting without green guilt.
Most yachts cruise along burning thousands of pounds of fuel per hour, but that is not the case with sailboats. They dip into their OPEC reserves but a few times per journey, easing the burden to the environment, as well as your pocketbook. While ocean-goers of centuries past had no choice in how their boats would be powered, today sailboats are popular again simply because they are environmentally friendly and offer financial advantages to their owners in terms of fuel cost. And while modern sailing isn’t about skimping on the creature comforts, it still offers an old world thrill that traditional yachting lacks. It’s a different level of excitement, an uncanny feeling of connectivity to the forces of nature, and an absolute requirement to work with, not against, them. It’s your skills and abilities to negotiate with Mother Nature that dictate your speed and direction. Sailing encompasses a philosophy that involves becoming part of the boat and one with the wind. It truly is a sport, albeit one that doesn’t have to entail the aggressions and aggravations that are often portrayed by Hollywood movies. Sailing can be, and usually is, a pleasurable, relaxing experience that enhances your life. Owning a sailboat like the Baltic 152 promises that and then some. So, if you’re considering a change of pace and think owning a yacht might be the answer but are also concerned with environmental issues, a sailboat might be the way to go. And when it’s something along the lines of the Baltic 152, you get the best of both worlds – green travel and lavish luxuries.
Customize your own sailing vessel through Baltic Yachts, USA at 401-846-0300 or
balticyachts.com.
