In the world of long-distance cruising, Baltic Yachts’ 67 Performance Cruiser Freedom stands out, offering a blend of strength, speed, and simplicity. The 67 Performance Cruiser Freedom is everything needed to get out on the water quickly, singlehanding the way to the tranquility of the sea, while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a proven, remote-controlled, digital crew, so to speak, that is ready and willing to carry out the captain’s orders in a heartbeat at the push of a button.
Baltic has built some formidable, fast, luxurious sailing yachts. Think the 142 Canova, the 175 Pink Gin, the 197 Hetairos, the 130 My Song, the 146 Path. They are, arguably, the best in the business, building exquisite composite hull sailing superyachts. High quality, high performance, and high energy, Baltic yachts are respected around the world. Going back to their roots to build a smaller, lighter, faster, stiffer sailing yacht that could be managed by a small crew, the 67PC emerged to the delight of singlehanded sailors and couples everywhere.
Freedom is the third hull in this Judel Vrolijk series. While the three yachts are built using the same hull mold, all have very different interior layouts and modifications. The savings in tooling and build time afforded by using a standard hull mold are considerable, making the 67PC a very attractive choice. A long menu of options to complement the preferences of any sailor makes this semi-custom yacht extremely versatile, accommodating a wide range of sailing preferences.
Freedom’s lightweight, advanced composite, Targa-style protective hardtop with extensive glazing that also provides a panoramic view, sets her apart from the other two 67PCs. A large sliding hatch, solar panels, and safety-first mainsheet track further elevate the design.
The push-button sailplan is handled via remote control and electro-hydraulics. Remote surveillance allows the captain to move the tender in and out of the stern garage entirely by phone, weigh or retract the anchor, or make just about any adjustments needed while on board or underway.
By the Numbers
Delivered in 2022, Freedom measures 20.52 meters with a 5.45-meter beam and 3.50-meter draft which reduces to 2.50 meters with the telescopic lifting keel with stainless steel fin and lead bulb. Known for building lighter, stiffer, and faster boats, Baltic’s 67PC was built with advanced composites at their Jakobstad yard. Freedom’s 26,000 kg displacement ensures good downwind performance in moderate breezes. Ballast weighs in at 7,442 kg.
Freedom has three cabins, one double forward and two twins aft. The open layout puts the galley, dining area, nav station/office, and salon in one great space. Design Unlimited provided the styling.
Equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, hydrogeneration uses the free-wheeling propeller to recharge the 80 kg battery pack while sailing. Freedom is equipped with two sets of Mastervolt lithium-ion batteries.
A Volvo D3 150 hp main engine and Molabo unit driven controllable pitch propeller comprise the diesel/electric hybrid power train. The Dockmate joystick maneuvers the boat in tight spaces via the 50kW Molabo electric motor.
The 3-meter tender from Zero-Jet of New Zealand is a powerful water jet tender with an innovative tiller that proves much less awkward than other water jet propulsion tenders. The 80 kg battery pack provides three hours of use at top speed of 25 kts, increasing time of use as speed decreases. Since it is electric, no fuel storage is needed. Since it is a water jet, it can navigate very shallow water.
Remote Control Sailing
From sails to anchor and thrusters, almost everything can be controlled from the wireless, handheld remote, from anywhere on the yacht. Smooth anchoring and docking, easy windlass control from the helm station, hands-free dinghy launch and re-entry to the garage – whatever the task, it is likely to be a simple command on the keyboard to accomplish. That is exactly what the owner hoped for.
An internal dashboard for sailing instrumentation makes displays easy to read from both wheels. The remote system to control the yacht uses a CZone system with Sentinelli surveillance integration, with four strategically placed cameras. Regular updates to the iPhone app keep all in good stead.
The Marström swept spreader rig eliminates the need for runners, a plus for a shorthanded crew. Rig support is provided by a split backstay.
Photos: Sailing Energy / GST | Words: K.L. Turner
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