Pioneer Voyage on Foil-Assisted Wings
In the serene stretch of water encompassing the Baltic Yachts’ headquarters in Jakobstad, Finland, an unprecedented maritime saga unfurled as the Baltic 111 Raven elegantly sailed, heralding a new era of nautical innovation. S/Y Raven, with her foil-assisted design, isn’t merely a superyacht; she’s a harbinger of a transformative wave in sailing, melding exquisite design with cutting-edge technology. Her hydrofoil system, a marvel in yacht engineering, places her in a league of her own, pushing the boundaries of what’s conceivable on water.
S/Y Raven’s hydrofoil system veers from traditional designs that have long defined superyachts. The hydrofoils, mounted on adjustable side arms, are engineered to support a significant portion of the superyacht’s displacement, a feature vividly demonstrated during her sea trials where she attained sustained speeds in the high twenties. This technology augments her speed and enhances her stability, delivering an unrivaled sailing experience.
The meticulous construction of the hydrofoils is noteworthy. The T-shaped hydrofoils, mounted on hydraulically-controlled side-arms, are crafted to support some of the superyacht’s displacement at speed. The stern of S/Y Raven remains immersed, equipped with vertical Interceptor trim tabs that adjust the fore and aft trim as she speeds through the water, ensuring stability and control pivotal for high-speed, long-distance passages.
A closer look at S/Y Raven’s sailing plan unveils a design aimed at optimizing her foiling ability. She sails under a full main and a triple-headed sail plan comprising a Code sail set off the bowsprit, jib, and staysail. This design enables her to take full advantage of her foiling ability, ensuring she sails partly on her leeward chine with the leeward foil supporting a large proportion of her displacement. The meticulous attention to detail in her sailing plan underscores a blend of speed and stability, redefining sailing through the fusion of innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
Diving deeper into the heart of S/Y Raven, her hull construction emanates a tale of craftsmanship and an unwavering pursuit of performance optimization. Underpinning the 55-ton-displacement yacht, carbon composites were meticulously employed to trim weight. Baltic Yachts, known for its forensic approach to lightweight advanced composite construction, utilized a carbon fiber mold to achieve as fair a hull as possible. This level of precision extended to the choice of materials, with light coatings replacing the conventional filler, a move the shipyard posits as unparalleled for a superyacht. Even the bonding for the sound-deadening material was weighed to ensure it met the light-weight benchmark, saving an additional 13 pounds. This narrative of weight-saving didn’t end here; by opting for a different hosing versus the typical steel hydraulic pipework, an impressive 353 pounds were shaved off. Moreover, the use of 3D printing technology to craft the metal clips holding the interior framework further contributed to weight reduction, a testimony to the shipyard’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional yacht construction.
The interior design of S/Y Raven, orchestrated by the award-winning Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén, resonates with a contemporary, minimalist ethos while not compromising on luxury. The use of exposed carbon fiber throughout the interior lends a modern vibe, reflecting the innovative spirit that S/Y Raven embodies. The interior decor prominently features bamboo and rattan, aligning with the lightweight goal. A notable aspect is the use of Perspex instead of glass, which not only reflects natural light throughout but also unveils some of the mechanical systems, adding a touch of industrial chic to the modern ambiance. This meticulous design extends to the three staterooms, passage berth/sea cabin, and striking alfresco areas, particularly the cockpit with its clever clamshell component that folds to partially cover the seating area, demonstrating a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
S/Y Raven isn’t just about speed and stability; she embodies a narrative of progress, a beacon guiding towards uncharted waters where the amalgam of aesthetic appeal, functional efficiency, and innovative design beckon the dawn of a new era in sailing. In a realm where tradition often reigns supreme, S/Y Raven heralds a refreshing wave of innovation, setting a precedent that could very well redefine the future of sailing. The superyacht stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie in the synergy of innovative design and cutting-edge technology, marking a pivotal chapter in the odyssey of maritime exploration.
Photos: Baltic Yachts Media | Words: Pablo Ferrero
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