Previously known as Pink Gin VI, Baltic Yachts' 53.9-metre sailing yacht Ravenger is nearing completion after her eight-month refit at the yard's Jakobstad facilities. She is expected to be back on the water in early summer.
Following her sale to a new owner by Edmiston and Fraser last year, the sloop checked in at Baltic Yachts for a 10-month refit period in November. The Baltic 175 was delivered in 2017 as the world's largest carbon fibre sloop-rigged sailing yacht.
Her exterior styling was penned by the owner’s team, including Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén. Her regular maintenance and refit schedule has kept her in class, so the refit works have been largely aesthetic and performance-enhancing. This comprised major upgrades to her rig, sailplan and sailing systems. Design Unlimited is responsible for the reimagined interiors, including a restyled owner's cabin.
Designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and Design Unlimited, the 325GT yacht is a regular on the regatta circuit thanks to her lightweight carbon construction and is often seen flying a pink spinnaker on the water. Her mast has been rebuilt to support a more powerful sailplan with a square-top mainsail and a triple headsail configuration, plus larger code and offwind sails.
Further modifications include her bowsprit which has been extended by 1.5 metres, her headstay replaced and running backstays fitted with deflectors. New Harken winches deliver much faster line speeds as well as a combined weight saving of close to three tonnes.
In terms of her exterior restyle, Ravenger now has a hardtop bimini that shelters the midships passenger cockpit, while metal surfaces in the cockpit have been replaced with teak and the yacht has had an extensive repaint. Design Unlimited is also responsible for the yacht's new interiors, which incorporate softer, neutral tones and light oak veneers on surfaces including headboards and tabletops.
Accommodation will remain largely the same, with the exception of the owner's cabin, which will be installed with hand-carved timber furniture. The standout large fold-out balcony platforms in the saloon and owner’s cabin from her original design have been preserved. There will also be a new breakfast bar in the main saloon, in the area originally occupied by the baby grand piano.
Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén has worked on re-styling the main cockpit’s fixed Bimini. Alterations are also being made to the helm stations, including modernising the ergonomics and style of the control console and adding an additional helmsman’s Bimini set on a carbon fibre tubular framework.
In terms of performance, Pink Gin's bowsprit will be extended by 1.5 metres and her single, fixed backstay replaced by running backstays. This will allow for a modern, triple-headed sail plan for power reaching, comprising a code sail, jib and soft-luffed furling staysail which can be lowered when not in use. To complement this upgrade, all the yacht's deck winches will also be replaced, with smaller, lighter and faster drums supplied by Harken – reducing the total winch weight from 600kg to around 150kg.
Senior project managers at Baltic Yachts, Mikael Nyberg and Tommy Johansson, have led the refit works. Tommy explained: "Another focus of this project is enhancing her noise reduction solutions ensuring they remain leading edge by implementing all the knowledge we have gained in recent projects.
He continued: "She was state of the art then, but there have been some big developments since she was delivered. For example, we have made a new bedding mount for the entire interior and installed a complete new fastening system for ceiling panels".
Nyberg added: "The boat is entering a new phase of her life. With this refit we are ensuring she is fit and ready for the next challenges that await her, be they on the race course or exploring off the beaten track".
Baltic 175 was one of the shipyard's most technically advanced yachts at the time of her delivery, with features including fold-down balconies attached to the owner's suite and a collection of Cuban artwork on board.
The news of the refit comes after the shipyard announced its Baltic 80 Custom is currently undergoing the final stages in production.
Read More/Custom rosé Baltic 80 sailing yacht nears completion