History of the company

The west coast of Finland, especially Ostrobothnia, has specialized in shipbuilding since prehistoric times. On 16th century maps these places were marked: ships are «built here . Jacobstad, where the Baltic Yachts shipyard was founded, is still considered the centre of shipbuilding in the region. In 1973, several young craftsmen left one of the major local shipyards to start their own business of building light and fast boats. The first Baltic 46 was shown at the Hamburg Boat Show in 1974, where she gained international recognition. In 1977 the shipyard was sold to the Finnish company Hollming Ltd. Since its foundation, Baltic Yachts has been using advanced composite materials. She was one of the first to use carbon fiber in various combinations with other materials. In 2013, 80% of Baltic Yachts shares were taken over by the German Ottobock Holding. In 2018, the 175-foot Pink Gin IV, at the time the world’s largest carbon dinghy, won the World Superyacht Awards. In 2017, the 130-foot My Song received the same award.

Model range

Excellent cruising and racing characteristics with high production quality are the main features of Baltic Yachts brand. The shipyard works with a wide range of architects and designers to fully satisfy the racing and aesthetic ambitions of its clients. Today the company builds customised sailing and motor yachts up to 200 feet in length. In June 2018 the company proposed the purchase of Cantieri di Pisa, an Italian motor yacht manufacturer, for €3 million.

Technological innovations

Baltic Yachts is known for its innovations. These include, for example, the Dynamic Stability System (DSS). The shipyard works directly with DSS developers Hugh Welborne, Gordon Kay and Farr Yacht Design to equip its yachts with DSS retractable side panels.

Baltic Yachts was one of the first to offer its customers opening «balconies in the» hulls. Such balconies are common on motor yachts, but on a sailing yacht this detail requires more engineering.

The innovative Baltic Yachts steering system eliminates the long mechanical linkage between steering wheel and handwheel and facilitates steering, while providing excellent responsiveness. The system also makes it possible to personalize the settings for each helm and is installed on new yachts as well as on boats in the refit.

Baltic Yachts has developed its own Retractable Propulsion System (RPS), which allows the propeller to be retracted inside the hull or rotated up to 90 degrees, improving the ship’s maneuverability.

Production

The main production facility of Baltic Yachts is located in Jacobstad, Finland. The Service and Refit division is located in the Balearics in Palma de Mallorca. The company has a turnover of around 30 million euros.