Freedom, the third Baltic 67 Performance Cruiser to be built, was launched successfully on 5 May and is about to begin her sea trials off Jakobstad, Finland before being delivered to her owner in early June.
Resplendent in her Aston Martin Tungsten Silver livery, Freedom is conceived as a specialist cruising yacht for efficient, short-handed sailing, equipped with remote control sail handling, a diesel electric hybrid propulsion system and a hard top bimini for genuine all-weather protection.
Freedom demonstrates the versatility of the Baltic 67 Performance Cruiser concept, which is based on the same judel/vrolijk-designed hull mould, offering a wide variety of accommodation lay-outs by Design Unlimited and almost limitless options on deck.
Freedom’s owner chose a telescopic lifting keel, which reduces draft from 3.90m to a useful 2.50m, and twin rudders enabling the yacht to access a wide variety of anchorages.
Keen on single or double-handed sailing, the owner specified handheld control units to furl and unfurl both the in-boom mainsail and jib and the use of a phone app to enable him to operate certain features remotely. For instance, as he approaches the yacht, the stern door/boarding platform can be opened using his phone and he can also check alarms and other status monitors from the comfort of his home. The pasarelle can also be deployed using the app.
Freedom’s distinctive hardtop is a multi-purpose feature not only providing protection for its occupants, but also an open deck saloon-style area, a landing for solar panels and the mainsheet track. A sliding hatch is also incorporated.
The yacht’s diesel electric hybrid propulsion unit combines with a large bank of lithium-ion batteries to enable her to run exclusively under electric power for short periods and to provide extended ‘silent’ periods while at rest.
Accommodation layout and style differ markedly from the two previous 67s. Clear-coated elements of the yacht’s carbon structure are incorporated into the design and the use of leather trim, oak cabin soles and custom lighting combine to create what Design Unlimited refer to as a ‘light, open, apartment feel’. Slightly larger hull ports compared to previous versions plus glass deckhead panels provide an abundance of natural light.
When Freedom leaves Finland this summer she will head for the Mediterranean where she will embark on a season of summer cruising. Her owner will also be taking advantage of Baltic Yachts’ Service and Refit guardianage programme in Palma de Mallorca which ensures Freedom will be kept in tip top condition and be ready go at a moment’s notice.
Credit: Baltic Yachts
