Alice: all-carbon Baltic 121 Custom for family cruising

The creators of this custom project focused on maximum weight reduction without compromising comfort, as well as the ability to handle the yacht with a minimal crew 

The Baltic 121 Custom’s exterior and seaworthiness were entrusted to British Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design, well-known for its ability to combine aesthetics, efficiency and advanced engineering solutions. 

These are the features that appealed to the yacht’s owners, but with an important caveat: they wanted a boat for long family cruises. Therefore, the designers paid special attention to comfort, with an emphasis on “safe and reliable systems using well-proven technologies”. 

The yacht is all-carbon, as this material allows one to create complex, streamlined, seamless shapes without compromising structural rigidity. It does not deform over time under load or UV exposure and offers exceptional strength-to-weight performance: the Alice’s light displacement is no more than 108 tonnes, with a ballast weight of 35 tonnes. With a length of 37 m and a beam of 8.3 m, the vessel’s internal volume is 145 GT. 

Thanks to carbon’s architectural plasticity, the sailing superyacht features an aerodynamically ideal glass deckhouse, offering a 360-degree view from the saloon, and seamlessly integrated with a bimini that shields the cockpit from sun and spray. Additionally, there is a dedicated recess for a RIB tender in the foredeck. When the tender is in use, the open space can be fitted with cushions and transform into a cozy lounging area. 

The Baltic 121 Custom’s spar is carbon, too, but Baltic Yachts does not provide the total sail area, noting only that the vessel features a generous sail plan perfect for blue water cruising. 

As the yacht was conceived to be operated with a limited crew, her sail handling system was designed around the "easy sailing" concept. The mainsail furls hydraulically into the boom, while the headsails feature Reckmann furlers and are adjusted via four deck winches. Sheets and halyards are managed by concealed Harken captive winches. According to the shipyard’s skippers, thanks to automation and well-thought-out ergonomics, the Alice can be under sail just a few minutes after she leaves the dock and is as easy to handle as a much smaller performance yacht. 

The telescopic keel designed by APM Keels ensures the draft can range from 4.2 to 6.4 m, which allows for entering shallow waters, while retaining stability and performance at full speed. 

The Baltic 121 Custom’s layout is currently kept under wraps, except for the fact that the yacht can accommodate 6-8 people. 

The interior designed by Adam Lay Studio features references to nature: the lights were inspired by tree branches, while the textured veneer inserts in the cabins look like rippling water. 

“Alice’s owner wanted a natural, textural interior with a robust and comfortable environment that would feel safe and inviting for the whole family," said designer Adam Lay. "We used materials and textures that become more interesting the closer you look at them. The brushed walnut, textured veneers, fabrics and lighting all work together to create a calm, tactile environment that connects the interior with the natural world outside.” 

Daniel Calascione of A2B Marine Projects, who was representing the owner throughout construction, noted the highest level of craftsmanship of the Finnish people, their meticulous attention to detail and the fact that “every boat that is delivered carries a little piece of everyone’s heart with it”.