World’s largest carbon fibre sloop transformed into a race boat

The Ravenger (Baltic 175) is expected to launch after the refit early in the summer 2024

Built in 2017, the 53.9-metre Ravenger was conceived as a cruiser and has almost never raced. But the situation is quite likely to change in the future. The new owner saw huge potential in boosting her already impressive performance characteristics: even in a cruising mode the Ravenger can reach a speed of over 20 knots.

Over the eight months of refit the Ravenger got a new mast, which was necessary to support a far larger sailplan. Her bow has been modified, and her bowsprit has extended by 1.5 m. The boat has been fitted with new Harken winches, and the new equipment has reduced the total weight by three tonnes.

As part of the exterior restyling, there appeared a new hardtop that shelters the passenger cockpit amidships, and new bespoke helm pedestals with a bimini above. The Ravenger’s hull has been repainted, metal surfaces have been replaced with teak, and the Baltic Yachts has also worked on many other small functional and cosmetic details. 

The interior refit includes reconfiguring the yacht’s two-level saloon, replacing the piano area with a breakfast bar stand, and changing the finishes. Dark stained oak will be used for ceiling panels, bookshelves, floorboards and a lot more. The fold-out balcony platforms in the saloon and the owner’s cabin have been preserved. This is the Ravenger’s stand-out feature, which has never been used on any other sailing superyachts before. 

Another focus of the refit project is to enhance her noise reduction solutions to ensure they remain cutting-edge. According to the yard, at the time of her delivery, the Ravenger was state-of-the-art, but there have been some big developments in technology since that time. So the Baltic Yachts will apply the know-hows it has used in its most recent projects. Anyway, one can definitely say that the Ravenger is entering a new phase of her life, and we will see whether it will be a success or not at the nearest maxi yacht regattas.