Baltic Yachts’s foil-assisted Baltic 142 Canova completes ‘promising’ sea trials

The 43.3-metre Baltic 142 Canova’s foils are said to improve the cruising performance of the superyacht.

Baltic Yachts’s foil-equipped Baltic 142 Canova, which has just completed successful sea trials, epitomises the latest thinking in innovative sailing vessel design, according to the luxury yacht firm.

“Superyachts are often early adopters of new technology and green thinking,” a spokeswoman for the company told Superyacht Investor. “Now that the sailing industry can offer sailing yachts with a completely different level of comfort, combined with increased performance, they will be even more attractive.”

Designed for global cruising, with naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, the 43.3m sailing yacht is equipped with a DSS foil, which is said to deliver key benefits. “The DSS foil reduces heel angles and provides progressive dynamic lift,” said the spokeswoman. “This revolutionary system heightens comfort for sailors, reduces displacement, increases performance and even improves upwind Velocity Made Good (VMG) in offshore sailing, while providing a significant increase in stability.”

In light breezes or when manoeuvering within a harbour or anchorage, the 9-metre foil can be retracted within the yacht, at the push of a button, without impinging upon the interior.

‘Reducing heel and pitching’

Baltic Yachts has been investigating the use of DSS foil technology for nearly 10 years. After experiencing rough weather sailing aboard the superyacht, Baltic Yachts’s sales director Kenneth Nyfelt said: “The effect of the DSS foil was noticeable and impressive, reducing heel and pitching and making Canova really light on the helm.”

Canova’s rig and sail plan “delivers enormous power” helped by a square top main, with a 3.5-metre long horizontal batten pushing the mainsail area up to 570 sq metres. Her J1 sail adds another 390 sq metres. The all-carbon Rondal rig, using Carbo-Link standing rigging, is designed to take the increased loads generated by the additional stability delivered by the DSS foil.

Diesel electric propulsion system

The sea trials also tested the performance of her diesel electric propulsion system and hydro-generation design – “all intended to make her greener, quieter, more comfortable and easy to maintain”.

Mattia Belleri, of Fluidsailing, who project managed the design and build for her owner, reported that the compact and quiet 420kW electric motor has already driven the 145-ton yacht at 14 knots via her rotating, forward-facing, pull propeller. While sailing, Canova can use her propeller as a hydro-generator working through the electric motor, which in turn charges her six banks of lithium ion batteries.

Intended for fast, comfortable, independent global cruising, the Baltic 142 Canova is being built for a private owner. Styling above and below decks is by Lucio Micheletti.

Henry Hawkins, Baltic Yachts’s executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, said: “Canova epitomises the Baltic Yachts product, an advanced composite superyacht displaying remarkable innovation which has been deeply researched and excellently engineered. Working with an experienced, driven and enthusiastic client has been key to achieving these goals. We are delighted with the initial trials.”

Baltic 142 Canova – at a glance

• Length overall:  43.3 metres
• Waterline length:  41.6 metres
• Beam: 9 metres
• Draft, keel up 3.8 metres
• Draft, keel down 6.5 metres
• Light Displacement 145 tons
• DSS Foil built by Isotop.