Thrilling regatta racing and comfortable cruising were two primary concepts that Baltic Yachts kept in mind while building the ambitious ketch project known as Panamax, now christened Hetairos.
Presently undergoing sea trials, Hetairos, measuring 66.7 meters (219 feet) with her bowsprit, was conceived as a fast sailing yacht. But not just any old fast sailing yacht. Her naval-architecture team of Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects, along with the stylists of Reichel Pugh Yacht Design, drew inspiration from the pilot cutters that regularly plied the waters of Bristol Channel in the UK. These were sailing boats that were incredibly fast, ferrying pilots out to ships en route to ports along the channel. They needed to hold their own against the rough seas and challenging conditions that characterize Bristol Channel.
While Hetairos is purely for pleasure, the megayacht will compete in regattas where competition is fierce. Her construction should be up to the challenge. The hull is comprised of carbon fiber, with pre-preg carbon fiber skins. (Pre-preg is carbon fiber fabric that is already impregnated with resin when it arrives from the manufacturer.) Corecell and Nomex coring are also employed, for weight savings. This makes Hetairos one of the largest composite sailing yachts in the world. She also has the largest composite standing rigging in the world, the design of which was tested in both towing tanks and wind tunnels. Her lifting keel allows draft to range from 3.5 to 9 meters (11 to 29 feet).
When Hetairos is out cruising, she has a few spaces from which the owner and guests can choose to enjoy. There are upper and lower saloons, four guest staterooms (two of which are on the main deck), In addition, the owner has private access from his aft-situated cabin to an intimate relaxation area. The overall decor complements her classic styling. Wood paneling and white-painted paneling are intermixed with Asian elements, chosen by the owners in conjunction with Rhoades Young.
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