Putting 3,000 nautical miles under your hull on a maiden voyage is one thing. Doing so while seeing 28 knots as a top speed is another. These are the proud accomplishments of Nikata, recently delivered by Baltic Yachts.
The 115-foot (35-meter) Nikata was conceived by an experienced racing yachtsman, for performance and taking on challenges. In fact, she’ll compete in the RORC Caribbean 600 race in February. It’s a 600-mile race circumnavigating 11 islands, the only offshore race in the Caribbean series. To help ensure her speed and light weight, Nikata features carbon fiber construction, with CoreCell in her hull and deck. Baltic Yachts executed both this and the foam-cored interior, in fact.
Naval architecture for Nikata comes from Judel/Vrolijk & Co., a firm well versed in racing superyachts. The team based her hull shape on that of a well-proven racing design, the Mini Maxi 72. Nikata will encounter some Mini Maxi 72 in the above-mentioned RORC race, too. The yacht additionally has a lifting bulb keel with 33 tons of ballast. Baltic Yachts and the design firm anticipate Nikata will be a “potent” performer upwind with the keel down. With her keel fully lowered, her draft is 19 feet (5.85 meters). With it up, draft becomes 12 feet (3.65 meters). High-speed sail-handling systems are, naturally, onboard as well. And, sound and vibration control were prioritized for both racing and pleasure.
The square-top-type mainsail can be swapped out for a pin-head-style one when Nikata transitions from competition to cruising. Nauta Design, responsible for her styling and interior design, has additionally graced her with a fold-out stern platform to encourage together time. It reveals 26-foot-wide (7.9-meters-wide) steps that flow from the swim/toy-boarding platform up to the cockpit. Inside, the accommodations for eight are highlighted by oak and linen wall panels, setting a soothing atmosphere. A skylight on centerline and glass flanking the companionway make the spaces welcoming as well.
FD
Nikata reached a top speed of 28 knots…she did not cross the Atlantic at an average speed of 28 knots.
Absurd you did not catch the mistake in the article.
Diane M. Byrne
We’ve fixed the error.