The Baltic M78, christened Bill and Me, is heralding a new era for Finland-based Baltic Yachts. She’s the first of its newly created motoryacht series. In fact, even though she just recently launched, she’s already inspired another, larger motoryacht series.
Baltic typically offers sailing superyachts to 197 feet (60 meters). However, motoryachts aren’t entirely new. In fact, about two decades ago, it constructed its first power craft, a 49-footer (15-meter) named Far Niente. Then, the refit last year of the all-wood motoryacht Sunny Day convinced the management team to pursue further power projects.
Bill and Me, making her debut at this month’s Monaco Yacht Show, reflects Baltic’s emphasis on lightweight composite construction. The owners wanted that, plus more. They wanted to combine the look and cruising experience of a sailing yacht with the speed and convenience of a motoryacht. Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering created the hull form. Between its own designs and studies of stable commercial craft, the studio determined Bill and Me could offer comfortable cruising at 16- to 18-knot speeds. Comfort additionally comes from custom trim tabs and Seakeeper stabilizers. Top speed should be 25 knots. Further noteworthy, fuel economy is indeed economical, thanks to twin 625-hp Volvo Penta engines with IPS drives.
For the interior, the owners of Bill and Me provided Design Unlimited with abundant ideas. Some of the ideas may surprise you, in fact. For example, the dining area and saloon are separate. Typically they share the same floorspace on megayachts of the Baltic M78’s size. Both also have direct access to the alfresco areas fore and aft.
More typical, though, Bill and Me has three staterooms for the owners and guests below decks. Two crew cabins are down here, too. Throughout the yacht, cherry, oak, and teak appear prominently, with rounded corners, lending classic looks. Another design highlight: embossed leather. Photos, custom stucco work for some paneling, and strong color schemes for furnshings round out the decor.
Other Baltic Yachts clients have already had a look at Bill and Me, and become inspired. To that end, look for the Finnish shipyard to announce a 98-foot (30-meter) motoryacht at the Monaco Yacht Show later this month.
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