Baltic 175 Yacht, Ex-Pink Gin, “Back Home” for Major Refit

“Keen to bring the yacht back home,” according to Matthew Lester, Baltic Yachts’ commercial vice president, the new owner of the Baltic 175 yacht formerly known as Pink Gin has her in the yard for a major transformation. Ten months of work will completely change her interior look and feel, plus update her sailplan and deck gear.

Pink Gin (technically Pink Gin VI, the sixth to bear the same name for her owner) rose to fame for a few reasons upon delivery in 2017. Primarily the 177-footer (54-meter) is the world’s largest sloop-rigged, entirely carbon fiber sailing yacht. She became the the only sailing superyacht boasting a deployable balcony in the master suite (below) and a similarly opening side entry to the main lobby. Additionally, she’s put upwards of 25,000 nautical miles under her hull, thanks to abundant transatlantic voyages. Her original owner and crew kept her maintained regularly, too.

Baltic Yachts Pink Gin sailing superyacht

The sailing superyacht sold to her current owner earlier this year, who is keeping her name confidential for now. Regardless, after some cruising in the Med over the summer, the owner finalized the refit to-do list. The last items joined the list en route to the Finnish shipyard. Overall, the changes are cosmetic, although a few performance-oriented alterations are coming, too.

On the aesthetic side, the owner of the Baltic 175 yacht is enlisting the help of the original design team, Design Unlimited. The eclectic décor of Pink Gin drew inspiration from fashion, art, and music. For example, Murano glass chandeliers were aboard in the saloon, as was a custom lilac-colored player piano. Stained oak, metallic finishes, and even velvet combined as wall paneling in some areas as well. During the 10-month refit at Baltic Yachts, however, the interior will transform to a more sedate setting. Pale oak will feature prominently underfoot, on headboards, and as tabletops. Similarly neutral colors will characterize loose furnishings. Instead of the above-mentioned baby grand piano, the saloon will have a breakfast bar.

the new looks for the Baltic 175 yacht refit ex Pink Gin

While the overall general arrangement for 12 guests won’t change its footprint, the master suite is undergoing a significant cosmetic change. Baltic Yachts’ craftspeople are custom making wood furnishings. Notably, the new owner is keeping the balcony.

For enhanced performance, the Baltic 175 yacht is gaining a new sailplan and changing out her deck gear. Her 223-foot (67.9-meter) carbon fiber mast, one of the world’s tallest masts, is staying. But, running backstays, for a square-top mainsail, will replace the single fixed backstay. Furthermore, deflectors will handle staysail loads. Repositioning the staysail halyard exit box also will increase the sail’s luff length and general area. Also no longer aboard, the fixed staysail stay. Instead, the owner wants a triple-headed sailplan for power reaching. It includes a Code sail off the tip of the soon-to-be-longer bowsprit (about five more feet, or 1.5 meters). It also includes a jib on the sole fixed forestay at the stem head. Finally, it includes a soft-luffed furling staysail, deploying when needed.

Of course, the Baltic 175 yacht will have different winches. In fact, they’ll be smaller, lighter, and faster to improve maneuvers plus eliminate heft.

Lastly, renowned designer Jarkko Jämsén is restyling the fixed bimini in the main cockpit, which the prior owner added last year. Simultaneously, the helm stations’ ergonomics are improving, plus another bimini will join the area.

Look for the re-imagined Baltic 175 yacht to hit the water again next May. The owner’s team is hinting that she might just hit major yachting races in the months thereafter.

Baltic Yachts balticyachts.fi

Design Unlimited designunlimited.net