“Exciting” Baltic 112 Custom, A.K.A. MM341

　　“This is a really light construction for cruising and racing, which makes it an exciting project.” So says Tommy Johannson, Baltic Yachts’ project manager. He’s referring to the Baltic 112 Custom designed by Malcolm McKeon, who in turn refers to the sailing superyacht as the MM341. Both sets of numbers come from her LOA: 112 in feet, 34.41 in meters. No matter what you refer to the yacht as, though, she’s going to serve double duty upon delivery in springtime of 2019.

　　The owner, who has commissioned a number of yachts over the years, plans global travels. However, in between those leisure trips, he also wants to test the Baltic 112 Custom against other performance yachts in regattas. Baltic Yachts has earned a reputation for building lightweight craft, employing carbon composite yacht construction. But, as Johannson points out, she’s even lighter. Foam and Nomex coring materials help in that matter.

　　Further for racing, the Baltic 112 Custom/MM341 has a square top mainsail, telescopic lifting keel, and deep draft. With the keel up, draft will be 13 feet (3.91 meters). When it’s lowered, draft will be 20 feet (6.15 meters). McKeon expects “a lively performance” from the project, a first-time collaboration with Baltic Yachts.

　　Speaking of performance, it’s interesting to note that Baltic Yachts is equipping the sailing superyacht with its retractable propulsion system. It’s meant to give the yacht a speed boost and make her more maneuverable.

　　Since cruising is the primary focus, the Baltic 112 Custom/MM341 has accommodations for an owner’s party of eight. Five crewmembers will stay aboard the 26-foot-beam (7.9-meter-beam) boat as well. Volume: 84 tons. UK-based Adam Lay Studio is handling interior design. So far no renderings are available to reveal the look. But, when at anchor, the transom flips down to form a swim platform. At anchor or underway, a bimini made of carbon fiber covers the cockpit.