PHOTO: A foil-assisted superyacht

The launch by Baltic Yachts of the ultra-light, foil-assisted 111-foot Raven for sailing trials off Jakobstad, Finland.

The yacht was first lowered into the water in mid-July, minus her side arms and T-shaped hydrofoils, so that all her systems could be tested before foiling commenced. This ensured that everything from her hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems, including her diesel electric propulsion were working.

Her Southern Spars mast was stepped, North 3Di sails bent on, and her water ballast tanks activated so that she could be assessed under sail without her foils. Although Raven is fitted with a fixed keel, without her foils, she needs the assistance of water ballast to maintain stability while sailing.

When this phase of commissioning was completed, Raven was lifted back onto the hard standing in Jakobstad so that her side arms and foils could be fitted and be prepared for further trials to test her ability as a foil-assisted ultra-lightweight superyacht.

In the early part of September her specialist sailing team will join the yacht in Finland so that Raven can be gradually worked up to a level which will allow her to be shipped to a location where the conditions will enable her to reach her full sailing potential.