Lifestyle I
A Family Affair: The Baltic Yachts Rendezvous 2023
WORDS: TIDE | IMAGES: OLI RILEY
September saw a special spectacle take place just off the shores of Sardinia: a vision of the latest Superyachts sailing alongside modern classic 1970s sailboats. The occasion? A four-day celebration of everything that Baltic Yachts has achieved in its half-century history so far. More guests than ever before came together, including owners, service and refit friends and industry figures – such as ourselves at TIDE – for a long weekend of sailing and feasting on fantastic Italian food, in this, the culmination of Baltic’s extended anniversary event, known as the Rendezvous.
Baltic Yachts has generated such a large, loyal client base thanks to the fact that the Finnish brand is one of the last purely custom yacht builders that works with owners and architects, incorporating modern approaches and the latest technology. Strong family connections within the yard also resonate with owners, providing a sense of community and an enjoyable build experience, as showcased by the fact that so many of them wished to both support the company and spend time
with each other.
The location? Porto Rotondo, a yacht club enveloped by lush landscapes and white-sand beaches, leading to cobblestone streets and towns fizzing with energy. However, the dock was the most important place to witness during this weekend, lined with Baltic’s latest builds alongside its heritage designs, offering a one-off window into 50 years of sailing innovation. Twenty-six yachts graced the event, to be exact, spanning from the vintage Baltic 33’ of 1976 to the ultra-modern Path, a 146’ built in 2021.
Mingling between owners and crew kicked off during registration, before everyone sat down together to a welcome dinner that extended into the evening. While the Captains’ Meeting the following day hinted at the competitive spirit within the Baltic family, the atmosphere shifted to smiles and cheers as everyone headed to their yachts. The first day unfolded with a light air, and the boats presented a stunning scene as they sailed through the course. Day two brought a stronger breeze and heightened action, creating ideal conditions for enjoyable, all-level sailing. Attendees then celebrated the winners under the Sardinian stars, honouring the Baltic team. Although PG, Baltic’s founder, couldn’t be there in person, his inspiring speech played out via a screen, in which he emphasised the unity he knew was being experienced throughout the weekend and beyond.
Sunday began with a packed breakfast scene, the espresso machine working overtime, followed by a long and lazy beach barbecue. The common conversation? When would all those at this Rendezvous, rendez-vous once more? A talking point that underlined the authentic and social spirit of this special weekend away with the loyal and far-reaching Baltic family.
