Traditions are carried forward, generation to generation, for multiple reasons. In the case of the Classic Bristol Channel pilot cutter, it is the traditional design that keeps it relevant. Born of necessity in the early 1800s for use in quickly ferrying maritime pilots to and from larger ships, it reliably performed in rumbling tides, punishing winds, and powerful currents with minimal crew.
The design evolved to near perfection by the early 1900s, peaking with Kindly Light, built for pilot Louis Alexander in 1911. The design proved fast and maneuverable, a working boat for working seamen that won all the most profitable races out to the great vessels full of trade goods. In those days, the first pilot to reach those vessels would win the task of piloting them into the channel, along with the monetary rewards for doing so. Alexander invested £500, twice the average pilot cutter price at the time, to build the boat. Kindly Light helped him earn £1,500 in its first year. That is truly money well spent.
Baltic’s 117 Perseverance is constructed with the fierce spirit of those extraordinary pilot cutters.
Baltic’s 117 Perseverance is constructed with the fierce spirit of those extraordinary pilot cutters. Traditional elegance about Perseverance’s hull and pilothouse design are dovetailed with top-of-industry technology and innovative systems that respect the environment. From the straight stem, fixed bowsprit, deep bulwarks, conventional transom, and timber-clad deckhouses to the carbon fiber, titanium, advanced composites, hydraulic systems, and sustainability, Perseverance is one of the finest yachts for practical operation with a small crew over long distances, at sea, in comfort.
The Brief
Perseverance was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman that knew what he wanted. Drawn to the classic lines of Bristol pilot cutter boats, he appreciated them for their elegance and seaworthiness. In addition to traditional style, the owner requested the yacht comfortably accommodate eight guests. With regard to handling, he asked that the yacht have an easily driven hull requiring low propulsion power, efficient systems with the possibility of regenerating power under sail, and manual steering with good response in light air. He also wanted the yacht to be easy to sail with minimal crew.
The Team
Upon completion, the team at Baltic Yachts presented the owner a beautiful neo-classical yacht that delivered beyond promise. Using advanced licensed software like Virtual Power Plant software, several 3D design programs, hydrostatic/stability programs, and a mast and rigging loads summary, Baltic’s architects and engineers worked closely with Dykstra Naval Architects and Doyle Sails to ensure their mantra of “lighter, stiffer, faster” was met every step of the way.
Engaging Dykstra Naval Architects to pen the lines, Baltic assured that Perseverance would look every bit the handsome tribute to the intrepid pilot cutters that served as inspiration. Her straight stem, fixed bowsprit, timber-clad deckhouses, and conventional transom are complemented by exterior styling in oil-finished teak details. Her raised bulwarks add a comforting feel of safety to those working the bow. Her sheltered cockpit aft of the main deckhouse, separate crew deckhouse with access to crew quarters and cockpit, and aft steering station away from the guest areas, all serve to make the yacht feel larger than her numbers.
Dykstra worked diligently to optimize the hull using Computational Fluid Dynamics Fine-Marine in-house program, calculating the forces and moments acting on the hull, keel, and rudder through a matrix of speed, yawing, and rudder angles. Pressure distribution, flow speed, and direction previewed wave elevation when heeling through precise graphics.
Doyle Sails was selected to provide the sailplan using their premier Stratis 1100 CT sails, delivering unmatched performance. Carbon and Technora fibers were used in combination with patented resins for strength, durability, and resistance to stretch.
The light, airy interiors from deVosdeVries Design further support the spacious feel of the yacht. Clean lines match the overall design of the boat in chic, understated hues that complement the industrial finishing touches.
