BALTIC 51
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 50.92 ft |
| LWL | 40.92 ft |
| Beam | 15.25 ft |
| Draft | 8.83 ft |
| Displacement | 34,390 lb |
| Ballast | 13,535.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 68 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 21.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 59.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.7 ft |
| FLforestay | 21.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,267.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 731 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,242.7 sq ft |
About the BALTIC 51
A keel/cb version was also available. Draft BU: 6.0' BD: 10.0' Disp.: 36000 lbs. Ballast: 1600 lbs.
Designed by C & C Design Group and built by Baltic Yachts (FIN) between 1979–1988, the Baltic 51 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop with only 24 hulls produced. Its substantial displacement of 34390.0 lb and high D/L ratio of 224.07 reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and comfort over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who value a solid, motion-dampened ride and are prepared for significant maintenance. It is well-suited for couples or small families seeking a robust, traditional cruising platform rather than a performance racer.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.88 and a comfort ratio of 32.14, the Baltic 51 is well-regarded for offshore passages, provided the critical structural integrity of the deck core and rudder assembly is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement fin-keel sloops from the late 1970s and 1980s, such as the Cal 40 or O'Day 38, due to similar emphasis on stability and interior volume. It also shares DNA with other Baltic models like the Baltic 38, offering a similar Scandinavian build quality and layout philosophy.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 60° | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| 75° | 6.0 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| 90° | 5.9 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 9.1 |
| 110° | 5.9 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 9.3 |
| 120° | 5.8 | 7.1 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 9.7 |
| 135° | 5.2 | 6.5 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.8 |
| 150° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 9.1 |
| Beat VMG | 3.6 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.5 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 50.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
25 reported issues across 9 systems for the BALTIC 51, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BALTIC 51? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 25 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your BALTIC 51?
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Used sails that fit the BALTIC 51
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