Vèlite II, the little Classic Boat heartthrob still making podiums

More than less, sailing is primarily a matter of deep passion.
Even more beautiful, perhaps, when it all comes to life a bit by accident and leads us to re-discover exceptional hulls.
This time, an icon of Scandinavian shipbuilding, a Classic Boat of exception, designed to sail anytime, anywhere, with that comfort and style characteristic of the great C&C designs of the mid-1970s: the Baltic 33.
In this article, continuing our celebrations of great classics, ill Vèlite II, a gem like few, strong with a (recent) history that bodes well.

Vèlite II, iconic Baltic

The Baltic 33 was born in 1975 in the wake of the Baltic 46, the shipyard’s very first hull and, for the times, a particularly large one for the market.
Smaller (10.02 m), but still a gentleman’s hull, the 33 is more manageable, more “man-sized,” but still excellent both under the waterline and in the interior.
It is a properly done hull, a testament to the brilliant pencil of the iconic Cuthbertson & Cassian.
But this story starts with another boat.

• CELEBRATING YOUR CLASSIC BOAT IS SO EASY: CLICK HERE AND ENTER THE BOAT. ALSO ALWAYS HERE, FIND ALL YOUR CLASSIC BOATS ALREADY SURVEYED

A story of passion

For a good three years during covid, as a sailing neophyte, Nicola Filia patiently fixes a Brigand 27, a small 1970s masterpiece from the CIMA shipyard. Osmosis, electrical system to be thrown away, rotten sails and whatnot did not stop his dedication, which even led him to restore the original engine, one of those first “V-Drives” capable of getting so much space in the volumes of a small hull.
Restored, Nicola tells us, the Brigand is now perfect and immediately sold.
Situation that leads, however, to a realization: difficult, now, to be without a boat.

A bit by chance, within a few months, the discovery: at the head of his dock, covered by larger boats, a Baltic 33 he had never seen before, and now for sale.
It is the bolt of lightning.
A call to the owner, a visit on board, love at first sight.
The economic component, however, wants its own, and, liquidity, at that moment, is not immediately available.
But passion abounds, both in Nicola and in the owner of the 33-footer, who understands who is in front of him, understands how his boat, already well maintained, would continue to be pampered.
Staggered payments, over the short term, thus become the deal.
It is a very short time, however, before Nicholas, a sculptor by profession, is able to settle.
Vèlite II is finally truly his.

A boat to celebrate

It is summer 2023, Vèlite II is, recently and finally Nicola’s.
Coincidentally, it’s also the 50th anniversary of Baltic Yachts, founded in 1973 (learn more about the shipyard’s history here), which decides to celebrate in style with a Baltic Rendez Vous at Porto Rotondo.
How can you not show up if you are based in Portisco? “All Baltic owners were invited and I decided to sign up. Immediately I find out that I am not only the smallest among the Baltic present, but also the oldest. But the surprises did not end. Within a short time, so many owners of Baltic’s Maxi’s come on board, they want to see Vèlite, then the upper echelons of the shipyard arrive, we look together at the original documents, the interiors kept to perfection. Vèlite is greatly appreciated.”

But the Rendez Vous is not just about walking the docks.
The highlight is on the water, between the buoys, where the little Baltic 33 will finish 3rd in class.
An achievement that in itself can fill with pride, but the surprises do not end.
Often last in real time, being, by far, the smallest among the participants, the last day of Rendez Vous warms the heart: on arrival, all the maxis are waiting for her, amid applause and celebration, a unique moment.
Beautifully, being always last (in tonnage), on the last day we were waited on by everyone, complete with a standing ovation coming from the maxis. Splendid. Because Vèlite II is a testament, not just Baltic, but of what sailing was and, often, continues to be.

This was followed by an 8th place out of 50 at this year’s Formenton, then a 2nd place in category at the Vela Cup in Cala dei Sardi, where another award was added, the elegance award. For, after all, how can we not celebrate such an icon, kept to perfection, both before and now?The future remains bright as long as boats like these are appreciated, properly maintained and celebrated for the history they carry in their will. Nicola, now, is planning a solo tour of Sardinia, a sailing trip not only through beautiful places, but also aimed at rediscovering his own land, a unique experience to have a different perspective on it. And what better boat than a comfortable and reliable Baltic 33? “You don’t need anything on board. Below deck is such a small world and so intimate that it’s jaw-dropping.”

Other “tidbits” about Classic Boats

• Want to learn more about the world of Classic Boats (1967-1998), the iconic boats of the period, the legendary designers, the stories and races of the “golden age” of sailing? Check out our section dedicated to Classic Boats!
• Want to celebrate your Classic Boat? We explain HERE how to do it!Upload it to the appropriate section of our website, it’s that easy.
• Do you have a Classic Boat to sell? Put it (for free) on our classifieds market!