“It was blowing hard… she was elegantly slipping along, with soft lightness through the short Baltic chop”

Nardi’s Nods – By Federico Nardi of Cantiere Navale Dell Argentario. Translated by James Robinson Taylor

Years ago during a race series in Sandhamn, one of the many islands off Stockholm, a boat crossed to leeward of us. It was blowing hard and the absolutely beautiful sloop was carrying an Olympic jib and full main; she was actually elegantly slipping along, with soft lightness through the short Baltic chop. As chance would have it when our 6-metre fleet returned to port we found the sloop moored right in front of us. It was a Bacchant IV, designed by the well known Knud Reimers. About 100 Bacchant IV’s were built in Sweden, starting in 1964. The yacht is a typical offshore cruiser with a classic look. The long-keeled glassfibre hull was a perfect solution as it allowed all the onboard systems to be placed low down and at sea the boat moves ever so sweetly.
At sea beauty prevails over practicality and comfort; how can you compare an Aston Martin DB5 “Volante” (coincidentally both the Bacchant IV and the Aston Martin were made in approximately the same quantity and in the same period) to a present day Fiat?
With a 9ft maximum beam, a waterline length of 31ft and a displacement of 14,000 lbs with a 46% ballast ratio, the Bacchant behaves like a metric class boat, she can easily sail with an exaggerated angle of heel without losing speed, spilling wind at the same time, but remaining neutral (on the helm) and well under control. The mast is stepped on deck (alas!) and has a masthead rig. Seen from a Mediterranean viewpoint the sail plan is low and long; the result is a boat that loves a fresh breeze.
After more than 30 years of boats made with the anti-aesthetic holed aluminium gunwales we can fully appreciate the streamlined hull enhanced and beautified by the wooden gunwale.
Interiors are well finished in the perfect tradition of boats of this length. Going below, to starboard we have the galley with the two burners, and the sink amidships under the companionway. The settees are forward and symmetrical (on some versions they would slide out of the way), the head is walk-through with the WC to port and basin to starboard, the forward V-berth is lengthy and comfortable, and everywhere space is available for stowage.
It is worthwhile keeping an eye on the primary Scandinavian used boat websites, a Bacchant IV at €20-25,000 will soon appear. For an Aston Martin you’ll have to spend a million Euros, and that might not be enough.

Bacchant IV
LOA 35.6ft (10.85m)
Beam 9ft (2.7m)
Draught 5.6ft (1.7m)
Sail Area 689 sq ft (64m2)
Displacem’t 14,110lbs 6,400kgs

Translated by James Robinson Taylor