Built by the Finnish yard Baltic with lines by Nauta Design, Nikata topped speeds of 28 knots on her maiden transatlantic voyage to the Caribbean, after stopping off in Tenerife for her photo shoot.

The 35-metre has been designed as a comfortable family cruising yacht that can just as easily participate in regattas. Indeed, she is due to race in February’s RORC Caribbean 600.

An all-carbon hull and deck means she is extremely light but also stiff enough to withstand the loads of serious regatta racing. A 33-ton lifting bulb keel and wide transom ensure stability both upwind and downwind. For regattas, Nikata will use a powerful square top sail instead of the more usual cruising pin-head mainsail.

The interiors are also by Nauta Design, and are characterised by neutral colours, oaks and linens, keeping the spaces light and airy. A huge centreline skylight in the coachroof ensures there is plenty of natural light inside.

The yard also invested research and development efforts into reducing noise and vibration throughout the yacht, redesigning areas of the yacht to create the quietest and most comfortable cruising experience possible. Nikata sleeps eight guests in four cabins.

Pictures by Guido Cantini.