Rich spent 70 years sailing before finally building his dream boat — the all-carbon Balance 580, Blue Diamond. After owning a Balance 526 and "failing his first retirement," Rich came back to St. Francis Bay with a very specific wishlist for his circumnavigation build. In this video, he walks us through every custom feature on board and shares why he chose Balance — twice. What makes Blue Diamond special: Hydraulic furling on the genoa and working jib for single-handed night watches Twin 110hp engines (nearly double the standard) for fast, safe passages Full carbon build — hull, rig, and standing rigging Speed-rewind winches controllable from the helm Onboard hydroponic garden in the galley Perfectly balanced weight distribution for optimized waterline Rich also shares what it's like to work with the Balance build team, and why the culture at Balance sets it apart from any other boatyard he's encountered. 🌊 Follow Rich's circumnavigation journey as he and his South African crew, Ian and Angie, set sail for the world. 🔔 Subscribe for more owner stories, build walkthroughs, and life aboard content. 📩 Enquire about your own Balance catamaran: www.balancecatamarans.com #Balance580 #Catamaran #BlueWaterSailing #Sailing #Circumnavigation #CatamaranLife #BalanceCatamarans #Liveaboard #SailingLife

Join us for a lunchtime walk through the Balance Catamarans factory in Cape Town, where production is in full swing across multiple hulls and models. In this update, we take you through the entire production line — from boats fresh out of the molds in early assembly, through fairing and paint, all the way to the finishing bay. Highlights include: - 464 already in the painting phase, set for launch in 2026 - The new centerline skylight on the 464 bringing more light and air to the saloon - The frameless window setup delivering a stunning 180° saloon view - Improved headroom on the 502, even on the smallest vessel in the lineup - 🏁 442 Hull 30 — the very last 442 ever built, nearing completion 2025 and 2026 are landmark years for Balance Catamarans, with new models entering the water and a generation of iconic builds coming to a close. A huge thank you to the hundreds of skilled hands making it all happen on the floor every day. Stay in Balance. #BalanceCatamarans #Catamaran #BoatBuilding #CapeTown #Sailing #464 #502 #442 #Liveaboard #SailingLife

Here's the updated full description: 🥂 Hull Launch — Marnie Kai 3 | Balance 580 Performance Catamaran Watch as Marnie Kai 3, a stunning Balance 580, takes to the water for the very first time. A milestone moment for her proud owners — and the beginning of many great adventures ahead. The Balance 580 represents the pinnacle of performance cruising catamaran design — built by hand in St. Francis Bay, South Africa. Built with foam-cored epoxy construction and carbon reinforcement throughout, she delivers exceptional speed and agility without compromising on luxury or offshore capability. Designed for sailors who demand offshore capability without sacrificing luxury, she is SAIL Magazine's Boat of the Year for 2026. Whether crossing oceans or exploring coastlines, Marnie Kai 3 is built to go anywhere the wind takes her. 🌊 Fair winds and following seas. #Balance580 #CatamaranLaunch #MarnieKai3 #BalanceCatamarans #SailingLife #Catamaran #BoatLaunch #BlueWaterSailing #PerformanceCruising #SailLife

What does a full carbon core actually do for the weight of a Balance Catamaran? On launch day for Twin Fin — our latest 502 — we break down exactly where the weight savings come from and what it means for performance on the water. Key highlights: ⚖️ Over 1 ton (2,200+ lbs) of weight saved on the 502 and 464 🔩 Full carbon fiber bulkheads, partition panels, cabin soles, and tanks — replacing traditional E-glass throughout 🧪 Full vinyl ester resin hull construction for stronger, lighter laminates 🪵 Foam core cabinetry with handmade doors — no shortcuts on fit-out 🚀 Benefits: better performance, greater bridge clearance, and increased load carrying capacity This isn't about stripping out comfort. Every creature comfort you'd expect from a bluewater passagemaker is still there — refrigeration, air conditioning, full cabinetry. We're simply building it lighter and stronger. 👉 Watch Phil's full factory carbon core deep-dive: https://youtu.be/xuGcnsQxXVQ Stay connected for more updates on Twin Fin's sea trials and everything coming in 2026. #BalanceCatamarans #CarbonCore #502 #464 #Catamaran #BlueWaterSailing #WeightSaving #CatamaranBuild #SailingLife #Liveaboard #TwinFin

2,000 miles of open ocean behind you. The anchor drops. And suddenly… life on land feels foreign. This is Part 2 of our Atlantic crossing aboard Balance 526 Väster — and it's less about sailing, and more about what happens when you arrive somewhere so remote, so real, and so utterly unlike anywhere else on earth, that it stops you in your tracks. St Helena Island sits alone in the South Atlantic. No cruise ship crowds. No tourist traps. Just 4,500 warm souls, 699 steps of sheer grit, a fish fry that brings the whole town together, and a restaurant that sailors have been talking about for decades. We were lucky enough to share the anchorage with Windigo — the first ever Balance 580 to make this passage — which made an already extraordinary landfall feel like something even more special. This is what the Balance community looks like when it meets on the water. Onboard Väster: – Dean Paarman (Balance Catamarans) – Kirk & Catherine Brunsen (Owners) – Josh Solomon (Captain) Boat: Balance 526 Väster 🌍 Read the full story: 👉 https://balancecatamarans.com/atlantic-crossing-part-2/ (link live soon) 🔗 Miss Part 1? Cape Town to St Helena: 👉 https://balancecatamarans.com/atlantic-crossing-part-1/ 🏝️ Planning a stop at St Helena? Here's what you need to know: St Helena is one of the most remote islands on earth — and one of the most rewarding stops on any Atlantic passage. A subtropical paradise where mountainous terrain and microclimates create an astounding diversity of landscapes, all within a few minutes' drive. St Helena Tourism 🧭 Start here: 👉 Official St Helena Tourism: https://sthelenatourism.com 👉 Visitor Information (St Helena Government): https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/visitors/ 🍽️ Anne's Place — Don't skip it. A family-run institution in Jamestown, tucked behind Castle Gardens, known for traditional home-cooked local cuisine — St Helena fish cakes, fresh local fish, and a warm welcome that sailors never forget. St Helena Tourism Its ceiling is a canopy of flags from vessels all over the world, each signed by the crew. Visitors' books tell the story of decades of passages. St Helena Island We left a new log book and started a Balance sticker tradition on the phone booth — keep it going. 👉 https://sthelenatourism.com/restaurants/annes-place/ 🐟 The Wednesday Night Fish Fry at the Yacht Club On Wednesday nights, it feels as if all of Jamestown turns out for the weekly fish fry, held quayside along the harbour. With cold drinks, sea air and animated conversation, the St Helena Yacht Club reveals itself as a true community hub and a welcoming haven for visitors. Become a member. It costs almost nothing (5GBP) and it means everything. 🚗 Hire a car and drive the interior — we can't recommend this enough. Car hire is the most practical way to explore the island. Sainthelenaisland All hire is through small local businesses — personal, affordable, and far better than any chain. Book well in advance as demand is high, not just from visitors but from returning Saints as well. St Helena Tourism 👉 Car hire listings: https://sthelenatourism.com/hire-types/rental-car-hire/ 🪜 Jacob's Ladder — You have to do it. 699 steps between lower Jamestown and Ladder Hill Fort, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's history. St Helena Tourism 280 metres of walking distance. 185 metres of elevation. Average 40-degree incline. Don't say we didn't warn you. 📖 For visiting sailors — everything you need: 👉 https://sainthelenaisland.info/visiting_by_yacht/ 👉 Noonsite port info: https://www.noonsite.com/place/st-helena/jamestown/ 💳 Practical tip: Card acceptance is limited. Bring British pounds (GBP = SHP on island) or set up the Bank of St Helena Tourist Card before you arrive. 🛥️ About Balance Catamarans: 👉 https://balancecatamarans.com 📸 Instagram: @balancecatamarans 📘 Facebook: /BalanceCatamarans ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Atlantic Passage Recap 00:07 Landfall at St Helena 01:10 Yacht Club and Windigo Meetup 02:44 Fuel Work and Rest Day 03:18 Permission to Fish 03:43 Fish Fry Gig Prep 04:25 Annes and Jamestown Stroll 05:01 Live Music Night 09:27 Island Drive and Roadside Shop 11:29 Departure Prep and Customs 12:59 Provisioning and Deep Clean 15:03 Cliffs and Jacobs Ladder 17:17 Farewell and Next Leg Make sure you're subscribed — Part 3 is coming as we cross to Fernando de Noronha on the other side of the Atlantic. Stay in balance.

Sneak preview of the sailing fun as 12 Balance Catamarans gather in the BVI for the first Rally in 2026.

Get an exclusive first look at the Balance 540 — the latest addition to the Balance range, expected to launch late 2026 or early 2027. In this video we walk you through some of the exciting new features including the 540 VersaStern, VersaHelm™, the redesigned saloon, and where we are in the build process. 🔗 Get the full build spec: https://balancecatamarans.com/the-balance-540/ 🔗 Learn more about the Balance 540: https://balancecatamarans.com/the-balance-540/ Stay Balance. #Balance540 #BalanceCatamarans #CatamaranBuild #BluewaterCruising #Catamaran #SailingLife

How often do we truly slow down… and hand our lives over to the ocean? This is the first leg of an Atlantic crossing aboard a Balance 526 — from Cape Town to St Helena. But this isn’t just a passage… it’s something far more meaningful. It’s the beginning of ownership. It’s the ultimate offshore shakedown. And for many Balance owners — it’s a rite of passage. With 1,700 nautical miles behind you… and 1,700 ahead… life simplifies. Your world becomes wind, waves, watches, and the quiet space in between. Onboard: – Dean Paarman (Balance Catamarans) – Kirk & Catherine Brunssen (Owners) – Josh Solomon (Skipper) Boat: Balance 526 Väster From last-minute provisioning in Cape Town to high-speed runs offshore, settling into watch systems, and finding rhythm at sea — this is where the journey truly begins. 🌍 Read the full story: 👉 https://balancecatamarans.com/atlantic-crossing-part-1/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Why Sail Away 01:18 Last Minute Provisioning 04:09 Meet Väster and Crew 05:12 Leaving Cape Town 07:32 First Night Offshore 09:26 Dialing In the Sails 13:37 Day Three Speed Runs 16:09 Staying Safe at Pace 17:06 Sea Legs and Burgers 18:39 Watch System Explained 23:38 Food and Boat Routines 27:44 Crew Bonds and Quiet 29:25 Calm Day and Motoring 31:45 Fishing and What’s Next

What does it actually take to build a catamaran that's safe, livable, and fast — without compromising any of the three? https://balancecatamarans.com/built-to-last-the-engineering-philosophy-behind-our-catamarans/ Phil Berman & Dean Paarman sit to to break down the engineering philosophy behind Balance Catamarans, from Du Toit Yacht Design's role in laminate schedules and structural integrity, to why major components are built to a 2:1 safety factor — double the calculated load. We also get into the real tradeoffs between weight, durability, and comfort: why glass wins over Lexan, why storage volume matters on a cruising cat, and what CE Category A offshore certification actually means for a boat's resale value and safety. Plus — the escape hatch debate, why beam-to-length ratio determines how well your cat sails in light air, and the reefing guidelines that keep you from flying a hull. 00:00 Engineering and Certification 01:24 Safety Factors and Weight 02:58 Materials and Livability Tradeoffs 04:01 Escape Hatches Debate 05:15 CE vs US Standards 05:51 Beam Width and Stability 07:03 Reefing and No Hull Flying 07:40 Wrap Up and Guidelines Link: https://balancecatamarans.com/design-for-safety/ Link: https://balancecatamarans.com/built-to-last-the-engineering-philosophy-behind-our-catamarans/ Catamaran Conversations with Patrick Shaughnessy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_ZKlaZSmtsRpY6CxjveL9BKi5k3mQwkx

Meet Blue Diamond — a stunning new Balance 580 fresh out of the Saint Francis Bay yard on her very first factory sea trial. This early-stage trial is all about the fundamentals: engine performance, systems checks, leak inspections, and navigation — the essential groundwork before rigging is even touched. No sails yet, just pure motoring through the bay. And she does not disappoint. Highlights from the trial: Exceptional stability on the water Comfortably cruising at 11–12 knots under motor A first look at this beautiful new hull in her natural environment Rigging setup and sailing sea trials are coming soon — stay tuned. 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss the next chapter of Blue Diamond's journey. 📖 We publish new stories weekly — check out our blog for the latest from the yard and beyond: 👉 https://balancecatamarans.com/news-media/ #Balance580 #BlueDeamong #Catamaran #SeaTrial #SaintFrancisBay #BalanceCatamarans

The Balance 580 has been named a SAIL Magazine Top 10 Best Boats winner — one of the most respected awards in sailing. This isn't an award you apply for. It's earned through real sea trials, real sailing, and real innovation. Described as "a cut above," the 580 combines lightweight carbon-reinforced construction with serious performance. But she's not just built for speed — from the versatile helm station to the open cockpit to comfortable salon living, this is a catamaran designed for real sailors and real life aboard. The test boat didn't just sail around the bay. She crossed the Atlantic before the review even took place. Built in South Africa, the 580 continues a remarkable track record — every new Balance model has earned major international recognition. The Balance 580: not just award-winning. Built to redefine what a performance cruising catamaran can be. 🔗 Learn more: https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-named-sail-magazine-top-10-best-boats-2026-winner/ 📩 Enquiries: info@balancecatamarans.com #BalanceCatamarans #Balance580 #SAILMagazine #BestBoats #SailingCatamaran #PerformanceCruising #CatamaranLife #BluewaterSailing #BuiltInSouthAfrica #SailingYacht

Link: https://balancecatamarans.com/design-for-safety/ The episode discusses key safety priorities in catamaran design, emphasizing the need to balance comfort, livability, and performance with strength and engineering details. It highlights ergonomics and visibility as critical, noting that collisions are the top global cause of marine accidents and often result from poor sightlines, so Balance focuses on visibility to all four corners and the horizon. The conversation explains safety-driven choices like a single helm station for efficient reefing, tacking, jibing, and line management; safer movement via minimal trip hazards, tall stanchions with three lines, and ample handholds; reduced deck clutter such as avoiding hatches in walking areas; and clear side-deck passageways. Additional features include emergency tiller systems, an A-frame mainsheet for safer boom control versus travelers, and keeping the boom low for easier sail handling, aided by adjustable biminis and serviceable system access planned from the start. 00:00 Safety Design Overview 00:33 Balancing Comfort Performance 01:08 Ergonomics and Helm Layout 01:31 Visibility and Sightlines 02:09 Single Helm Sail Handling 02:42 Safe Deck Movement 04:11 Rigging and Emergency Systems 04:57 Boom Height and Bimini Access 05:59 Maintenance Access by Design Link: https://balancecatamarans.com/design-for-safety/ Catamaran Conversations with Patrick Shaughnessy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_ZKlaZSmtsRpY6CxjveL9BKi5k3mQwkx

Watch the launch of the beautiful Balance 526 catamaran “Black Rose” as she enters the water for the very first time. Built in South Africa, the Balance 526 represents the brand’s legacy and commitment to high-performance bluewater cruising, combining lightweight composite construction, powerful sail plans, and the comfort expected from a modern luxury catamaran. “Black Rose” is part of the acclaimed Balance Catamarans range—designed for sailors who want true offshore capability without sacrificing livability. Stay tuned for more sailing footage, walkthroughs, and owner stories as this stunning performance cruising catamaran begins her journey. 🔗 Learn more about Balance Catamarans: https://balancecatamarans.com

Fourteen years. Thirty-six hulls. One legendary catamaran. Join Phil Berman, founder of Balance Catamarans, as he reflects on the story behind the iconic Balance 526—the risks, the breakthroughs, and the people who made it possible. From humble beginnings in St. Francis to building a world-class performance catamaran, discover how the lessons, feedback, and passion of the past 14 years have been poured into the brand-new Balance 540. Celebrate the final Balance 526 owners, explore the innovations in the 540, and get a glimpse of the next chapter in the Balance Catamarans journey. #BalanceCatamarans #Balance526 #Balance540 #PerformanceCatamaran #SailingAdventure #BlueWaterExploration

If you’re shopping for a performance cruising catamaran, one of the hardest questions to answer is: Why do similar-size catamarans have such different prices? In this conversation, Dean Paarman and Patrick Roscoe explain how catamarans are actually priced — and why the number you first see on a brochure often doesn’t represent the real ownership cost. This video walks through what experienced buyers eventually learn: you’re not just comparing boats… you’re comparing ownership experiences. We cover: • What a “base boat” truly means (and why it varies so much between brands) • Hidden costs that commonly appear after purchase • Why equipment specifications matter more than headline price • The purpose behind the Essential Voyager Package • Launch, commissioning, and handover realities • Training, education, and long-term support • Warranty advocacy and OEM relationships • The importance of owner community and global service networks • Why delivery location matters more than most buyers realize • How resale value and certified pre-owned programs affect true cost of ownership The goal of this video is not to compare brands — but to help you ask better questions when evaluating any catamaran. Because the real value of a cruising yacht is rarely visible on an option sheet. Who This Video Is For? This is especially helpful if you are: - Seriously researching catamarans - Comparing brands in the 45–58 ft range - Planning extended cruising or liveaboard sailing - Concerned about support, resale, or ownership complexity - Trying to understand why prices differ so dramatically Key Takeaway A catamaran purchase is not just a product decision. It’s a long-term service relationship involving training, support, infrastructure, and community. And those things often determine satisfaction far more than initial price. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:25 What a “Base Boat” Really Means 02:46 Equipment, Materials & Specifications 06:12 The Essential Voyager Package 08:04 Launch & Commissioning 09:09 Training and Education 12:05 Aftercare & Warranty Support 17:21 Owner Community 22:17 Why Delivery Location Matters (South Africa) 26:20 Certified Pre-Owned & Resale Value 28:23 Final Thoughts Learn More About Balance Catamarans If you’d like to understand whether a Balance is a good fit for your sailing plans, the best next step is simply to start a conversation with our team. 👉 https://www.balancecatamarans.com

At Balance Catamarans, quality isn’t a marketing slogan — it’s a process that runs through every layer of the boat, from structure and engineering to silence underway and long-term owner support. In this in-depth conversation, Phil Berman (Founder) and Dean Paarman (Director of Operations – South Africa) break down what building for quality actually means in practice — and why it matters when your boat becomes your home, your transport, and your safety system at sea. This video goes inside the invisible details that define a Balance Catamaran: • Carbon foam-core bulkheads • Fully glassed deck joints (inside and out) • Hand-faired interiors with no cosmetic covers • Rigidity, silence, and long-term durability • Electrical systems built around modern 48V architecture • Quality control loops from factory to waterfront • Training, documentation, and real-world owner support You’ll also hear why stiffness equals silence, how quality directly impacts safety offshore, and why Balance chooses to build fewer boats — better — rather than chase volume. This is not about perfection. It’s about pride, process, and constantly raising the bar. 00:00 Introduction to Balance Catamarans 00:25 Passion, Heritage & the Balance Philosophy 01:26 Structural Quality: Bulkheads, Carbon & Rigidity 04:46 Craftsmanship, Fairing & Invisible Details 06:41 Training, Apprenticeships & Skilled Teams 07:31 Engineering, Weight, Strength & Innovation 14:10 Owner Experience, Silence & Offshore Comfort 17:48 Electrical Systems & 48V Technology Evolution 22:08 Sailing Skills, Training & Owner Confidence 22:47 Owner Community, Feedback & Continuous Improvement 24:48 Conclusion: Striking the Balance