Welcome to Catamaran Conversations – an 8 part series of in-depth discussions on modern catamaran design. This podcast features renowned yacht designer Patrick Shaughnessy, president of Farr Yacht Design, and Phillip Berman, founder of Balance Catamarans. Hosted by acclaimed yachting reporter Herb McCormick, former editor-in-chief of Cruising World Magazine, this series dives into the world of catamaran design and sailing expertise.
Herb McCormick
Guiding these conversations is the esteemed yachting journalist Herb McCormick. As a former Editor-in-Chief of Cruising World magazine and a seasoned sailor, Herb has logged over 75,000 nautical miles throughout his career. His deep understanding of sailing and the yachting industry makes him an exceptional host for our discussions.
Patrick Shaughnessy
Patrick Shaughnessy began his career in 1990 as a draughtsman at Bruce Farr Yacht Design. Today, he’s the president of a company boasting the most decorated sailing record in history, with over 18,000 yachts in the water. These vessels, ranging from 3.7 to 125 feet, have dominated prestigious events like the Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup, Vendee Globe, and Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. In addition to his design prowess, Patrick is a skilled sailor, having crewed in top-tier races worldwide.
Patrick has elected to purchase the recently announced BALANCE 464. Watch this interview here to learn more about why he chose a Balance.
Philip Berman
Philip Berman, a former world champion Hobie Cat racer and published sailing author, founded Balance Catamarans in 2013. Under his leadership, Balance Catamarans has become the fastest-growing brand of high-performance voyaging catamarans. Collaborating with South African naval architect Anton du Toit, Philip has co-designed all five Balance models, setting new standards in speed and comfort for long-distance cruising.
EPISODE 1: Designing Performance Catamaran Interiors
In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of catamaran interior design, focusing on how living spaces are prioritized to ensure both comfort and performance. Discover why interior design is the starting point for designing modern, high-performance catamarans, and how choices like bed orientation, headroom, and storage impact the overall functionality and liveability on board.
Patrick and Phil also share their approach to balancing ergonomic, practical needs with the sleek, performance-driven exterior designs of their yachts, including the importance of sightlines, galley placement, and proper cabinetry for long-term voyaging.
EPISODE 2: Exploring Performance Catamaran Exterior Design
In Episode 2 of Catamaran Conversations, join Phil Berman, Patrick Shaughnessy, and journalist Herb McCormick as they discuss the critical decisions in exterior catamaran design. From hull shapes to helm placements, get an in-depth look into what makes Balanced Catamarans uniquely efficient and stylish. Don’t miss this insightful dialogue if you’re passionate about sailing or boat design.
EPISODE 3: Exploring Performance Catamaran Helm Stations
In this episode of Catamaran Conversations, join Phil Berman, founder of Balance Catamarans, Patrick Shaughnessy, president of Far Yacht Design, and sailing journalist Herb McCormick as they dive into one of the most critical aspects of catamaran design: the Helm Station. Discover the innovative VersaHelm, its versatility, and how it addresses key challenges for sailors, offering improved visibility, comfort, and functionality.
EPISODE 4: Daggerboards: Performance & Design
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of daggerboards and their crucial role in optimizing performance for modern catamarans. From understanding basic operation to exploring advanced design choices, our expert panel shares invaluable insights.
EPISODE 5: Measuring Sailing Performance with VPPs & Bruce Numbers
In this episode, we’re tackling VPPs (Velocity Prediction Programs) and Bruce Numbers—two key tools in yacht design. Discover how designers use these metrics to predict and optimize boat performance, and learn about their limitations when comparing boats or planning your next voyage.
EPISODE 6: Choosing the Right Inventory & Sail Plan
This episode unpacks the art of selecting the right sail inventory for catamarans, blending performance, ease of use, and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just getting started, you’ll gain valuable insights on the pros and cons of Dacron, radial-cut, and exotic sail fabrics, the practicality of self-tacking jibs for cruising and day sailing and much more.
EPISODE 7: Carbon Fiber – Benefits, Trade-Offs, and Innovations
Explore the engineering behind carbon fiber, its pros and cons, and how it’s used in Balance Catamarans for optimal performance. Learn about carbon-reinforced high-load areas, weight-saving techniques, and the trade-offs between performance and cost. Discover insights into carbon spars, structural considerations, and why some owners choose carbon enhancements for their catamarans.
EPISODE 8: Designing Safe Catamarans
This final episode, explores how modern advancements in engineering, technology, and seamanship are redefining safety for catamarans.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EPISODES
Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel and have notifications turned on!