Congratulations to Catalyst, a Balance 526, and her owner David, for an incredible performance in the World Cruising Club’s ARC Europe rally from Bermuda to the Azores. Catalyst was first to finish among all boats, first multihull across the line, and first in Multihull Division A—a clean sweep! The crossing was completed in just eight days, an impressive feat by any standard and a testament to the speed, balance, and seaworthiness of the 526.

You can learn more about the ARC Europe rally here: ARC Europe Event Page

Journey Highlights

A Viking Send-Off
Kirk and Catherine – strong Nordic ties –  made their departure from Cape Town in true style by donning horned Viking helmets as Väster set sail. Spirits were high and the excitement was contagious.

Day 1: Easing In
After a light start with barely a breeze, we motored for about 6 hours at 6 knots in search of wind. Along the way, we enjoyed sunshine, gentle swells, and sightings of playful seals along South Africa’s West Coast. By the evening, the wind had filled in—and we were sailing under starry skies.

Despite the soft start, we logged over 215 nautical miles on Day 1.

Days 2–7: Flying
For six straight days, we had strong winds and a steady sea state. Even sailing conservatively—with a second reef and jib—we averaged over 220 nautical miles per day. At times, Väster surfed along effortlessly at speeds up to 20 knots, with a top speed of 23 knots recorded.

This performance was all the more impressive considering she was fully loaded with:

• Four months of provisions
• Full diesel and water tanks
• Toys, gear, and spares
• Catherine’s full professional music sound system

Even under load, Väster proved she’s not just a very comfortable liveaboard—she’s a true high-performance machine.

Days 8–9: Back to the Calm
As we neared St. Helena, the wind faded and the seas calmed. We motored the final three days and dropped anchor on Day 9. Waiting in the harbor was Windigo, the first Balance 580, and the two crews shared a celebratory dinner to mark the moment.

What is a Hull Wrap?

A hull wrap is the application of a decorative or protective self-adhesive vinyl film to the hull of your yacht. This modern alternative to paint allows you to completely customize the appearance of your vessel while also offering a protective layer to help guard against wear and environmental damage including sun and salt.

Why Are So Many Owners Choosing Hull Wraps?

Currently, almost 60% of Balance owners are opting for vinyl wraps over paint. Here’s why:

• Cooler Than Paint: Vinyl reflects more heat, keeping your vessel cooler, especially in warmer climates.
  
  
• Fully Customisable: From bold graphics to subtle matte finishes that resemble painted finishes, vinyl offers unlimited design options.
  
  
• Cost Effective: Vinyl wrapping is less expensive than a traditional paint job and does not compromise on quality.
  
  
• Faster Turnaround: With a typical application timeline of just five days, owners are often on the water faster.
  
  
• Easy to Repair: Solid colour wraps are particularly easy to match and repair if damaged. Tip: But a bit of extra wrap at the time of installation and store it so you can manage repairs on any small dings quickly.
  
  
• Paint-Like Finish: When professionally installed, vinyl wraps look as good as a painted surface.
  
  

Protective Layer: Helps shield your hull from scratches, UV rays, and saltwater exposure.