Owners Stories & Adventure Archives - Balance Catamarans https://balancecatamarans.com/category/community/ Engineered for Performance - Crafted for Quality - Designed for Living Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:31:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://balancecatamarans.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/favicon.svg Owners Stories & Adventure Archives - Balance Catamarans https://balancecatamarans.com/category/community/ 32 32 Time to Sail Away https://balancecatamarans.com/time-to-sail-away/ https://balancecatamarans.com/time-to-sail-away/#respond Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:13:07 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=16765 The world has grown noisy. But the rhythm of sailing, the sound of water, the wind on our face offers peace, calm, focus, strength, confidence and accomplishment. It balances the noise, the distraction, the anxiety. It is why we sail. Our minds are focused as we sail. The daily tasks provide the sort of flow […]

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The world has grown noisy.

But the rhythm of sailing, the sound of water, the wind on our face offers peace, calm, focus, strength, confidence and accomplishment.

It balances the noise, the distraction, the anxiety.

It is why we sail.

Our minds are focused as we sail. The daily tasks provide the sort of flow that athletes seek to experience. Mental clarity follows and with that a sense that the movement of sailing is one with the sailor on the best of days. Calm and clarity.

Now add in the sprinkle of adventure that can’t help but open the mind with its new experiences, cultures, ideas, people and lands. Add personal growth into the self-care recipe of the benefits of sailing.

Not every day on the water is the perfect day, but it is the day that you learn to listen again, to work together again with your fellow sailors. It is the day that nature teaches us to react quickly to ever-changing circumstances that demand we stay in the moment. Our interpersonal skills and teamwork needs grow again amidst a noisy world that has sometimes given these skills little attention or respect.

Sailing teaches us to be resilient.  We get back up. We try again.  We simply begin to learn and to grow all of this because sailing opens our eyes to the beauty in nature, our place in the world, however small, is understood.  

Sailing quiets the world. Get out there. Sail on.

Follow the Journey of SV Eliza Jane

We’re thrilled to feature the incredible voyage of SV Eliza Jane—a Balance Catamaran adventuring far and wide with her passionate owner at the helm.

Through the PredictWind tracking page, you can follow Eliza Jane’s route in real time and dive into a rich collection of personal essays, reflections, and stories from life at sea. This isn’t just a tracker—it’s a window into the heart of a sailing journey.

📍 From bluewater passages to quiet anchorages, the owner shares not just the waypoints, but the meaning behind them. It’s an inspiring read for sailors, dreamers, and anyone who knows the magic of voyaging under sail.

Explore the live journey of SV Eliza Jane below:

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/time-to-sail-away/feed/ 0 CAPE TO CANET – A Transatlantic Voyage Aboard Balance 580 Swann https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-cape-to-canet/ https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-cape-to-canet/#respond Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:37:02 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=16771 From Cape Town to Canet-en-Roussillon, 7,353 Nautical Miles in 36 Days The Balance 580 “Swann” has completed her maiden voyage — an unforgettable 36-day journey across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. This performance cruising catamaran set sail from Cape Town, South Africa, and arrived safely in Canet-en-Roussillon, France, covering over 7,300 nautical miles in […]

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From Cape Town to Canet-en-Roussillon, 7,353 Nautical Miles in 36 Days

The Balance 580 “Swann” has completed her maiden voyage — an unforgettable 36-day journey across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean. This performance cruising catamaran set sail from Cape Town, South Africa, and arrived safely in Canet-en-Roussillon, France, covering over 7,300 nautical miles in style and comfort.

Here’s a day-by-day recap of this epic voyage — with highlights, photos, and reflections from onboard.

📍 Day 1 – Cape Town Departure

Swann passes through the iconic lifting bridge, leaving Africa behind for the open ocean. The adventure begins!

🌊 Day 2–4 – Settling In at Sea

Gentle breezes and choppy seas mark the early days. The crew begins to find their rhythm as the boat cruises steadily toward Saint Helena.

🌅 Day 5–8 – Ocean Flow

With solid trade winds and smooth sailing, life onboard falls into a peaceful routine. A stop at Saint Helena lies ahead.

🏝 Day 9–10 – Saint Helena Stopover

Swann anchors at the legendary island of Saint Helena. Time for refueling, rest, and a brush with history.

🌞 Day 11–14 – Northbound Magic

The open ocean stretches wide. Dolphins join the ride. The crew crosses 2,400 NM in style, with stunning sunsets and timeless moments.

🧭 Day 15–16 – Performance Meets Purpose

Swann proves her bluewater credentials — fast, efficient, and fully solar-powered. Then… she crosses the Equator!

🌬 Day 17–21 – Trade Winds & Cape Verde

Southeast trades push Swann north at 200 NM/day. Arrival in Mindelo marks a crew change and short break before the next leg.

⛵ Day 22–27 – Toward Gibraltar

With full sails and favorable winds, Swann makes swift progress. A few upwind days test her mettle — and she handles it with ease.

🌅 Day 28–30 – Calm Before the Med

Glasslike seas and quiet motoring define this leg. Dolphins return to ride the bow. Nature delivers daily magic.

🇲🇦 Day 31–32 – Tangier Stop

A brief stop in Morocco to refuel and avoid orca zones. The crew sets sights on the final stretch.

🌊 Day 33–35 – Spanish Coastline

Sailing through the Mediterranean, up the coast of Spain. Excitement builds as Canet draws near.

🎉 Day 36 – Arrival in Canet

7,353 nautical miles later, Balance 580 “Swann” arrives in France. A triumphant end to an elegant, efficient, and inspiring crossing.

⚓ Voyage Summary

  • Distance: 7,353 NM

  • Duration: 36 days

  • Average Speed: 8.5 knots

  • Engine Hours: 200

  • Highlights: Equator crossing, dolphin encounters, full solar autonomy, perfect sunsets

More posts about the Balance 580

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-cape-to-canet/feed/ 0 Balance Wins Again: Atlantic Victories for Catalyst & Eliza Jane https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-wins-again-atlantic-victories-for-catalyst-eliza-jane/ https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-wins-again-atlantic-victories-for-catalyst-eliza-jane/#respond Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:01:37 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=16510 At Balance Catamarans, performance isn’t just a promise—it’s a proven reality. This past week, two of our performance bluewater catamarans left their mark on the Atlantic, finishing first in two separate ocean crossings. Catalyst Crushes the ARC Rally Congratulations to Catalyst, a Balance 526, and her owner David, for an incredible performance in the World […]

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At Balance Catamarans, performance isn’t just a promise—it’s a proven reality. This past week, two of our performance bluewater catamarans left their mark on the Atlantic, finishing first in two separate ocean crossings.

Catalyst Crushes the ARC Rally

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

Eliza Jane Leads the Salty Dawg Rally

Hot on the heels of Catalyst’s win, Eliza Jane, a Balance 482, finished first in the Salty Dawg Rally from Bermuda to the Azores just a few days later. Another fast, confident transatlantic passage that highlights why Balance owners trust their boats to go the distance—quickly, safely, and in style.

These wins aren’t just about being first—though we certainly love that. They’re about proving what Balance Catamarans are built for: fast, comfortable, owner-driven bluewater sailing. We’re incredibly proud of both crews and honored to see our designs leading the way across the world’s oceans.

Balance leads. Others follow.

Congratulations to Catalyst, Eliza Jane, and their intrepid owners!

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-wins-again-atlantic-victories-for-catalyst-eliza-jane/feed/ 0 Balance crushes it in the ARC! ️ https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-crushes-it-in-the-arc-%ef%b8%8f/ https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-crushes-it-in-the-arc-%ef%b8%8f/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:48:12 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=16456 Balance does it again. David Price’s Balance 526 Catalyst crushes the fleet in the World Cruising Club ARC Bermuda to Azores race. First to finish of All boats, 1st Multihull to finish, first Multihull in Division A. The entire crossing was done in eight days! Balance leads, others follow. Congratulations David!     Explore Balance 526

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Balance does it again. David Price‘s Balance 526 Catalyst crushes the fleet in the World Cruising Club ARC Bermuda to Azores race. First to finish of All boats, 1st Multihull to finish, first Multihull in Division A. The entire crossing was done in eight days! Balance leads, others follow. Congratulations David!   
 
Explore Balance 526

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-crushes-it-in-the-arc-%ef%b8%8f/feed/ 0 The 6,000NM Balance Shakedown Cruise https://balancecatamarans.com/the-6000nm-balance-shakedown-cruise/ https://balancecatamarans.com/the-6000nm-balance-shakedown-cruise/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 08:57:11 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=16138 Written by Dean Paarman, Director of Multimedia & Community Enrichment At the end of January 2025, Balance 526 Hull #29—Väster—splashed in St. Francis Bay alongside the very first Balance 580, Windigo. For proud new owners Kirk and Catherine Brunsson, it marked the start of their very own journey at the helm—after years as devoted members […]

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Written by Dean Paarman, Director of Multimedia & Community Enrichment

At the end of January 2025, Balance 526 Hull #29—Väster—splashed in St. Francis Bay alongside the very first Balance 580, Windigo. For proud new owners Kirk and Catherine Brunsson, it marked the start of their very own journey at the helm—after years as devoted members of the Balance community. With over 7,000 nautical miles under their belts crewing aboard other Balance catamarans, they were more than ready to take the helm of their own performance bluewater cruiser.

I have the incredible privilege of joining them—not just from the early days of build and commissioning, but through sea trials in Cape Town, and now, across the Atlantic Ocean. I’m writing this update from a quiet anchorage off the remote island of St. Helena, where we’re taking a short pause before setting sail again—this time toward Fernando de Noronha.

While I’ll be sharing a full-length video and story once I’m back on land and back in the editing chair, I wanted to give you a sneak peek of what this incredible passage has looked like so far.

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.

Life on St. Helena

This remote island is unlike any other—rugged, welcoming, and full of character. During our stay, we’ve taken care of routine boat maintenance, explored ashore, and even hosted a live music night at the St. Helena Yacht Club. Picture this: a full sound system set up under the stars, islanders and sailors gathered together, and music echoing across the mooring field. A surreal and unforgettable moment.

What’s Next?

We’ll be lifting anchor soon and heading west to Fernando de Noronha. The Atlantic is far from finished with us yet—and neither is this story.

I’ll be sharing the full video chronicle of Väster’s shakedown cruise once I’m back on dry land.

In the meantime, be sure to:

✅ Subscribe to Balance Catamarans on YouTube
 ✅ Sign up for the Balance Newsletter

There’s much more to come.

Fair winds,
 Dean Paarman
 Director of Multimedia & Community Enrichment

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/the-6000nm-balance-shakedown-cruise/feed/ 0 Yachts for Science: Balance Owners Join a Global Effort https://balancecatamarans.com/yachts-for-science-balance-owners-join-a-global-effort/ https://balancecatamarans.com/yachts-for-science-balance-owners-join-a-global-effort/#respond Thu, 01 May 2025 09:19:00 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=16003 There was a good article in Fast Company recently we spotted and wanted to share with you. The article highlights how yacht owners of all manner are supporting marine science. As highlighted in this  article “Luxury yacht owners are throwing scientists a lifeline”, a growing number of private yacht owners are partnering with researchers to […]

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There was a good article in Fast Company recently we spotted and wanted to share with you. The article highlights how yacht owners of all manner are supporting marine science. As highlighted in this  article “Luxury yacht owners are throwing scientists a lifeline”, a growing number of private yacht owners are partnering with researchers to turn their vessels into platforms for ocean discovery.

Organizations like Yachts for Science, the International SeaKeepers Society, and the Pink Flamingo Society are leading the charge. These groups connect marine scientists with yacht owners who are willing to dedicate time, space, or resources to support oceanographic research. In some cases, entire expeditions are funded; in others, yachts simply collect data while cruising remote and otherwise inaccessible waters.

“For scientists, these collaborations provide vital access to remote, understudied regions; for yacht owners, they offer tax benefits, meaningful engagement for crew, and the satisfaction of contributing to ocean conservation without necessarily sacrificing privacy or comfort.” – Fast Company

At Balance Catamarans, some of our own owners joined this movement quite early. The Balance 482, Sealife integrated a SubCTech ocean sensor system into its vessel, collecting real-time data to support climate and ocean health research. And a Balance 526, Zita has joined the research effort as well.

We hold that the ocean isn’t just a playground—it’s a responsibility. So when we see our owners and others equipping vessels with the technology  to contribute meaningfully to ocean science we want to call it out because this effort can help to close critical data gaps and protect the waters we all rely on.

Want to learn more? Read the full article at Fast Company: Luxury yacht owners are throwing scientists a lifeline.

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/yachts-for-science-balance-owners-join-a-global-effort/feed/ 0 Balance 580 Windigo on Passage https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-windigo-on-passage/ https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-windigo-on-passage/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:35:51 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=15994 Just over ten days ago, the first Balance 580, christened Windigo, embarked on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Departing from a blustery Cape Town, she quickly found her rhythm, sustaining an impressive 17 knots in the early hours as her crew enjoyed a smooth and exhilarating ride — a true testament to both speed […]

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Just over ten days ago, the first Balance 580, christened Windigo, embarked on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Departing from a blustery Cape Town, she quickly found her rhythm, sustaining an impressive 17 knots in the early hours as her crew enjoyed a smooth and exhilarating ride — a true testament to both speed and comfort.

Windigo is currently anchored off St Helena Island, taking a brief rest before continuing on the second leg of her journey to Fernando de Noronha.

 

Crew members Ballie and Gareth, both seasoned Balance delivery skippers, have also been sharing highlights from their voyage on Instagram. Here are some standout moments from their adventure so far:

Stay in the Loop

Don’t miss a moment of the journey — subscribe to our newsletter using the sign-up form at the bottom of the page. We regularly share inspiring owner stories, company news, cutting-edge tech innovations, and upcoming events, including boat shows.

Windigo — the very first Balance 580 — will be on display at the Annapolis Boat Show later this year. 

Be the first to know when and where to see her in person!

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-windigo-on-passage/feed/ 0 BALANCE 580 Exclusive Walkthrough – Multihulls World https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-exclusive-walkthrough-multihulls-world/ https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-exclusive-walkthrough-multihulls-world/#respond Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:24:32 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=15845 We are excited to share this new video walkthrough of the Balance 580, filmed in St. Francis, South Africa by the team at Multihulls World. In this in-depth tour, they explore the design and innovation behind our newest high-performance bluewater catamaran. ▶️ Watch the video walkthrough now and get a closer look at what makes […]

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We are excited to share this new video walkthrough of the Balance 580, filmed in St. Francis, South Africa by the team at Multihulls World. In this in-depth tour, they explore the design and innovation behind our newest high-performance bluewater catamaran.

▶ Watch the video walkthrough now and get a closer look at what makes the Balance 580 a game changer.

Explore Balance 580

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-580-exclusive-walkthrough-multihulls-world/feed/ 0 Pacific Bound: The Balance Trio https://balancecatamarans.com/pacific-bound-the-balance-trio/ https://balancecatamarans.com/pacific-bound-the-balance-trio/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:14:18 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=14885 There’s nothing quite like watching a fleet of Balance Catamarans cruising through one of the world’s most iconic waterways. Recently, three stunning Balance catamarans transited the Panama Canal together, offering a rare and picturesque moment of adventure and camaraderie on the water. Now, these beautiful boats are setting sail for new horizons in the Pacific. […]

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There’s nothing quite like watching a fleet of Balance Catamarans cruising through one of the world’s most iconic waterways. Recently, three stunning Balance catamarans transited the Panama Canal together, offering a rare and picturesque moment of adventure and camaraderie on the water. Now, these beautiful boats are setting sail for new horizons in the Pacific.

Centered in the pack was Catalyst, a Balance 482, who documented the journey with some truly captivating video footage (which we’re excited to link to below). Joining them were Umoya, the very first Balance 442 ever built, and In Cahoots, another Balance 442 that’s clearly ready for some serious bluewater cruising.

Their collective passage through the canal was more than just a logistical milestone—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the spirit of exploration. Whether you’re dreaming of your own crossing or just love seeing these boats in action, enjoy this glimpse into their journey through the lens of their enthusiastic and talented owners.

Stay tuned as these crews continue their Pacific adventures—we can’t wait to see where the wind takes them next!

Follow Their Journeys on Instagram

Below you can follow the adventures of these Balance Catamarans directly through their own channels. The Panama Canal transit is well documented on Catalyst’s profile, starting with their post linked below — packed with awesome video content. 

In Cahoots also shares their own Panama experiences and cruising life as they head off into the Pacific.

Don’t miss out — give them a follow to stay up to date with their journeys!

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]]> https://balancecatamarans.com/pacific-bound-the-balance-trio/feed/ 0 Gallivanting Galileo – Passage to Tahiti https://balancecatamarans.com/gallivanting-galileo-passage-to-tahiti/ https://balancecatamarans.com/gallivanting-galileo-passage-to-tahiti/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:41:00 +0000 https://balancecatamarans.com/?p=15498 Email received from Balance 526 Galileo:  Hi Phil, I hope you are doing well. Sorry we will miss the get together this summer, but we certainly are seeing more Balances out here. We continue to enjoy Galileo and thought you might like this video a friend did of us exiting one of the passes in […]

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Email received from Balance 526 Galileo: 

Hi Phil,

I hope you are doing well. Sorry we will miss the get together this summer, but we certainly are seeing more Balances out here.

We continue to enjoy Galileo and thought you might like this video a friend did of us exiting one of the passes in the Tuamotus in French Polynesia. 

We have just passed 40,000 miles and have more adventures ahead.

Best,

T & J

Video Caption: 

Unbeknownst to us, as we were exiting the West cut in Makemo, Sv Flora was filming our exit.

What a gift and a joy it was to receive this video via Starlink (which never would have been possible a few years) during our two night passage to Tahiti.

As cruisers know usually the best photos come from other cruisers, who are in the same slice of paradise as you under sail out on the water.

It’s not unusual for a thoughtful cruiser that you have never met to take a photo of your boat and then track you down so that they can share it 😁

Wiebke and Ralf – you take the cake !!! Literally and figuratively 😄. Thank you for creating such a professional video and wonderful memory. It was great spending time with you.

You rock!!!

just had to share this😁

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