State of Balance Catamarans 2020

A Year of Uncharted Sailing

Hello, I’m Phil Berman, founder of Balance Catamarans. As we sail through October 2020, I’m writing to you from Annapolis, Maryland—though this year, it looks a little different. With the cancellation of the Annapolis Boat Show due to COVID-19, we’ve spent the week sailing privately with interested sailors, sharing the Balance experience firsthand.

Though the setting may be quieter, the spirit is anything but. This week reminded me of why we do what we do: to connect with passionate voyagers and continue building boats that reflect performance, beauty, and soul.

Back to the Beginning

For those just getting to know us, Balance Catamarans was born in 2013 from a blend of frustration and vision. After decades at the helm of The Multihull Company and nearly 950 catamaran sales under my belt, I saw a shift in the industry—a move toward heavier, slower, charter-focused designs.

There was a clear need for something different: high-performance, bluewater catamarans that adventurous couples could sail confidently, comfortably, and without compromise. That desire to create something better led me to partner with Anton du Toit and our talented team in South Africa. Together, we set out to build boats that balance speed, strength, livability, and simplicity.

From Concept to Ocean-Proven

We began our production journey with the Balance 451 in China, but quickly transitioned to South Africa, where craftsmanship, pride, and innovation aligned perfectly with our goals.

Today, I’m writing to you from aboard a Balance 526—one that’s already covered over 25,000 miles under sail. Our eighth hull recently made landfall in Grenada, and number nine is just around the corner. Even amid a global pandemic, demand for our catamarans continues to grow, a testament to the values that guide us.

A Fleet Expanding by Design

This year has brought major milestones. We’ve already sold eight of the new Balance 482s, with the first launch slated for March. The design has struck a chord with performance-minded sailors, and while North America remains our strongest market, new orders from Italy and Switzerland point to growing international appeal.

Following the Miami Boat Show, we announced the Balance 442—another exciting model now in production at our new South African facility. Each boat we build is crafted like a custom home: tailored to the needs, style, and dreams of its future owner.

Innovation at Every Turn

Whether it’s our carbon-fiber 526 commissioned for a performance-driven sailor, or the vibrant designs of Ohana and Blue Diamond, each Balance Catamaran reflects our obsession with pushing the boundaries.

At our St. Francis facility, work is full steam ahead on the new Balance 580 and 620 models. We’re building lighter, stronger, smarter boats, with feedback from our captains and owners affirming our mission: real performance sailing—covering serious ocean miles with minimal reliance on engines.

Looking to the Horizon

While COVID-19 paused our attendance at key shows like Cannes and La Grande Motte, we remain optimistic about growing our European presence. The passion of our owners’ group is contagious, and interest in our handcrafted models is quickly spreading beyond our traditional markets.

Our South African operations have never been stronger. The team there—resilient, skilled, and relentlessly creative—is bringing these boats to life at a pace we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.

Final Thoughts

As the fastest-growing performance catamaran builder in the world, we remain deeply committed to quality, innovation, and integrity. Whether you’re dreaming of your first ocean crossing or your next upgrade, we welcome the opportunity to connect.

Until the next boat show—or your next sea trial—stay safe, stay balanced, and keep sailing forward.

Phil Berman
Founder, Balance Catamarans