State of Balance Catamarans 2022

A Return to Our Roots

Hello friends, sailors, and fellow adventurers—
I’m Phil Berman, and as we chart our course into 2022, I find myself reflecting on the journey that began in St. Francis, South Africa, back in 2015 with the launch of our very first Balance 526.

That boat didn’t just mark the beginning of a company—it set in motion a movement. Now, six years later, we’re seeing the results of that early vision take flight across oceans, continents, and communities.

From Annapolis to the World

Our debut at the Annapolis Boat Show was a watershed moment. The Balance 526 took home Import Boat of the Year from Cruising World—an extraordinary honor for any builder, let alone a new one. But more than a trophy, that award validated the idea that inspired Balance Catamarans in the first place: that there was a better way to build performance bluewater multihulls for serious sailors.

It wasn’t just about accolades—it was about proving that we could do something different, and do it well.

The Vision Behind the Brand

Before founding Balance, I spent decades as a yacht broker, personally selling nearly a hundred catamarans a year. That experience gave me a front-row seat to what worked—and what didn’t—in production multihulls. The industry had drifted toward heavier, slower, charter-focused boats. There was a clear need for high-performance yachts that prioritized the needs of voyaging sailors.

With Balance, we set out to close that gap. We focused on speed, strength, comfort, and owner-driven control. Innovations like our now-signature VersaHelm were born from this thinking—combining ergonomic precision with unmatched visibility, all in a design that reflects the soul of true passage making.

The Heartbeat of South Africa

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary talent we’ve partnered with in South Africa. Builders like Anton du Toit, Jonathan Paarman, and Mark Delaney have helped us bring Balance to life—boat by boat, detail by detail.

Our production facilities have become living testaments to what Nelson Mandela once called the “rainbow nation.” Skilled teams from diverse backgrounds work side by side with shared purpose, crafting catamarans with care, discipline, and pride.

Expanding the Fleet, Staying True to the Mission

The success of the 526 pushed us to think bigger—while staying true to our DNA. To serve more sailors without compromising quality, we introduced two new models: the Balance 482 and the Balance 442. Both designs have been incredibly well received, with the 482 taking home multiple awards at this year’s Annapolis Boat Show.

These aren’t scaled-down versions—they’re purpose-built extensions of our commitment to performance, simplicity, and owner-focused design.

Momentum That Matters

As of today, we have over 90 Balance Catamarans under contract—a number that humbles and energizes us in equal measure. Growth at this pace is a privilege, and we’re navigating it with great care to ensure every boat we build lives up to our name.

In the months ahead, the Balance 482 will make its European debut, introducing our designs to new sailors and new shores. The future feels wide open.

Looking Ahead: A Community, Not Just a Brand

Balance Catamarans has always been about more than boats—it’s about people. We’ve seen our vessels become gathering places, floating homes, and platforms for exploration. We’ve watched new friendships form at docks and remote anchorages. That community spirit is what drives us.

As boat shows resume and borders reopen, we can’t wait to connect with you again. We’ll be there, eager to show what’s new—and to listen, learn, and keep improving.

Here’s to smoother seas, stronger winds, and a year of great sailing ahead.
Until then—stay in balance.

– Phil Berman
Founder, Balance Catamarans