10 Years of Passion, Progress, and Performance
This year marks a milestone for all of us at Balance Catamarans: our 10th anniversary. From our early beginnings in St. Francis, South Africa, to becoming the fastest-growing performance catamaran builder in the world, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
What started as a vision fueled by frustration and passion has evolved into a global movement — one that champions craftsmanship, community, and the pure joy of sailing.
The Journey Begins
In 2013, we launched the first Balance 526, a boat that would set the tone for everything to come. At the time, we were producing just two catamarans a year. Today, we have the capacity to build 25 to 27 catamarans annually, supported by nearly 600 dedicated employees across our world-class facilities in St. Francis and Cape Town.
A bit of history first, the Balance 526 quickly grabbed headlines when it won Import Boat of the Year 2018 at the Annapolis Boat Show, capturing the attention of judges with its innovative design and handcrafted quality.
Rooted in Experience, Built on Vision
But the seeds of Balance Catamarans were planted long before that first launch. Back in 1969, as a young sailor in Newport Beach, California, founder Phil Berman fell in love with catamarans. Years later, after decades spent selling hundreds of multihulls as a yacht broker, I saw the industry drifting too far toward charter-focused designs which were sluggish, overbuilt, and lacking the performance many private owners craved.
There was a clear gap in the market. And so, in 2010, the concept for Balance Catamarans was born and with my South African building design and building partners we began to create fast, elegant, owner-driven voyaging catamarans without compromise.
Built by Sailors, for Sailors
To bring this vision to life, we sought out the best. Designers like Anton du Toit, and master builders like Jonathan Paarman and Mark Delany, brought decades of expertise and passion to the table. From there, we assembled a team of engineers, craftsmen, and sailors who shared our values.
One of our proudest innovations is the VersaHelm®, now a signature feature on our boats that is designed for ultimate visibility, safety, and control whether offshore or at anchor.
The People Who Make It Happen
Our greatest strength lies in our people. From Mark Delany and Peter Dean to Anton, Jonathan, and the hundreds of hands shaping each hull, the Balance team embodies skill, integrity, and heart. The diverse fabric of our South African workforce reflects a spirit of progress and unity just as Nelson Mandela envisioned with his Rainbow Nation.
Racing, Recognition, and the Road Ahead
In just a decade, Balance Catamarans have not only won awards but have proven themselves in offshore competition. Our boats have delivered exceptional performances in races like the grueling 3,700-mile Cape2Rio Race, showcasing that style and speed don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
Now, we look to the horizon with excitement. In the coming year, we’ll launch our flagship Balance 750, a high-performance luxury voyager with a forward cockpit and integrated Bimini Sunlounger. Meanwhile, construction is well underway on the Balance 580—a bold design made for sailors seeking exceptional short-handed performance.The first of these new models will launch in 2025.
Built with Purpose: Sustainability and Customization
Sustainability is part of our DNA. Our interiors are crafted from ethically sourced materials like bamboo and rosewood, and every built interior has points of personalization. Through our online design configurator, owners can tailor their catamarans because no two adventures are the same.
More Than Boats: A Community
Over the past decade, Balance has become more than a brand and is a sailing community of like-minded voyagers. Our 10th-anniversary celebration, held during the Caribbean Multihull Challenge, was a reminder of how strong and joyful that community has become. Owners, builders, and dreamers all gathered not just to race, but to connect.
Buying a Balance is a journey – one that begins with trust, continues with craftsmanship, and delivers memories that last a lifetime.
See You on the Water
As we head into our second decade, we remain guided by the same principles that shaped our first: innovation, integrity, and a relentless love for the sea. We invite you to meet us at upcoming boat shows, tour our facilities, or simply reach out and start a conversation.
Wherever you are in your sailing journey, we’re here to help you find your balance.
– Phil Berman
Founder, Balance Catamarans
