Balance University
This year, after the Miami Boat Show you can take the wheel on a Balance Catamaran from February 19-20th. Balance 526 “Vingilote” will be based in Fort Lauderdale for this instructional course on a one of a kind performance cruising catamaran!
Balance University will be an opportunity for participants to take the wheel and get a feel for a modern performance sailing catamaran. It will also allow those interested in purchasing a Balance product to get aboard the Balance 526 for an in-depth explanation of build quality, systems, and sail handling. The instructional session will include an opportunity for all attendees to operate and sail the boat. Participants are encouraged to spend time on the helm, handling lines, and trimming sails to get a better understanding of the boat’s performance and sea-going characteristics.
Balance University will take place on February 19-20 starting with an introductory session on the dock at Bahia Mar Marina. Balance Catamarans Technical Director Andrew Hodgdon will be on hand to speak about the current state-of-affairs in the cruising catamaran market and answer any questions from attendees. Andrew will introduce attendees to “Vingilote” the newest Balance 526 on the water. Wednesday and Thursday will be spent aboard the Balance 526 sailing on the Atlantic Ocean out of Port Everglades.
Contact us for more information regarding the Balance University. Space is limited so make your reservation today!
Schedule
Wednesday, February 19th – 9:00am-4:00pm
Meet at Marina onboard “Vingilote”
Andrew will spend the morning introducing people to the boat and going over systems, etc.
Light lunch served at 12:00pm
We will spend the afternoon sailing the boat. Each couple will get approx. 2 hours at the helm.
Thursday, February 20th – 9:00am-4:00pm
Meet at the Marina onboard “Vingilote”
Continue with each couple’s 2 hour sessions.
Light lunch served at 12:00pm
Return to the dock
Meet The Captain
Andrew grew up sailing his father’s Hobie Cat and transitioned that into a long career as a USCG licensed captain in the yachting industry. Working his way up from his college years as a sailing instructor to a position as a private yacht captain aboard a Gunboat 57, he brings with him a comprehensive knowledge of catamarans and the cruising life. His career has taken him on a wide variety of multihulls from his home waters of Cape Fear, through the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Central and South America, and the South Pacific Islands. He now works as the Technical Director for Balance Catamarans and is eager to share these amazing boats with potential buyers.
Includes
- Performance catamaran construction methods, materials, and design
- Sail trim and reefing
- Various sail plans and combinations
- Helm and steering operation
- Daggerboard operation
- Cruising comfort and livability
- Safety and security
- Cost – $1000/person
