Launched in 2016, this impressive 52-foot performance catamaran represents Balance Catamarans' commitment to combining speed with comfort for serious offshore cruising. Designed by the collaborative team of Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit, the 526 showcases modern catamaran engineering with its sleek twin daggerboard configuration and fractional sloop rig featuring a rotating carbon mast. The yacht's construction utilizes a sophisticated blend of E-glass and carbon fiber, creating a strong yet lightweight platform that achieves an excellent sail area to displacement ratio of 30.26. This impressive figure translates to spirited sailing performance, making the 526 well-suited for fast passage making and competitive cruising. The substantial beam of over 27 feet provides exceptional stability and spacious accommodations, while the moderate draft allows access to shallow anchorages without sacrificing upwind performance. Twin 45-horsepower engines ensure reliable auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters or pushing through calms during extended offshore passages. The Balance 526 targets experienced sailors seeking a high-performance cruising catamaran capable of handling serious blue-water voyaging while maintaining the comfort and space that makes extended living aboard enjoyable. Its modern design elements and quality construction have established it as a respected choice among performance-oriented cruising sailors.
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What is the Balance 526's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Balance 526 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 30.26. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Balance 526's comfort ratio?
The Balance 526 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9.83. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Balance 526 safe for offshore sailing?
The Balance 526 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.63. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Balance 526?
The theoretical hull speed of the Balance 526 is 9.59 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Balance 526 weigh?
The Balance 526 has a displacement of 26,896.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 52.49 ft.
Who designed the Balance 526?
The Balance 526 was designed by Phillip Berman/Anton Du Toit, first built in 2016.