High Praise from the Open Seas:
Dragonfly Delivery to Newport, RI
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Captain David Block first took the helm of a Penguin dingy at six years old and hasn't looked back since. He delivers yachts full-time and has over 120 US-Caribbean deliveries, 10 Trans-Atlantic and 3 Trans-Pacific crossings, as well as other passages under his belt.
Recently Captain Block was
hired by Reliance Yacht Management in June of 2018 to deliver "Dragonfly," our Balance 526 Hull #4, from Tortola to Newport, RI. Of his experience the captain wrote us the most gratifying email below:
"I have been racing and delivering catamarans for over twenty years and yacht delivery is my full-time profession. To date I have logged over 340,000 miles at sea on deliveries around the globe. I can say with conviction the Balance 526 is the finest catamaran I have ever had the privilege to sail. Although most of the 526 models are built with dual daggerboards, Dragonfly's owner requested that Balance configure her with keels and her performance didn't disappoint. Having now delivered Lagoons, Fountaine Pajot's, Nautitech's and Leopards, along with a range of other more limited performance production catamarans, this is a supremely fast catamaran on all points sail. Although we had a very light air passage, whenever we had winds between 14 and 15 knots we were consistently sailing in the 12 to 13 knot range, pulling the wind forward considerably. Her mechanical steering is perfectly balanced, the feel is just spectacular, and the VersaHelm is a brilliant design innovation. The ability to pilot the yacht in total warmth from the floor of the cockpit in foul weather is a feature every voyaging catamaran should seek to mimic. As for the quality of the yacht, the fit and finish, the spaces and the comfort, the Balance 526 is truly in a class all her own."
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How are Her New Owners Liking Dragonfly?
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Before "Dragonfly" arrived safely at her summer home in Newport, RI. Her owners, Dave and Lisa, took possession of her in St. Francis, South Africa. Dave delivered her all the way from Cape Town to St. Lucia. Lisa got on board her there, and the couple enjoyed sailing her together for several weeks in the Caribbean.
Upon the completion of the trip, Lisa sent us the following most gratifying email:
"My experience aboard Dragonfly has been outstanding. I am writing this message with pure joy in my heart. Today I tell you, we both have what we want in a Balance Catamaran - sexy, fast, and balanced.
Our journey from Saint Lucia to the BVI’s has allowed me to finally sail Dragonfly. She is fast and so well balanced. The way she slices through the seas and provides an exhilarating ride captures me every time. She tacks like a dream and I enjoying running the helm and found that I do not need any assistance while coming about to tack.
Dragonfly is comfortable, reliable, and a joy to sail. I love sailing into a new anchorage, dropping her sails and quietly slicing through the water up to our mooring. She always makes me look like a pro. Dave may never get the helm again...
I just wanted to let you know about my experience with Dragonfly. The guys in South Africa said to me before I left, 'Please enjoy her.' Mission accomplished! I’m having the time of my life skimming across the water like a Dragonfly."
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Balance 451 Hull #9 Has Been Launched and is Readying to Sail for Japan, then the Aleutian Islands
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Balance is pleased to announce the launch of our 451 Hull #9 from our build factory Startown Marine, Ltd. in China. The new owners are thrilled to set sail and join the fleet of happy 451 owners all around the world. She will soon be departing Hong Kong for Japan, and then onto the Aleutian Islands.
If you would like to learn more about the 451, check out the link below!
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Galileo Single-Handed from Bahamas to Newport, RI
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While Eric was sitting about in the Bahamas, Sari headed home for work matters. Rather than waiting around for crew, Eric decided to sail their Balance 526, "Galileo," single-handed from Marsh Harbor, Abaco, Bahamas to Buzzards Bay, MA.
Eric completed the approximate 1,000nm sail with ease, checking in with Sari every few hours.
Here at Balance, we're always happy to hear of our clients incredible journeys and know that our catamarans are providing smooth, safe, and comfortable sails for dreams to come true.
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Above is the route Eric took North. The little red house depicts the area he exited the Gulf Stream.
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Balance 526 Hull #5 to Launch July 12,
with Hull #6 Moving Right Along
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We are thrilled to announce that everyone will be congealing again in St. Francis, South Africa, to celebrate yet another 526 Launch! The new owners, Piotr and Ula, will be joined by Phillip Berman as well as soon to be Balance 526 owners, Jim and Mariane.
Jim and Mariane are coming to sail and spend time going over their nearly completed catamaran, due to be launched at the end of this year.
Here is a recent video of her under fabrication. Wait until the end to see the
Orange hulls
—she will be striking!
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