Catana launched the Bali range of cruising catamarans in response to demand from the charter sector. To cover the strongest demand, the first three models covered sizes from 40 to 45 feet (Bali 4.0, 4.3 and 4.5). Now, at the 2015 Paris Boat Show, the shipyard is announcing a much larger model: the Bali 5.8 (58 feet, 17.40 m).
The concept of the Bali range is to offer (among other new features) an exterior cockpit with no separation from the interior saloon. The boat can remain fully open when the weather is fine, or close behind the cockpit with a tilting door when conditions are rougher. This solution is well suited to large crews in the tropics, but will be less popular with owners.
With a 58-foot yacht, this is also the target market for the shipyard. Hence the idea of offering two layouts on the Bali 5.8: a "classic" saloon separated from the cockpit, or the open solution where the saloon and cockpit become one.
This boat features a forward cockpit installed between the two bow peaks. This space is entirely decked, with no trampoline. This is a good solution to prevent sea spray from rising to the deck, but it seriously reduces the weight estimate. Given the size of the boat, the shipyard has succeeded in installing an access door between the saloon and the forward cockpit. Despite this, the sliding glass window (present in smaller models and very pleasant in terms of ventilation) is still present.
This catamaran will be available with 4, 5 or 6 cabins. Direct access from the cockpit gives access to the aft cabins. Of particular note is the skipper's cabin in the port forepeak, with his toilet in the starboard forepeak.
As on many boats of this size, the helm station is on the fly (accessible from either side). Positioned close to the mast, all maneuvers are performed alongside the helmsman. A self-tacking jib makes tacking easier.
We'll have to wait until the next Salon du Multicoque in mid-April 2016 to see this new unit presented to the public for the first time.
