Yacht Class n°40 (March-April-May 2025)

BALI – Catana Group

With this new flagship, the Catana group is continuing to build on the success of the Bali brand: space and seaworthiness. Just like this highly accomplished owner’s version, Catana is implementing a sizeable and qualitative approach, confirmed during a sailing trial in the Bay of Toulon (Var).

Written by : Nicolas Massines – Photos : Nicolas Massines et DR.

After the Bali 5.4, launched in 2018 and produced in more than 200 units, the 17.6 m Bali 5.8 becomes the largest unit in the Catana group. With more than 14 new boats created in 10 years, the shipyard, which produces the Bali in Canet-en-Roussillon, has demonstrated its ability to respond quickly to market demands. That is why the Bali 5.8 is available in five versions ranging from 3 to 6 cabins, to offer owners vast interior spaces, while maintaining a strong presence on the charter market. Berthed at Port Pin Rolland, the yacht shows a striking presence on the pontoon, both in terms of height and width. The volume promises to be impressive. Access aboard can be gained either via the stern, equipped with a vast hydraulic platform capable of accommodating a 4.20 m tender, or via a flying ladder placed at the level of the main beam.

Sleek styling

Once on board, visually, the Bali 5.8 remains a Bali. In other words, she retains many of the brand’s hallmarks, such as the famous tilt-and-turn door that opens the entire interior space to the outside world in a matter of seconds. Inside, the woodwork on the furniture is rounded, light and made from oak-coloured laminate to great effect. The living space is uncluttered, but does not forget comfort and convenience, with a dining table surrounded by a huge U-shaped bench seat, which can accommodate 12. A TV screen that can be extended electrically is concealed in the port side bulkhead, right next to a chaise longue leaning against the bar, a very cosy space. A little further forward is an elegant chart table. It offers a bookcase and is equipped with the Nuxen interface (the equipment supplier for 90% of the boats taking part in the Vendée Globe), giving direct access to on board energy management and control. A door at the front of the saloon provides a direct link with the bow, while ensuring optimum ventilation of the multihull. The fully decked forward area, another Bali catamaran signature, is also accessible through the side decks. The forepeak features an optional cabin for the skipper, with a double bed and en suite shower room, a major advantage when it comes to retaining crew. The flybridge is accessible via two side staircases. The skipper has his own helm station at the foot of the mast, separate from the relaxation area. One can manoeuvre without disturbing the passengers on this rooftop flybridge: a large U-shaped bench seat with a table in the centre backs onto a vast, vast sundeck. The whole area is protected by a hard-top with openings for controlling the mainsail settings.

The feeling of space is omnipresent

From the main deck, the cabins are accessible either from the saloon or from the cockpit for those located aft. On the boat in this test – with three cabins, two on the port side and the master occupying the entire starboard float – the feeling of space is omnipresent. One should focus on the work carried out by the design team to deliver a multihull with a serene, hushed ambience that is not without warmth, thanks to the woodwork and subtle lighting. Just like the owner’s cabin, which has a large chest bed, a desk, a bathroom separated by a screen and a shower room with a large shower flooded with light. Jean-Marc Piaton, from Piaton Bercaut Yacht Design, told us afterwards: “The first part of our work consisted of looking at the 3D volumes of the hulls designed by the architect Xavier Faÿ and working with him to find places where we could simplify the lines inside the hull, the volumes, draw straight lines, to obtain simpler, less jagged shapes wherever possible, and sometimes to gain dm3 and a clearer available volume”. In total, the living area has increased by around 30 m2 compared to her predecessor, the 5.4, and now totals 139.5 m2.

Balanced and easy to manoeuvre

Once the moorings have been cast off, the bow thruster allows the skipper to manoeuvre in a flash. While waiting to leave the harbour, the helmsman has a clear view of both the rigging (Sparcraft mast and Elvstrøm sails) and his surroundings. Once the harbour buoyage has been passed, the Bali 5.8 reaches a cruising speed of 8 knots, which can be increased to 11 knots at maximum speed. It is time to hoist the mainsail and Solent, taking advantage of the electric winches. In a 9-knot wind, close-hauled at 40º to the wind, the Bali 5.8 has a bottom speed of 4.5 knots. The water is calm and the wind stable, making it ideal for tacking with ease. The raised helm console and well laid-out instrumentation make the helm station even more ergonomic. It only takes a few seconds to furl the Solent, then a couple of minutes to hoist the pretty 121 m2 Code 0, and here we are, sailing at almost 6 knots in 8 knots of wind. It is a real pleasure: you would be forgiven for thinking that the multihull weighs less than her 30 tonnes, such is the ease with which she moves around in these conditions, which are just right for her sail plan. Balanced and easy to manoeuvre, the Bali 5.8 has a lot to offer when it comes to sailing. Whether it is the helmsman or the crew, who benefit from the immense deck space, no one will deny themselves the pleasure of sailing aboard such a boat. To conclude this test, the Bali 5.8 has all the arguments needed to appeal to owners concerned with comfort and ergonomics, as well as demanding owners.