Bali 5.8: World premiere in Cannes - pictures and video of the space miracle
According to the shipyard, a total of around 140 square metres of usable space is available inside and out, including the flybridge, exterior and front cockpit. This is roughly equivalent to the living space of an average detached house in Germany. This means that the Bali 5.8 will be able to set new standards in its 18 metre length class.
The increase in space in comparison is no coincidence: as an outstanding speciality, the hulls of the Bali are laminated as a continuous platform from the stern all the way to the bow. This means that there is no longer a trampoline between the hulls at the front, but rather a solid, very robust construction with a huge integrated front cockpit with seating area and sunbeds. The structural cross-members, known as beams, have been completely removed, giving the concept additional space, especially for the extension below deck.
Fixed gate for folding up instead of a cabin bulkhead
The large cockpit and saloon are linked at the rear, with the exterior and interior forming a continuous functional living unit without the usual cabin bulkhead with sliding doors. As with all current Bali models, the exterior cockpit of the new 5.8 can be completely closed off if required - for example in bad weather or cold weather. To do this, the side sliding windows and the fixed rear wall of the deckhouse are closed. This remains open as a whole, folded up under the fixed bimini like a garage door.
A brief tour of the Bali 5.8
The flybridge also has another large seating area and additional sunbathing areas. The helm station is positioned at the centre front, directly behind the mast base. This allows the helmsman to operate all sheets, halyards and trim lines within easy reach. In addition, the upper floor is protected from the weather and sun by a fixed bimini roof, but still offers full headroom.
However, due to the overall high deck superstructure, the main boom remains very high on the Bali 5.8. The concept compensates for the lost sail area with a comparatively high rig. The mast is also positioned conspicuously far back in the boat, roughly in the centre of the overall length. This means that the standard self-tacking jib can still be large enough for a balanced sail plan. In addition, there is a high and slim batten mainsail with a wide square top. With a sail area downwind of just under 180 square metres, the sail load factor is a comparatively sporty and powerful 4.6.
Bali 5.8: maximum variance for the extension below deck
A large number of interior layouts offer a choice of three to six spacious double cabins, each with its own bathroom. Two additional cabins for skipper and crew are also available on request. The two aft cabins can also be accessed directly from the cockpit via separate entrances. For a better overview, we have summarised all the possible configuration options in the picture gallery above.
The premiere of the Bali 5.8 is planned for September at the Yachting Festival in Cannes. The shipyard has also already given an initial price indication: the basic version of the Bali 5.8 will cost around 1.73 million euros ex shipyard, gross including 19 per cent VAT.
Bali Catamarans has only been around since 2014, but has managed to assert itself as one of the leading manufacturers among the competition in just ten years. After all, Bali produces at three locations in France and Tunisia. What's more, sales are set to be further expanded in the coming years with further increases in production capacity. Behind the brand and its success is the shipyard owner Olivier Poncin. The industry heavyweight (formerly Harmony Yachts) has developed the Bali brand as a touring, charter and mass market offshoot of the exclusive and sporty Catana brand and integrated it into the group of companies of the same name.
Technical data Bali 5.8
- Designer: Xavier Faÿ
- Concept: Olivier Poncin
- Interior design: Piaton Bercault Yacht Design
- Hull length: 17.65 m
- Width: 9.06 m
- Draught: 1.47 m
- Weight (empty): 24,9 t
- Sail area downwind (standard): 179.0 m²
- Motorisation: 2x 80 hp/optional: 2x 115 hp
- Fuel capacity: 1,200 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 1,320 litres
