2024 BALANCE 526 MK2 "ZITA" is is a fully commissioned, ocean-proven and exceptionally equipped example of one of the most respected blue-water cruising catamaran designs ever built.Keep in mind that tyou're looking at "facelift" Mark II model, different than first 526, and this one comes weight reduced, improved reinforcements on load-carrying structures and changes in design - let me name a few:The most noticable is the Saloon Sightlines (removal of structural post) - thanks to redesigned carbon roof reinforcement, Balance eliminated the vertical structural compression post located to the lefto of the internal "down helm"/entry. This creates a noticeably cleaner, more open living area. More natural light in cabins due to redesigned aft portlights/windows Redesigned the aft cockpit bench seating to feature of dedicated, built-in BBQ/galley prep station and expanded seating layouts (improved safety as well)Standardized high performance foiled carbon daggerboards which bring refined hydrodynamics and reduced drag while maintaining ease of handlingLocation: Portonovi, MontenegroAsking Price: $2,100,000 USDTax Status: VAT Not PaidDesigner: Anton Du Toit / Balance CatamaransConstruction: eGlass & Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy CompositeBROKER'S COMMENTSThe Balance 526 has become one of the benchmark designs in the world of blue-water performance cruising catamarans. Since its introduction, it has redefined expectations of what an offshore cruising catamaran can achieve by successfully combining genuine ocean-going capability, exceptional sailing performance, premium construction standards and luxurious long-term liveaboard comfort.Designed by Anton Du Toit in collaboration with Phillip Berman, the Balance 526 is widely recognized among experienced sailors as one of the most accomplished performance cruising catamarans of its generation. The model has established a reputation for being fast, safe, exceptionally balanced under sail and remarkably easy to manage by a cruising couple.The Balance 526 is no longer in production, having been succeeded in the Balance range by the larger Balance 540. While the 540 represents the continued evolution of the Balance concept with additional volume and space, the 526 remains highly regarded as a particularly attractive balance of performance, efficiency, handling and offshore capability.ZITA represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the final Balance 526 MK2 yachts, without the lengthy factory waiting period associated with a new build.Launched in January 2024 in South Africa, ZITA has already completed a successful Atlantic crossing together with extensive Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising. She has therefore benefited from the most valuable phase of ownership — the real-world commissioning and refinement process that every new yacht experiences.Unlike a brand-new yacht awaiting her first major voyage, ZITA has already been professionally commissioned, tested offshore and refined through thousands of ocean miles. In many respects, she offers the advantages of a new yacht combined with the confidence and reliability of a proven ocean-going vessel.Privately owned and never chartered, ZITA has been meticulously maintained and upgraded with an exceptional equipment specification. She is one of the most comprehensively equipped Balance 526 MK2 yachts available, featuring advanced Victron lithium energy systems, Integrel high-output charging, 3.2 kW solar capacity, Starlink connectivity, extensive Ullman sail inventory, premium navigation equipment and a complete offshore cruising setup.Fully equipped, extensively proven and immediately available, ZITA offers a unique opportunity to step aboard a Balance 526 MK2 prepared for serious worldwide cruising.YACHT OVERVIEWThe Balance 526 represents a unique category of yacht: a true high-performance cruising catamaran designed for owners who want to cross oceans without compromising comfort, safety or sailing enjoyment.Built using eGlass and carbon reinforcement with epoxy construction, combined with daggerboards and a highly optimized hull design, the Balance 526 delivers exceptional sailing performance while maintaining the comfort and practicality required for extended blue-water cruising.ZITA perfectly demonstrates the philosophy behind the model — a yacht capable of impressive offshore speeds while remaining comfortable, efficient and manageable for short-handed sailing. This particular yacht has proven performance capabilities, including surfing speeds of 22 knots under sail, while maintaining excellent control and balance.The semi-custom approach of Balance Catamarans allows owners to create highly personalized yachts with an exceptionally extensive options list. ZITA benefits from a particularly comprehensive specification designed around long-range autonomy, performance sailing and comfortable worldwide cruising.KEY HIGHLIGHTS & UPGRADES* Proven Ocean Performance: Completed Atlantic crossing and extensive offshore cruising with proven surfing speeds up to 22 knots under sail.* Construction: Carbon/eGlass epoxy composite construction with daggerboards providing exceptional upwind performance and reduced leeway.* Balance VersaHelm™ System: Unique dual-position helm arrangement with a raised helm position for sailing visibility and a fully protected interior helm position for offshore passages and adverse weather.* Advanced Energy & Off-Grid Capability: Victron lithium battery system, dual Integrel high-output alternators, 3.2 kW solar array, and Victron Cerbo GX energy monitoring designed for extended generator-free cruising.* Exceptional Sail Inventory: Comprehensive Ullman Sail wardrobe including fully battened mainsail, self-tacking jib, spare jib, Code 0 / Screecher (90 m² & 120 m²), asymmetric spinnaker (180 m²), symmetric spinnaker (180 m²), and unused staysail / storm jib.* Offshore Independence: Cape Horn Extreme Watermaker with Z-ion treatment (60 L/h), Starlink satellite internet, KVH satellite communication dome, and extensive navigation equipment.* Tender Package: 3.5 m OC hard shell epoxy tender with Yamaha 15 HP four-stroke outboard, paddleboards, and inflatable kayak included.SPECIFICATIONS & DIMENSIONS* LOA: 16.00 m / 52 ft 6 in* Beam: 8.28 m / 27 ft 2 in* Draft Boards Up: 1.05 m / 3 ft 5 in* Draft Boards Down: 2.39 m / 7 ft 10 in* Lightship Displacement: Approx. 10,200 kg / 22,487 lbs* Fuel Capacity: 1,000 L (2 x 500 L tanks)* Freshwater Capacity: 780 L (2 x 390 L tanks)* Holding Tanks: 120 L (2 x 60 L tanks)ACCOMMODATIONS & INTERIOR LAYOUTZITA features the highly desirable Owner’s 3-Cabin Layout, optimized for comfortable long-term cruising.Starboard Hull – Owner’s Suite* Spacious aft queen island berth with custom mattress and dedicated reading lights.* Midship office/study area with extensive storage.* Large forward owner’s head with separate shower stall and electric toilet (fresh or saltwater flush capability).Port Hull – Guest Accommodation* Aft guest cabin with double berth.* Forward guest cabin with double berth.* Shared guest head with separate shower stall and electric toilet (fresh/saltwater flushing capability).Saloon & GalleyThe bright panoramic saloon provides exceptional visibility and creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living areas:* 360-degree panoramic visibility* Convertible dining table/daybed* Samsung Smart TV * Fully equipped galley: Bosch 230V induction cooktop, Bosch electric oven, dual stainless steel sinks, desktop dishwasher (2025), four Frigomar fridge/freezer units, and portable auxiliary refrigeration.* Climate Control: 3 x Frigomar air-conditioning/heating units in cabins, high-capacity saloon climate unit, and Samsung washer/dryer PROPULSION & MECHANICAL* Engines: Twin Yanmar 57 HP diesel engines* Engine Hours (July 2026): Port: 999 hrs | Starboard: 1,060 hrs* Drive: Yanmar saildrives (Serviced 2025)* Propellers: Gori 3-blade 15" folding propellers* Charging System: Integrel high-output alternators integrated with propulsion engines* Cruising Consumption: Approximately 4 L/hourELECTRICAL SYSTEM* Batteries: 6 x 200 Ah Victron lithium batteries (Total capacity: 1,200 Ah)* Control: Victron MultiPlus inverter/chargers, Victron MPPT solar controllers, Victron Cerbo GX monitoring system with Remote Console access (Software updated April 2026).* Solar: 8 x 400W solar panels (Total capacity: 3,200W)* Shore Power: Dual voltage capability (110V / 230V systems) with USB charging outlets throughout cabins.NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICSComplete B&G navigation package:* Displays: 3 x B&G Zeus S 12" chartplotters, 4 x B&G Triton² displays, 3 keypad controllers.* Autopilot: Primary B&G T2 RAM 24V autopilot plus complete redundant backup autopilot.* Radar & AIS: B&G Halo 20+ radar, B&G V3100 Class B AIS.* Comms & Sensors: B&G RS1 VHF system with wireless handsets, DST810 depth/speed/temp sensor, wired wind sensor.* Connectivity & Audio: Starlink high-speed internet, KVH V30 satellite dome, Fusion marine audio system (2024).SAILS, RIGGING & DECK HARDWARE* Rig: Sparcraft anodized aluminum mast and boom.* Standing Rigging: Armare synthetic cap shrouds and structural stay (2024); Mast and boom diamond shrouds replaced 2024.* Steering: Dyneema cable steering system with carbon Jefa steering wheel.* Winches: Lewmar/Harken 60 Radial electric masthead winch + 3 additional electric winches (Serviced November 2025).* Furling: 2 x Facnor FX+4500 continuous furlers, 1 x Facnor structural furler.Mainsail (Make/Age/Condition/Reef System): Ullman 3 reefs / good / 2024Sailbag/StackPack (Make/Age/Condition): Ullman 2024 goodHeadsails (Type/Age/Condition): 1 Jib (Ullman) 2024 / 1 Jib (Dec 2025) Evolution sailsSpinnaker (Type/Age/Condition): Asym spinnaker 180 m2 and sym spi 180 m2Screecher/Gennaker (Type/Age/Condition): 90 m2 and 120 m2 code 0Storm Jib (Type/Age/Condition): Ullman / 2024 / never usedMOORING, GROUND TACKLE & TENDER* Anchors: Rocna primary anchor with 100 m calibrated chain; Fortress secondary anchor with chain and rode.* Windlass: Electric windlass with chain counter and wireless handheld remote (Serviced November 2025).* Tender Package: 3.5 m OC hard shell epoxy tender with Yamaha 15 HP four-stroke outboard.MAINTENANCE & SERVICE HISTORY* November 2025: Full haul-out service, fresh antifouling applied, winches and windlass serviced.* April 2026: Hull polish, cosmetic refinements, full Victron firmware updates.* Engine Maintenance: Regular 500-hour service intervals completed meticulously.