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 handling
The 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 OVERVIEW
The 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.
Screecher/Gennaker (Type/Age/Condition): 90 m2 and 120 m2 code 0
Storm Jib (Type/Age/Condition): Ullman / 2024 / never used
MOORING, 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.
* House Battery Bank: 6 x 200 Ah Victron Lithium-Ion batteries (1,200 Ah total capacity)
* Engine Alternators: Dual Integrel High-Output alternators for high-speed charging under power
* Solar Array: 8 x 400W solar panels (3,200W total capacity) with Victron MPPT charge controllers
* Monitoring & Control: Victron Cerbo GX system with Remote Console (Firmware updated April 2026)
* Inverter / Charger: Victron MultiPlus Inverter/Charger system
* Shore Power: Dual voltage capability (110V / 230V) with USB / US outlets throughout
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Dettagli
ProduttoreBalance
Modello526
Anno (Costruzione / Refit)2024
Lunghezza16.1m
Potenza totale114 hp
Larghezza8.3m
Specifiche
Dimensioni
Lunghezza16.1m
Pescaggio max3.0m
Larghezza8.3m
Scafo
MaterialeComposite
FormaCatamaran
Peso
Peso a secco12.2 t
Alloggio
Cabine ospiti3
Bagni2
Dotazioni
Lazyjacks
Bimini Top
Lazy Bag
Sail Cover
Propulsione
Motore 1
Marca motoreYanmar
Modello motore4JH57 x SD60
Ore motore990
Tipo motoreInboard
Tipo di trasmissioneSaildrive
Tipo di carburanteDiesel
Potenza57 hp
Anno2024
Motore 2
Marca motoreYanmar
Modello motore4JH57 x SD60
Ore motore1060
Tipo motoreInboard
Tipo di carburanteDiesel
Potenza57 hp
Anno2024
I dettagli di questa pagina sono forniti da The Multihull Company come materiale promozionale. Contatta direttamente il broker per tutte le informazioni.