Farr Yacht Design is acknowledged as the top racing-yacht design team in the world based upon one of the most extensive and impressive records of winning yacht racing results ever compiled by a single design group. The design studio has been led by Patrick Shaughnessy in Annapolis, USA, since 2008. A prominent name in the boating industry, capable of influecing entire market trends. This is precisely why Shaughnessy’s choice to purchase a Balance 464CC (Carbon Core) as his new personal catamaran has made the Cape Town-based shipyard extraordinarily excited.
“When Shaughnessy decided to commission us to build his new sailboat for him and his wife, we were blown away – says Phillip Berman, president of Balance Catamarans – Certainly the director of Farr Yacht Design had many options available to him, and probably more design and sailing experience than any other buyer globally; so the fact that he commissioned us to build a high-performance sailing catamaran makes us especially proud”.
The Balance 464CC in detail
Shaughnessy did not choose just any model. In fact, his preference went to the new Balance 464CC. This is an agile catamaran made of carbon fiber, suitable for both high-performance racing and adventurous ocean crossings. The Balance 464CC is specifically designed to accommodate the new Integrel E-drive diesel/electric hybrid propulsion system , which provides better aft weight distribution, additional battery capacity, and increased power and speed, thanks to a wider sail plan than the shipyard’s other models and an innovative carbon composite hull.
Balance has done a very accurate work to increase performance while sailing, building a catamaran that is longer, sleeker, faster, and capable of carrying additional loads without penalizing performance. A key part of this project was the decision to make the entire substructure of the Balance 464CC from carbon. “The entire skeleton of the catamaran is made of carbon, which makes it very stiff and light”, explains Berman.
Shaughnessy’s choice
Boasting more than 18,000 boats put in the water, the leader of Farr Yacht Design is very familiar with the specific elements needed to build fast and comfortable sailboats. In fact, his firm has designed boats from 15 to 125 feet that have been used in such prestigious races as the Volvo Ocean Race, the America’s Cup, the Vendée Globe, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Barcelona World Race, the Transpac, the Copa del Rey and many others. “Since 1987, Farr Yacht Design has participated in almost every America’s Cup cycle and almost every Volvo Ocean Race, as well as various other world championships – Shaughnessy explains – Additionally, we do design work on superyachts and standard boats”. Shaughnessy himself has competed in high-profile regattas around the world, is a talented sailor and gifted designer. The boat commissioned from Balance Catamarans is the first cruising boat he has purchased for himself. The choice for a Balance 464CC is justified by many specific reasons.
When Shaughnessy and his wife Giselle began to think about retirement and full-time sailing, they began their research. “Up to now, our focus has been very work-related, and our sailing has been mostly in small boat races and with occasional uses of the boat. Our cruising has been with other professionals, often at high latitudes. So, for us, this will be a big change and a great learning opportunity”.
“For Giselle and I, when we thought about what kind of boat we wanted for our cruises, it was clear that the catamaran was the right choice – the Farr Yacht Design leader continues – Catamarans offer a unique lifestyle: the living space is up high so you can see and be part of the marine environment. The separation of spaces, with owners in one hull and guests in the other, ensures maximum privacy. Whatìs more, the accessibility to the sea, with the ease of getting off the stern, entering the water and taking all the necessary toys with you, is another great advantage”.
The reason why Shaughnessy was attracted to Balance Catamarans is that he wanted “a high-performance cruising catamaran that would still make me feel at home, even on long trips like the one we are planning. At the same time, livability is key: the island bed, adequate interior headroom (which for a six-foot-tall man like me, is an important aspect), and refined design are crucial. When you combine all these features, choosing is easy. What’s more, Balance boats have high-end finishes, almost like custom boats. We are therefore thrilled to have chosen the Balance 464CC”.
The new Shaughnessy’s Balance 464CC is scheduled to be launched in 2025. He and his wife plan to sail from Cape Town, South Africa, where the yacht is currently under construction, stopping in St. Helena and Fernando de Noronha in Brazil, and then heading to Granada.
In the video below is a conversation between Berman and Shaughnessy on the Balance 464CC.
