Bali 4.1 catamaran sea trials

Sea Trial of the Bali 4.1 Catamaran with 15 Knot Winds: Performance and Handling

The Bali 4.1 is a catamaran designed to combine comfort and performance, particularly suited for family cruising or long-range sailing. The sea trial of the Bali 4.1 with 15 knots of wind was conducted to assess its performance across different points of sail, handling, and ease of operation in moderate wind conditions. In this scenario, the catamaran proved its worth, showing a perfect balance between speed, stability, and onboard comfort.

Conditions of the Trial

The trial took place with a 15-knot easterly wind on a calm day at sea, providing ideal conditions to test the catamaran’s performance. The Bali 4.1 was rigged with mainsail and genoa, and the maneuvers were carried out by a two-person crew to evaluate ease of handling and management of the boat in moderate wind conditions.

Performance on Different Points of Sail

1. Upwind (Beating) The Bali 4.1 showed good upwind performance, with an angle of about 35-40° to the apparent wind. With 15 knots of wind, the catamaran maintained a steady speed between 6 and 7 knots, with a very light helm and quick response. The boat proved to be easily maneuverable, never losing speed or stability. The upwind performance was precise and smooth, thanks to the hull design that reduces drag.
2. Close Reach On a close reach, about 60-70° to the wind, the Bali 4.1 reached a speed of 8-9 knots, with the helm responding promptly to adjustments. The catamaran showed great acceleration, maintaining a stable course even with the wind blowing from the side. The sail, combined with the aerodynamic design, allowed the boat to maintain a high speed, never feeling sluggish or hard to control.
3. Beam Reach On a beam reach, at 90° to the wind, the Bali 4.1 sailed particularly smoothly. With speeds easily reaching 9 knots, the catamaran responded with great lightness on the helm. The sailing was stable, and the Bali 4.1 held its course without requiring frequent adjustments. This downwind angle delivered the best performance, with a sense of high speed, but also of comfort, thanks to the boat’s stability.
4. Downwind (Running) On a downwind course, with the wind directly from behind, the Bali 4.1 maintained a speed of 9-10 knots, with peaks of 11 knots in gusts. The catamaran handled the downwind run excellently, staying very stable and easy to steer. The sails remained well set and well-oriented, and even with slight wind shifts, the catamaran continued to maintain good speed. The helm was precise, allowing for a straight course without requiring excessive effort.

Maneuverability and Ease of Handling

One of the most notable features of the Bali 4.1 is its maneuverability, which is particularly easy even with a reduced crew. The boat is designed with a layout that provides good visibility from the helm station, and the use of electric winches makes sail trimming easy, even in stronger winds. Tacking and gybing were smooth and quick, and the self-tacking jib system reduced the effort required from the helmsman, especially when sailing solo or with a small crew.

Overall, solo sailing is entirely feasible, thanks to the boat’s ease of handling and centralized controls. Even in moderate wind conditions, like those during the trial, no excessive effort was required to manage the boat. The stability provided by the catamaran’s design also reduced the need for frequent adjustments during maneuvers.

Comfort Onboard

The Bali 4.1 places great emphasis on comfort, and this was evident during the trial. The boat exhibited smooth sailing without excessive rolling, thanks to the stability offered by the twin hulls. The large cockpit and spacious aft platforms made the onboard experience very pleasant, even with 15 knots of wind. The catamaran maintained good stability even at higher speeds, providing a comfortable and safe cruising experience.

Conclusion

The sea trial of the Bali 4.1 with 15 knots of wind highlighted the outstanding performance of this catamaran. It showed great speed and stability on all points of sail, with easy control and excellent maneuverability, even with a reduced crew. The Bali 4.1 performed exceptionally well both upwind, maintaining a solid speed, and downwind, where it reached high speeds without compromising onboard comfort.

Thanks to its stability, ease of maneuvering, and ability to be handled solo, the Bali 4.1 is an ideal catamaran for those seeking a fast, easy-to-handle boat with a high level of comfort for long-range cruising. The combination of performance and comfort makes it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the seas with ease and safety, without sacrificing speed.

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