The Catana shipyard has established itself in the multihull market with fast and well-built catamarans. Today, the shipyard also offers the Bali range, more sedate catamarans geared towards cruising or chartering.
The Catana shipyard was born
The Catana shipyard was founded in 1984 by two passionate individuals, Thierry Goyard and Jean-Pierre Prade. They launched fast and lightweight multihulls, shaping the shipyard’s DNA. Their objective was clear: to offer fast, high-performance, and safe multihulls capable of appealing to the most demanding sailors.
The first model of the construction site, the Catana 40. This reflects their DNA: lightweight balsa sandwich construction and a particular focus on the balance between performance and comfort. Inspired by the needs of offshore sailors, the shipyard immediately made its mark on the sector with its cutting-edge technical choices, such as thin hulls and retractable keels, increasing versatility while sailing.
In 2003, Olivier Poncin took over the shipyard, in a context where the catamaran market was developing timidly in the face of a domination by monohulls.
Key moments in the shipyard’s history and successful models of the era
Over the following decades, Catana established itself as a global benchmark for high-end cruising catamarans. Several milestones marked the shipyard’s history:
- The emergence of detectable deviations The shipyard has been able to innovate with models capable of adapting to shallow waters while maintaining excellent wind performance.
- The Catana 47 This model was particularly appreciated for its livability and seaworthiness, appealing to sailors wishing to embark on round-the-world voyages.
- Introduction of composite materials The shipyard introduced carbon constructions, lightening the hulls and improving the rigidity of the boats.
- Launch of the Bali range (2014) : A major strategic evolution with catamarans offering a radically different concept: open and modular living spaces, adapted to an audience seeking conviviality and simplicity.
The construction site today: its place in the market, its reputation
Today, Catana Group is one of the world leaders in catamaran construction, operating under two main brands: Catana, performance-oriented, like the Catana C62, and offshore cruises, and Balitargeting a more family-oriented and accessible segment.
The shipyard is renowned for its ability to meet the diverse expectations of boaters, from those who love long voyages to those who enjoy coastal cruising. Its reputation rests on meticulous construction, incorporating modern materials such as carbon fiber, and an innovative approach to onboard spaces.
By integrating the Bali range, Catana Group has diversified its offering, appealing to a wider clientele while maintaining its quality standards. With a full order book and a presence at major international boat shows, the group confirms its leading position.
The most popular and sought-after models
Here is a list of the flagship models that have marked the history of Catana and Bali:
- Catana 40 (1984) : First model from the shipyard, designed to combine performance and comfort.
- Catana 47 (2001) : A model that has become essential for round-the-world trips.
- Catana 70 (2010) A true gem of technology and comfort, ideal for long cruises.
- Bali 4.0 (2015) : First model in the Bali range, introducing the open space concept with its trampoline-free cockpit.
- Bali 4.8 (2020) : A family catamaran, renowned for its spaciousness and modern equipment.
- Bali Catsmart (2022) : Compact 38-foot catamaran, offering innovations adapted to coastal cruising.