NATEO, Time Rediscovered: A New Life Aboard the BALI 5.8

Some dreams take time to come true. They quietly settle in the back of our minds, postponed as careers, family life and other priorities take over. And then, one day, everything falls into place.

For Nathalie and Olivier, the sea has always been part of their story.

Both discovered sailing as teenagers. Outings with friends, an uncle who owned a sailboat, holidays spent sailing dinghies… all memories that nurtured their passion for the sea.

As the years went by, they raised their children, developed their professional careers and enjoyed other boating adventures, including time aboard a motorboat in the Camargue. But the dream of returning to sailing never faded.

“It was a long-standing project,” Olivier explains. “And now I have a little more free time. The idea was to make the most of that time and enjoy being on the boat.”

After all, a boat offers an extraordinary way to travel.

“Being able to travel with your home is pretty amazing.”

A Sailing Dream Come True

The turning point came almost by chance at the Cannes Yachting Festival, where the couple discovered the world of BALI Catamarans.

The Open Space concept immediately caught their attention. The large tilting door, the generous living areas, the feeling of being both indoors and outdoors, and the seamless flow between spaces…

There was something truly different about it.

“We love having space,” Nathalie simply explains.

At that point, the project was still a distant prospect. A dream for the future.

Then, a few months later, an opportunity arose: a BALI 5.8 already in production, available much sooner than they had ever imagined.

“We're usually the kind of people who think things through very carefully. But when an opportunity comes along, we can move very quickly because the project is already fully formed in our minds.”

One week later, the purchase agreement was signed.

Their future catamaran would be called NATEO.

Why Nathalie and Olivier Chose the BALI 5.8

Of course, the exceptional living spaces played a major role. The couple wanted a boat that could comfortably accommodate family and friends.

Three children. Four grandchildren, ranging in age from thirteen months to thirteen years. A twin cabin specially designed with the younger ones in mind.

“The children and grandchildren are already incredibly excited,” Nathalie says with a smile.

But onboard comfort was not the only deciding factor.

The couple were particularly impressed by the evolution of the interior design, with its softer lines, indirect lighting and the overall quality of the finishes.

“All these details give the boat real character, something that feels more premium.”

They also appreciate the natural ventilation made possible by the boat's numerous openings.

“Having all these openings is fantastic.”

Combined with reversible air conditioning, this design makes it possible to enjoy the boat throughout the year, even during the colder months.

Experiencing the BALI 5.8 Under Sail

And then came the sailing experience.

During the BALI Days, Nathalie and Olivier had the opportunity to discover the BALI 5.8 at sea.

Accustomed to sailing large yachts of 62 or even 80 feet, they were not expecting such a sensation.

“What surprised us most was the power of the boat.”

“We could really feel its potential.”

That first sailing experience confirmed their decision.

The BALI 5.8 is designed for comfortable living, but it is also a true bluewater cruising sailboat.

Family Cruising in the Mediterranean

Their sailing plans are already taking shape.

One- or two-week cruises, getaways to Italy, Greece or Spain, a boat to enjoy throughout the year and regularly share with family and friends.

But above all, NATEO will be the setting for new memories.

Family meals. Sunsets over the Mediterranean. Spontaneous departures. And that unique sense of freedom that only the sea can offer.

On the evening of their boat commissioning, while NATEO was still at the shipyard, Nathalie and Olivier were only just beginning to take it all in.

Their dream had become reality.

A new story was about to begin.