Barcelona breeze and carbon speed: a visit to Badalona
There are worse places to visit for work than the sun-drenched marina of Badalona, just north of Barcelona. But I wasn’t here for the sangria. I came to meet the people who make HH Catamarans ready to roam — and to test one of them myself.
At the heart of this European hub is Chris Bailet, who leads the local commissioning team for HH. Together with Bridget, HH’s dedicated project manager, and a tight-knit group of specialists, they turn these extraordinary yachts into fully prepped, ocean-ready machines for European clients. It’s the kind of team you don’t see much anymore: compact, professional, direct — and obsessed with perfection.
The boat: HH44. The conditions: light. The speed? Anything but.
We spent a day on the water test sailing the new HH44 with her future owner. Conditions were mild, with breeze between 10 and 15 knots. Perfect weather for a relaxed cruise — unless you’re sitting on a carbon rocket. The HH44, true to form, made the most of every gust. Steering her upwind at 13.5 knots in 15 knots of true wind is not something I’ll forget anytime soon. And the smile on the owner’s face said the same.
What struck me most was how easy everything felt. This is a yacht that rewards your attention but never punishes a lapse. You feel connected, fast, and safe — a rare mix.
And then there was the 60.
We also took a quick look at “the mighty 60” — an HH60 currently being commissioned at the dock. Even lying still, the boat radiates purpose. It’s not just the size or the finish (both impressive). It’s the way it all comes together: a design that knows exactly what it is, and what it’s for.
That said — and this is just my personal opinion — the HH60 is quite a handful.
An amazing yacht by all means, but not something I would casually recommend to a short-handed crew. Chris agrees. He spent a good deal of time as a skipper aboard an HH66, so he knows what it means to handle these machines in the real world. And it shows in his influence on the upcoming HH56.
According to Chris, the HH56 will offer much of the same offshore potential as the 60, but with a smarter deck layout that reflects real-life handling. That makes her better suited for owner-operators, without sacrificing performance. In other words: a serious boat, with serious range, but less intimidating when you’re not sailing with a professional crew.
Good hands
Good hands
The real reason for my visit was to see, with my own eyes, how our clients are being looked after. And I’m happy to report: they’re in very good hands. Chris, Bridget and the whole HH commissioning team in Badalona combine technical know-how with a deep understanding of what owners need — both in the handover phase and far beyond.
From first sail to final handover, and across time zones and oceans, they’ve built a system that works. And more importantly, a team that cares.
If you’re considering an HH Catamaran, wether it’s a HH44, HH56 or even a HH60, know this: it’s not just the boat you’re buying. It’s a global network of people who will help you make the most of her.
And if you’re lucky, they’ll let you take the helm for a few minutes too.
— Ron Spoelstra
Rossinante Yachts