Duncan Kent steps aboard the new Bavaria Vision and finds a boat designed by sailors, that could fulfil
the needs of any blue water cruiser.
I have to admit I was disappointed when Bavaria first brought out its new Cruiser range. While they were fairly traditional and practical below, the yard opted for ‘letterbox’ style portlights and tall coachroofs, which gave the boats a rather austere, utilitarian look. When I first saw the Vision, however, I wondered if this could really be a Bavaria. Smooth, rounded edges, modern eyebrow style superstructure, gentle shear – in fact all the attributes that other yards have been designing into their cruising yachts for the past few years.
Step onboard and it’s clear this is no run of the mill cruising yacht. Most immediately obvious are her offset companionway and flush hatches. Then there are the oversized winches – yes, I repeat oversized! Smart features abound to the point where you really don’t think you’re standing on a production boat created in the heart of Southern Germany. Well, she might have been built there, but she was actually drawn by a renowned design team here in the UK – Design Unlimited. Well known for its excellent work in the superyacht industry, a good number of its staff are actually sailors themselves – and it shows.
Well done Bavaria on this new Vision (please excuse the pun) of the future – I can see this range of clever, practical, sumptuously comfortable cruising yachts changing the company’s future fortunes – and the opinions of a good number of sceptical yachting journalists along the way!
Saloon
Once down the narrow companionway with its wide, grippy steps and numerous stout handrails, you arrive in the main cabin, which is bright and spacious – although not at all like some raised saloon yachts that leave you floundering in a huge empty area with few, if any decent hand holds.
Although the saloon looks conventional, this one has a number of really good features that could only have been thought of by a sailor. Firstly, there’s no shortage of sturdy hand holds – two chunky stainless bars on the deckhead for a start, then contoured fiddle rails right around the galley to name but a couple.
The saloon has an L-shaped settee around a large table that folds in half and lowers for casual drinks, or drops down (electrically) to create a double berth. There are virtually no fiddles on it, though. Beside this comfortable settee is a drinks cabinet with bottle rack and sliding glasses holder.
Four large hatches, two skylights and big portlights each side let a lot of light in and ventilation is good with everything open. Above the port side seats there’s space for a TV. Blinds are optional – but a must really.
For
• Well thought out both above and below
• Light and airy without being too ‘hollow’ below
• Sails confidently and reasonably quickly
• Well-equipped and laid out galley
Against
• Foot blocks in the cockpit loose
• Loose saloon seats need locks
To read the full report, including verdict, on the Bavaria 46 Vision see the December issue of Sailing Today – available here.
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