| Yacht of the Week: Bavaria's Vision 46 |
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Even if you're not ever intending to sail solo, a yacht that can be sailed single-handed is always prized by the cruising sailor. Bavaria's Vision 46 has this as just one of its many great features, some of which are new and innovative. With a hull by Farr Yacht Design, the Bavaria 46 performs well on all points of sail, but can easily be sailed short or single handed. Borrowing perhaps from superyacht technology, the Trim Control and Auto Tack function allows owners to simply trim, tack or gybe with the simple push of a button. Imagine. There is no need to rush around releasing sheets or winding winches, the whole operation is simply and easily controlled from one of the Bavaria 46’s twin helm stations. Then there's the Dock Control, which makes approaching or leaving the marina is just as easy. Employing the latest joystick technology, the Vision 46’s main engines and the bow and stern thrusters, Dock Control turns even complicated berthing manoeuvres into a one-handed, stress-less operation. The Vision 46’s cockpit is good for sailing, naturally, but the designers must have had fun sailing in mind, because it is a great social area as well.
By drawing a unique offset companionway to the saloon, Bavaria’s designers have created a practical space on the port side of the cockpit. Cleverly combined with a versatile folding leaf table and electric rise and fall pedestal, this spacious area can be used as a large L-shaped settee with coffee table, a huge comfortable sunbed or a superb six-person dinette. While it is only 14 metres long, it has the feel of superyacht luxury. 'This is by far the best use of cockpit space I have ever seen,' says marine industry veteran Bill Rutherford whose company, Busfield Marine Ltd, distributes the Bavaria in New Zealand. 'On many cruising yachts of this size, there are very few parts of the cockpit that are genuinely comfortable. On the Vision 46, there are at least six and they are all ergonomically designed for comfort at both rest and when the yacht is under sail.' Other cockpit features include those twin steering wheels, complete with stylish and practical binnacles for instrumentation and controls; a fold down transom, complete with shower, and innovative pushpit seats, complete with backrests. Interior: The Bavaria Vision 46 is just as appealing below decks. The upholstery is well chosen and comfortable, the hatches and portholes are large, offering plenty of light, and the timbers and fabrics are very good quality. Overall the saloon has a spacious look, but it works well while underway as well as at anchor.
There are some other nifty design features worth mentioning. There's a nav station that effortlessly turns into a three-seat settee, or extra seats at the dinette. There's a desktop in the main cabin that doubles as a vanity, complete with mirror. There's a shoe locker and even an integral wine cellar. Can't do without your good coffee? There's a place to install a good coffee maker.
'I have been in selling and outfitting boats of all types and sizes for more than 45 years,' says Rutherford. 'I can honestly say I have never seen a boat that combines quality construction and fittings with such high performance and innovative yet practical thinking.' Specifications: LOA 13.99m Hull length 13.70m LWL 12.83m Beam (overall) 4.19m Draught (standard) 2.14m (optional) 1.70m Displacement (dry) 12.30 tonnes Engine Volvo Penta D2-55 Fuel capacity 210 litres Water capacity 580 litres Max sail area 103 sq m To learn more about the yacht, click here.
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