Yachting Monthly – September 2019

after decreasing for a time, the wind picked up
again later. The combination of the Jefa steering
and the single rudder gave a positive, direct
response through the Carbonautica composite
wheels (upgrades from the standard stainless).
Handling was pleasantly crisp all round, her form
stability makes her a stiff boat in those conditions
and weather helm was modest.
For extra power and a more controllable sail you
can have a 106% headsail sheeted to tracks outboard
of the coachroof. Even under self-tacker we clocked
up to 7.7 knots upwind in the fresher patches with
the apparent wind at 33°. That’s not bad for a chunky
cruiser and certainly in a different league to what one
would have expected of a Bavaria from a few
generations ago. Under power she cruised
comfortably and quietly at 7.5 knots.
Hinge-up sections of the cockpit sole by the
wheels make life more level on the windward side
for the helmsman, who has a clear view forward
and handholds on the consoles to help when
moving around.
My biggest criticism back here is the usual one:
nowhere to keep small items like binoculars, drinks
and sunglasses close at hand. Lockers under the
seating each side abaft the tables are big enough to
accommodate a four-man valise liferaft.
A hatch in the sole gives access to the dinghy
garage so you can drop fenders and suchlike in
from above. At the other end of the boat, the space

forward of the owner’s cabin

(or twin forecabins if you choose

that option) can be used as

a skipper’s cabin or as a

large locker.

In between, the deck and

coachroof are easy enough to

negotiate as long as you avoid the

areas without the diamond anti-

skid fi nish. There are a few of these.

Lines from the mast are led beneath

the top of the coachroof to emerge

by the winches.

ACCOMMODATION

This is one roomy 50-footer. You feel a long way

down when you reach the foot of the companionway

because of the high topsides and the headroom of

6ft 10in (2.08m), even though the saloon sole is

raised by a foot or two. On the other hand, the

hullside ports give a view out and the general feeling

is one of light and airiness.

It’s always revealing below decks to look at the

substance before the gloss; to start by poking around

under the cabin sole and behind the joinery to get a

feel for the structure.

A tray moulding beneath the sole boards

incorporates a stiffening matrix formed of

longitudinal and fore-and-aft members, limber holes

allowing water to drain between compartments and

The forward-facing

chart table is well

laid out and of a

sensible size

Handling was pleasantly

crisp and she is a stiff boat

in these conditions