FIFTY is the old 60 when you consider the amount of space, both on deck and down below, in Bavaria’s new C50 cruising yacht.
Penned by Italian naval architects Cossutti Yacht Design, the 50-footer’s high topsides, raised deck structure and forecastle make this a true holiday home on the water.
They have shrunk a superyacht, yet its scope is still within the realm of two-handed sailing.
Bavaria offers three specifications, known as Holiday, Style or Ambition. Even in the most basic spec, Holiday, the C50 is well equipped and ready to sail immediately, with the added confidence of Category A construction.
For owners seeking a more luxury finish, the Style line offers extra features and design elements.
Bavaria says that a special selection of woods and upholstery afford a higher level of personalisation.
The Ambition model sports performance additives like a black bowsprit in which the anchor is integrated – this pushes the gennaker forward for easier gybing and a better airflow.
The black mast, boom and dual steering wheels are carbon.
Internal layout options are almost limitless, ranging from the classic three-cabin family version with individual ensuites to the charter-oriented five-cabin arrangement. You can also have a crew cabin in the bow.
The owner’s suite, located forward, has a queen-size bed, separate shower and bath, dressing table and generous-sized lockers. In the four-cabin version this area is split into two cabins.
Further aft, the guest cabin has a full king-size bed, while there are two separate berths on the starboard side. The fifth cabin, with bunk beds, is situated in the saloon if required.
The port-side galley can cater for any size of crew. Numerous work spaces and stowage areas make it a pleasure to use, even at sea.
Refrigeration options alone amount to 250 litres, plus there’s a wine cooler to accommodate 20 bottles.
A navigation station to starboard serves as the control centre for onboard systems and a home office for anyone who can’t stay away from work, even on holiday.
“Bavaria offers three specifications, known as Holiday, Style or Ambition. Even the most basic, Holiday, is well equipped and ready to sail”
Daylight from the large hull windows bathes the entire saloon.
Relaxation is at the forefront when it comes to the cockpit layout.
Behind the large bathing platform there is a dinghy garage and stowage space for diving or snorkelling gear.
The cockpit, feauting twin tables, is the ideal spot for lunch prepared on a concealed barbecue with its own wetbar.
More sunbathing and lounge areas can be found on the deck and forecastle.
Cossutti is well-known on both the regatta and cruising scenes for their fast and elegant sailing yachts, and the team hasn’t disappointed with the 15.55-metre C50.
The buoyant hull accelerates well in light airs and can be hunkered down in harsh conditions.
Bavaria’s development team has also ensured that the yacht is easy to sail, not just fast.
The deck layout is tuned for easy handling, with twin steering columns and nearby winches for setting, trimming and retrieving sails.
A self-tacking jib guarantees quick and precise tacking, while the gennaker can be set and retrieved by a furler.
If the budget or your marina berth can not stretch to 50 feet, there’s also a new C45 with similar looks, features and specifications.
As a world first on a 45-foot sailing yacht, it provides space for a dinghy in the stern, leaving the foredeck clear.
Both new yachts will make their international debuts tomorrow January 20, at the ‘boot Düsseldorf’ boat show.
See bavariasail.com.au or phone 1300 609 900.
