BOLD MOVER: ON TEST - BAVARIA C46

BAVARIA CLAIMS MORE ACCOMMODATION AND BETTER PERFORMANCE FOR ITS C46 SECOND GENERATION C-LINE. CAN YOU REALLY HAVE BOTH ON A MASS MARKET DESIGN?

- RUPERT HOLMES

It's often thought that yachts with wide forward sections inevitably slam uncomfortably in head seas. But that's not always the case as, when the boat heels, the hull's immersed section changes shape and no longer presents the flat underside to the waves. Conversely, traditional hull designs with a V shape forward might slice through waves neatly when upright, but can slam badly when heeled as they present an almost flat surface that bashes down on the water after plunging off wave crests.

I tested a prototype C46, used as a test bed for almost every conceivable extra (which made it over 70% more expensive than the base price model). For my first sail we had a cross-shore breeze of 8-15 knots, combined with an awkward short onshore swell generated by an approaching vigorous low pressure system. On starboard tack we were therefore heading more or less into the waves, which led to an occasional soft bounce, but the motion wasn't uncomfortable and there was no heavy slamming of the type that saps boat speed.

Bavaria's now trademark V-bow helps create full forward sections that both increase space in the owner's cabin forward and increase form stability. Maximum beam is carried almost right aft, where there are well defined chines.

It's a combination that creates very high form stability and excellent sail carrying ability. 

The single rudder gives a very direct, light and balanced feel on the helm. Wheel pedestals are well configured, with space for big MFDs plus separate instrument displays alongside, and are angled so that you can easily see displays when sitting outboard, where there's a great view of the jib luff.

Sailing upwind under full furling main and 106% jib in 8-10 knots of breeze at a true wind angle of 45° we averaged a shade over 6 knots boat speed.

HANDLING PRESSURE