Bavaria Yachts 55

It is designed by the world-renowned Bruce Farr and BMW DesignworksUSA for the exterior design details. The new line is called Bavaria Yachts 55, and this is their flagship model.

"Long Legs," a Bavaria Yacht, was designed by the world-renowned Bruce Farr, the man whose designs have won the America's Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, the Sydney-Hobart Race, and the Rolex FastNet. Reorganized under new ownership, they took the braver (and costlier) route of using Farr Yacht Design to draw the hull lines and advise on construction, and BMW DesignworksUSA for the exterior design. The new line is called Bavaria Yachts 55, and this is their flagship model.

Although this is a high-profile showboat, there would be no point in paying for top-dollar designers if it wasn't built properly. This prototype Bavaria Cruiser 55 showcases a fastidious level of quality control. Farr's expertise is reliable, and BMW Designworks USA impressed us by bringing fresh, yet practical ideas to the deck and interior design. Some might question the height of the freeboard. I understand that Bavaria wanted to fit a garage below the cockpit and provide good headroom in the master cabin, but you do feel dwarfed in the saloon, and anything other than stern-to boarding will be a challenge. These topsides encompass a gargantuan interior while maintaining a sleek coach roof. Combined with low coamings and a large walk-through cockpit, it's easy to deduce that her target clientele sails in the calm sunny waters of the Mediterranean. She's manageable, fast, and fun.

Clean decks were strategic to BMW's aesthetics, so everything is hidden and led aft to maintain the look, and there's a plethora of clever ideas to help achieve this. The Bavaria 55 Cruiser arguably has the largest interior volume to LWL ratio. The forward ensuite is first class and a real selling point, with a separate stand-up shower room. It resembles more of a hotel bathroom, with ample space, a large contemporary sink and mirror, attractive downlights, and ample storage, including a lift-top laundry basket if you choose not to opt for a washing machine. A walk-in, full-headroom dressing room is located in the hallway of the opulent master cabin, providing enough hanging and storage space to accommodate even a diva's wardrobe. This allows for a completely uncluttered queen-size double bed. There's still 6ft 2in headroom and plenty of light from two large overhead hatches and two hull windows. A few pictures may be needed to detract from the vast amount of pale woodwork, which can sometimes feel more like a static caravan than an inviting cabin.

The saloon is warm, cozy, and smartly spacious, with enough room to seat eight once the double bench (with a magnetic backrest) slides out from under the island. The galley features a refreshing design that utilizes a workstation island, surrounded by grab bars that satisfy the seaworthy credentials. It somewhat resembles a kitchen in a modern flat, complete with a front-opening, full-size fridge-freezer (there's also a lift-top fridge) and a large deep sink with a draining sink. Stowage is abundant.

The heads are bright and airy (again with ample headroom), boasting a proper shower permanently mounted on a stand. A seat/cover drops over the small heads, and a Perspex door keeps the wash area dry. The heads have a smart, deep, lipped basin and a large mirror. Identical double aft cabins offer excellent headroom, changing space, and storage in tall double hanging lockers. Fiddled shelves run the length of the generous doubles, and four portlights help keep these cabins well-ventilated. Aft hatches provide access to the steering gear.

The interior design of the 3 cabins creates an ideal setting for families and friends, accommodating up to 8 people. The owner's cabin, with a cloakroom, indoor bathroom, and separate shower room, provides guests with privacy as if they were at home. The additional equipment, such as a dishwasher, generator, air conditioning, electric winches, and an electric roller, makes staying and traveling unexpectedly easy and enjoyable. Each cabin has its own separate head with a shower, toilet, and sink. Additional amenities include an 8kW generator, full air-conditioning, electric toilets, an electric furling system, electric winches, sunbeds, pressurized hot/cold water, a TV/DVD, a Hi-fi music system, a large tender with a 15HP outboard, and much more! It is the perfect platform for both training and charter, an ideal way to experience the joy of sailing, proving that you can indeed mix the best of both worlds: comfort and adventure!