The Bavaria Vision 46 has been designed, from the start, to embody the cruising sailor’s wish list. From the cockpit to the saloon to the cabins, a VISION adapts to every requirement, whether this is a cosy cruise for two or taking a party of friends out. What is striking about this boat is the attention to detail, and the endless list of thoughtful features, some high-tech, and some are just common sense, executed simply and elegantly. The Vision’s many unique comfort and handling features combine with elegant interiors, Farr Yacht Design engineering for fast and comfortable passages, and the premium build quality and finish found in all Bavaria Yachts. All combined, this stunning boat is sure to draw attention wherever she drops her hook.

The unique cockpit design with offset companionway allows for a large port cockpit table that is electrically lowered and convertible to a day/lounging bed – which creates a true living cockpit. Every instrument essential for navigation and control is within easy reach. With a perfect view of the deck and sail trim, the Bavaria vision 46 can literally be sailed with the fingertips. The bathing platform can be lowered manually to easily access the water edge and it features a refreshing shower.

The advantages of the offset companionway continue below, and it’s most obvious in the galley. This comprises a dishwashing island mounted on the centre line, immediately at the bottom of the companionway steps. It houses twin sinks, with a cleverly-designed drying rack higher up and aft, built into the bulkhead. The rest of the galley lies to port. Covers over the cooker and sinks, allow plenty of workbench area for food preparation. That drying rack helps to free up space, too.

On the port side is an unusually wide aft cabin. Equipped with two single berths, but inset cushions convert these into a vast double bed, virtually square, giving you the choice of sleeping north-south or east-west. The bathroom is divided into separate toilet/shower cubicles. There is a large door in the shower’s rear bulkhead. This provides walk-in access to the second aft cabin. The main cabin’s en suite is a one-piece unit.

With the galley and its island wash-up area efficiently using the aft end of the saloon, the designers of this Bavaria Vision 46 could afford to let their creative juices flow for the rest of the area. Like the cockpit table, the saloon table can be lowered electrically to create a large lounger/daybed. This would also be a good berth for additional crew. On the port settee, the centre section hides a decent-sized chart table which slides up from a recess. It’s an easy, quick conversion. The two settee sections fore and aft of the chart table are movable – they’re best described as ottomans. Moved to the saloon table, they become two separate seats or a single bench seat for extra dining. Masses of ambient light and ventilation floods in through large saloon windows and overhead hatches.

The Bavaria Vision 46 also sails well and is nicely set-up for easy handling. Primary Lewmar 55 winches on the cockpit coaming are within arm’s length of the helmsman, and with the German mainsheet system, trimming from either side is easy. Because each of the primaries has a battery of jammers in nearby attendance, swapping the mainsheet for a jib sheet is quick and simple. The sleek decks are enhanced by flush-fitting hatches and the below-deck jib furling drum which gives it good protection from the elements.