Yachting Art Magazine

At the Grand Pavois 2026 La Rochelle, Yachting Art Actunautique offers you a detailed tour of the Bavaria C46, the flagship of the German shipyard’s new generation of family cruisers. Designed by Maurizio Cossutti, this sailing yacht, measuring nearly 15 metres, marks a significant evolution for Bavaria, combining the brand’s long-standing hallmarks – robustness, spaciousness and build quality – with a hull and sail plan that offer a more engaging sailing experience. The demonstration model featured in our programme is on offer from Snip Yachting for €520,000 including VAT, fully equipped and ready to sail.

Bavaria C46: a family cruiser measuring nearly 15 metres

The Bavaria C46 is the flagship model of Bavaria’s new range of family cruisers, unveiled at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026. The yacht is built in Giebelstadt, Germany, at the shipyard’s historic facility.

To find out more, ActuNautique met with Grégoire René, head of Bavaria’s business development at Snip Yachting, at the importer’s private marina.

The C46 measures just under 15 metres and, above all, boasts a particularly generous beam of 4.70 m. This width extends far aft and directly contributes to the space available in the cockpit and below deck.

The design by Maurizio Cossutti is based on a modern, chined hull and a voluminous bow. The aim is twofold: to achieve greater power under sail whilst making the most of the space created inside.

A Bavaria designed to offer a more engaging sailing experience

The C range has also transformed the image traditionally associated with Bavaria yachts.

The C46 remains a family cruiser, but its design and rigging have been conceived to ensure the boat remains responsive at the helm. Notably, the shipyard has opted for a single rudder, whilst twin rudders have become widely adopted on modern yachts.

For Grégoire René, the single rudder retains particular appeal on a cruising yacht, especially during harbour manoeuvres. The C46 combines this configuration with two helm stations and a layout that allows the helmsman direct access to the main controls.

The mainsail and genoa sheets, as well as the halyards, are thus positioned close to the helm stations. An electric winch provides additional assistance, whilst the B&G instruments remain visible whether seated or standing.

The boat on display is fitted with a 40 ch engine with Saildrive and electric control, complemented by a retractable, proportional bow thruster.

120 m² of upwind sail area and a 22-metre mast

The rig gives a better understanding of the positioning Bavaria is aiming for.

The mast stands at 22 metres and the C46 has approximately 120 m² of upwind sail area. The owner can choose from various configurations, including a conventional mast or a furling mast.

A staysail, a Code 0 or asymmetric spinnakers can also be added to the sail set. The large bow roller at the bow has several tack points, allowing these different sails to be utilised.

Snip Yachting also works with Delta Voiles to offer bespoke sail sets tailored to the owners’ plans and expectations.

The C46 can therefore remain relatively simple to handle for a family cruising programme, or be fitted with a more elaborate sail plan for an owner wishing to prioritise sailing performance.

A cockpit designed to separate sailing from life on board

The layout of the cockpit is particularly interesting.

As manoeuvres are centred around the two helm stations at the stern, crew members and passengers have a separate area further forward. This allows the skipper to manoeuvre without having to cross the area occupied by passengers.

The central folding table forms the centrepiece of a spacious social area, whilst several storage compartments are fitted beneath the seating.

At the stern, a large electric swim platform provides easy access to the water. Telescopic davits also allow a tender to be kept ready for use during short voyages, whilst completely clearing the stern when necessary.

This layout perfectly reflects the Bavaria C46’s design philosophy: true sailing without sacrificing the comfort expected of a large family cruiser.

A draught of 2.30 m, with a short-keel version

In its standard configuration, the Bavaria C46 features an L-shaped keel with a bulb and a draught of 2.30 m.

A short-keel version is also available, reducing the draught to 1.75 m, with more weight incorporated into the ballast.

On deck, the gangways are generously spacious. The genoa track is integrated into the deckhouse, whilst a composite handrail helps ensure safe movement around the boat.

Forward, ample storage space is available for sails and equipment. A dedicated access point to the anchor locker also facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the chain.

Three cabins and two bathrooms

It is when you step down into the boat that the 4.70 m beam of the C46 really comes into its own.

The model visited by ActuNautique features a three-cabin, two-bathroom layout. Two double cabins are situated aft, each with three opening portholes to encourage natural ventilation.

The saloon is organised around a spacious lounge on the starboard side, which can accommodate up to eight people. The table can be lowered electrically to create an additional berth.

The U-shaped galley offers ample refrigeration space, an oven, three hobs, two sinks and plenty of storage. Their design takes sailing into account, with openings and bulkheads designed to prevent their contents from shifting when the boat heels.

The boat also features a proper chart table, facing the direction of travel and slightly raised. It provides space for the VHF, the 12 V system and, if required, a computer or an additional screen, whilst maintaining a view of the outside.

A proper owner’s suite forward

The forward cabin is one of the highlights of the layout.

It features a central bed accessible from both sides, large drawers, numerous storage compartments and two proper wardrobes. The wet room is separate, with the shower and washbasin on one side and the electric toilet on the other.

Particular attention has also been paid to natural light. The numerous deck hatches in the deckhouse are complemented by the hull windows, flooding both the saloon and the cabins with plenty of natural light.

At the same time, Bavaria retains a relatively traditional interior design, with substantial joinery. Grégoire René highlights in particular the thickness of the doors, the size of the hinges and the presence of handrails – all elements that contribute to the boat’s weight but also to the impression of sturdiness on board.

Bavaria C46: €520,000 including VAT for the boat featured

Then there is the price.

The Bavaria C46 featured in this programme is on offer at €520,000 including VAT. This is Snip Yachting’s demonstration boat, available at a trade fair discount.

This price primarily covers a boat that is fully equipped and ready to sail. Grégoire René points out that it includes, in particular, the rigging, preparation, delivery and a set of sails.

This clarification is important when comparing the prices of new sailing yachts, as base prices can differ significantly from the final cost of a boat that is actually ready to sail.

With the C46, Bavaria offers a cruiser that retains the characteristics traditionally associated with the German shipyard whilst adopting a distinctly more contemporary design: a wide beam, spacious interiors, plenty of natural light, generous outdoor areas and a sail plan designed to deliver a more exhilarating sailing experience.

In this nearly 25-minute Yachting Art ActuNautique programme filmed at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, we tour the Bavaria C46 from the aft deck to the owner’s cabin, accompanied by Grégoire René from Snip Yachting, to explore in detail its deck layout, rigging, technical features, construction and interior fittings.