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Close-reaching across Mallorca's Badia de Palma aboard the new Bavaria 40 Vision, I took my hand off the wheel for a moment to see how easily the helm would balance. Minutes later, I realized that this shoal-draft model, with a full-battened main and in-mast furling, tracked so nicely that, if left alone, it might sail straight into the breakwater right ahead of us.

The Vision series, including the 40, the 44, and a 50 still on the drawing boards as of last summer, is a step up in price and comforts from Bavaria's popular Cruiser series. The Vision boats boast stylish deck saloon-type cabin windows and a curved cabin top that flows smoothly into the uncluttered foredeck. The roomy cockpit has a solid, fixed table for entertaining, while the serious sailing is done aft at either of two helm stations. Below on the Vision 40, side and forward ports make for a light and airy saloon. Forward of the two aft cabins, there's a head and shower to starboard and an efficient L-shaped galley to port. Just ahead of the galley is a U-shaped settee and table, with another settee to starboard. The forward cabin has a island-queen berth with seats on each side and two hanging lockers

Intended as a model competitive with offerings from Jeanneau and Beneteau, the Vision 40 is priced toward the upper end of the market. Given that, I would've expected a bit more attention to joinery and finish, a challenge, perhaps, given the company's high-volume production lines. Still, a cruising couple will find a stiff, responsive sailer in the Vision 40 with a sail plan that's easily tamed.

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Bavaria 40 Vision Specs

LOA: 41' 8"
LWL:  34' 9"
Beam: 13' 1"
Draft (standard):  5' 9"
Sail Area: 822 sq. ft.
Displacement: 18,081 lb.
Water: 95 gal.
Fuel: 55 gal.
Engine: 40-hp. Volvo
Designer: J&J Yacht Design    
Price: $236,000
Bavaria Yachts, (410) 990-0007, www.bavariayachts.com

Mark Pillsbury

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