The announcement from Giebelstadt comes as no great surprise: following the C42, which was recently presented as a detailed test in YACHT 16/2020, the expected expansion of the programme is now continuing downwards. In the longer length segments, on the other hand, the new cruising line is now complete with the C45, the C50 and the C57. A new tourer for the eleven-metre class is now being created under the name C38, also designed by Cossutti Yacht Design and in an almost identical design to the C42, which is exactly one metre longer.
In fact, Bavaria Yachts appears to have simply shrunk the concept of the C42 for the smaller model. The general styling, the layout on deck and in the cockpit as well as the modern construction with the pronounced chine edges, the wide stern and the strikingly voluminous V-bow are adopted almost 1:1. With the new hull moulds from Cossutti, the C42 has already demonstrated solid performance in the YACHT test. In good winds and light waves, the boat sailed stiffly and quickly with noticeable stability and at the same time could be steered in a sporty and agile manner.
The layout concept of the new C38 also remains largely unchanged below deck compared to its larger sister. The only difference is that the double berths in the aft cabins and forward cabin are slightly less wide. Nevertheless, the double bed in the owner's cabin forward still measures an impressive 1.73 metres in width, which will set new standards within the class. A direct comparison of the expansion plans shows that the U-shaped sofa in the saloon has also become somewhat more compact. Nevertheless, seven people will still be able to sit comfortably at the table here.
The standard configuration is with two cabins (forward and aft to starboard) as well as a large forecastle that can be accessed both from inside and from the cockpit. As optional extras, a further double cabin aft on the port side or an additional wet room in the foredeck are available. The addition of a second toilet has only become possible thanks to the considerable increase in space in the forward area of the boat as a result of the Bavaria V-Bow.
The conventional aluminium rig from Seldén has two spreaders and a self-tacking jib as standard. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a furling mast or an overlapping genoa with line-adjustable hoisting points on the running deck. The sail carrying capacity with the self-tacking jib is 4.05, which classifies the boat as a pure tourer. With the overlapping genoa, the potential is a slightly higher, sportier value of 4.3.
The prototype of the C38 from Bavaria is due to be completed this autumn and will then undergo intensive testing at the shipyard. The world premiere will then take place in January 2021 at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf. The base price will be 153,390 euros, including 19 per cent VAT and a single set of sails. By comparison: The base price for the larger sister C42 is 187,900 euros.
And this is the bigger sister; the Bavaria C42 as a photo gallery from the YACHT test and on YACHT-TV
Testing the new development off Kiel
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
