ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER
BAVARIA 32
The original workhorse of many a European charter fleet, the Bavaria 32 was introduced in 2001, superseding the earlier 320.
She is a family coastal cruiser, built to a price to provide excellent value and affordability. She has timeless lines, roomy and comfortable accommodation, and is a relatively lively performer under sail.
Below, she has a conventional layout with a large saloon providing two long and straight settees with stowage underneath, locker space above and 1.87m (6ft 2in) headroom. Her forecabin is a good size and definitely the owner’s cabin. The aft cabin, though it has a decently proportioned berth, is a touch claustrophobic for two as the inside berth has limited clearance.
The moulded heads and shower stall offer enough elbow room and are easy to keep clean. The galley is a good size and the forward-looking navigation area opposite is generous.
On deck, her cockpit has space for four adults. Teak trim provides a touch of style while a deep locker will swallow all the gear, including an inflatable dinghy.
Unobstructed side decks and sturdy grabrails facilitate safe passage forward, where her large anchor locker easily swallows the chain and anchor.
The 32 isn’t designed for major offshore passages, although she’s perfectly safe for
the occasional Channel crossing in reasonable weather. That said, they are far stronger and stable than many believe. I’ve sailed one in 35 knots of wind in a typical Mediterranean afternoon chop and, despite loathing the poor set of the furling mainsail, always felt secure and safe.
Everything about how she sails is undramatic which is exactly what most of their owners want. She points reasonably close, is no slouch on a reach and can be cajoled onto the plane downwind with a large kite and an attentive helm. Most are let down by poor quality sails, particularly ex-charter boats.
In light winds they are a delight to sail and visibility all around is good. They’re balanced and responsive with little or no weather helm, though they’re not particularly stiff so need to be reefed at around 15 knots and again at 20 knots.