Bavaria R55

Robert Chaffer, project manager at Bavaria, stood in the corner of the swim platform of the brand’s new R55.

- Daniel Harding Jr.

Fluorescent light from inside the convention center of the Düsseldorf Boat Show bathed the new model. Chaffer was fielding interviews one after another. A European editor ahead of me closed up his camera, shook his hand and departed. Chaffer had just enough time to gulp from a water bottle before our appointment.

Bavaria has shifted its focus under his guidance, building boats that are sportier than ever. I asked where that inspiration and direction came from.

“What the world knows about Germany are our car manufacturers,” he explained in a rapid cadence. “[After joining Bavaria] I spent every weekend visiting car builders and museums. We’re also known for the Autobahn. There’s an expectation that German cars handle well in the fast lane. I think we should expect the same from German yachts.”

And the R55 is exceptionally sporty. Even within the confines of an indoor show it didn’t take much imagination to picture her aggressively plying the seas.