Nautitech 40 Open (2018)

The BAVARIA Open 40: A Legacy of Innovation and Elegance

The brand-new BAVARIA Open 40 is the successor to the renowned NAUTITECH Open 40. Originally developed by NAUTITECH, a French catamaran builder known for producing premium sailing catamarans ranging from 40 to 60 feet, the model carries forward a legacy of excellence. Since 2004, NAUTITECH has operated out of its shipyard in Rochefort on the French Atlantic coast. All NAUTITECH catamarans were designed and constructed under the leadership of founder Bruno Voisard, together with his experienced team of multihull specialists.

In 2014, BAVARIA Yachts—one of the world’s largest manufacturers of sailing and motor yachts—officially acquired NAUTITECH, further expanding the brand’s global reach and reinforcing its reputation for quality.

The newest model under the BAVARIA name is a 40-foot catamaran, developed in collaboration with famed naval architect Marc Lombard. Built in the same Rochefort facility, this catamaran stays true to the NAUTITECH DNA, maintaining its signature aesthetics and craftsmanship. Like the five other models in the NAUTITECH range, the Open 40 features an innovative use of space and offers a comfortable onboard experience, combining high performance, safety, and speed at sea.

The main deck of the Open 40 includes a galley, navigation station, and saloon. The navigation desk and instruments are located on the port side, while the starboard side features a well-equipped galley with two drawer fridges, a stove, and an oven—compact yet functional for life aboard. A staircase next to the galley leads to the lower deck, which is available in two layouts: a three-cabin owner’s version or a four-cabin charter configuration. Each cabin includes its own private shower and bathroom. (Note: The 4-cabin model can accommodate up to 10 passengers, but there are two individuals who need to stay in the salon area.)

Toward the rear of the saloon are two long sofas and a dining table. Though the indoor saloon area is not overly large, sliding glass doors open directly into the spacious aft cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The open cockpit is truly the heart of the Open 40’s design—perfect for socializing, relaxing, or dining alfresco. Another standout feature is the expansive forward trampoline, ideal for sunbathing under the open sky, with the sea just below.

Designed for maximum stability and easy handling, the Open 40 features two helm stations on each side of the stern. The catamaran is powered by twin 30HP Yanmar engines and includes a davit system for a dinghy—enhancing onboard versatility and exploration options.

On December 10th, the BAVARIA Open 40 was awarded "Best Cruising Catamaran of the Year" by Cruising World. The jury unanimously praised its open-concept philosophy, calling it “a perfect embodiment of simplicity and elegance.” The clever layout—featuring a sliding glass partition that merges indoor and outdoor areas—creates the feeling of a terrace that flows naturally from the interior. With helm stations positioned on either side of the stern, the Open 40 offers unparalleled visibility, even outperforming many monohulls tested by the judges. These thoughtful design features make the Open 40 one of the finest catamarans in its class.