Bavaria to launch factory-direct stores in prime US sailing regions

The German builder plans to open locations in Rhode Island, Chicago and San Francisco by year’s end.

Bavaria Yachts says it intends to open three “factory-direct” retail locations in the US by the end of 2012. The company opened its first factory store in Annapolis, Maryland last year.
The new stores will be located in Newport, Rhode Island; Chicago, Illinois; and the San Francisco Bay area. The stores will have new-boat sales as well as Horizon Yacht Charters bases, which will offer Bavaria models for charter.

The company says the new business model will provide "factory direct" pricing, and “ultra-efficient” purchase-to-delivery times of typically around three months. Bavaria Yachts USA is currently offering travel reimbursements for potential buyers or “try-before-you-buy” chartering at its Annapolis location.

The company also plans to show models from its Cruiser and Vision lines after the three new locations open at sailboat shows in the respective regions.