The 42-footer will then be the new flagship of M.A.T. Yachts. After all, the brand from the Orient now offers a total of five current performance boats from the small series, ranging in length from 10.10 to 13.40 metres. YACHT already presented the smallest boat in the series, the M.A.T. 1010, in a test in issue 6/2014. The shipyard has already built a number of designated regatta yachts as pure one-offs, i.e. customised one-offs.
M.A.T.'s core business is essentially aluminium processing. Boatbuilding has emerged as a branch of the business from the sailing passions of company owner Alp Somer. For the new flagship M.A.T. 1340, Somer has once again sought collaboration with the designers at Mills Design and commissioned the IRC specialists in Ireland to create a rather uncompromising concept for a powerful performance boat. The specifications: maximum competitiveness and the most favourable measurement possible according to IRC and ORC for ocean racing as well as for shorter inshore courses.
M.A.T. boats are built as GRP sandwich constructions with a foam core using the vacuum infusion process. Highly stressed structures in the area of the keel, rudder shaft and shroud mounts are additionally reinforced with carbon fibre. A CNC-milled lead fin keel with a draught of 2.65 metres is bolted under the M.A.T. 1340 ex shipyard, with no alternatives. For short inshore races, the boat is equipped with only one rudder blade, which has to be built far under the boat due to the wide stern section so that it remains effective even when heeling. For use in longer offshore races with more reaching, the racer can also be fitted with double rudder blades on request.
The high standard rig from Axxon Composites is made of carbon fibre and is trimmed with double aft stays. This allows a fat-head mainsail to be set at the top. The genoa remains short and high with an overlap of 105 per cent. Additional sails such as a code zero or gennaker are set on a carbon fibre bowsprit.
The concept of the M.A.T. 1340 envisages a sober, functional interior with many super-lightweight composite parts. Three double cabins are planned, as well as a large, open saloon in the centre of the ship, a simple toilet room and a small galley. The M.A.T. 1340 is expected to cost around 500,000 euros, gross including 19 per cent VAT. The comparatively high price is partly explained by the above-average basic equipment according to the already published Standard specifications. In addition to the carbon rig, lead keel and prepreg carbon fibre rudder, the boat is fitted with high-quality fittings from renowned manufacturers. A 30 hp inboard engine from Yanmar with Saildrive will be installed for motorisation.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
