Yacht Mat Rolls Out Her Welcome Mat

Robust and roving-the-world ready, the explorer yacht Mat made her way to the water at Cantiere delle Marche today. She’s the newest launch in a series that remains focused on true exploration yet allows extensive personalization, including styling.

In fact, the yacht Mat is a prime example of the degree to which customers can change the profile. Though in the Flexplorer 146 range, she has one deck fewer than another series member, the yacht Maverick. Neither does she have the hefty A-frame crane that Maverick uses to launch and retrieve her big tender. Instead, the owner of Mat requested a launching arm that extends from a hidden compartment in the sundeck overhang. (Previous Cantiere delle Marche deliveries have had this, too.) Once it offloads the tender from the main aft deck, the area can feature loose lounges. The side bulwarks additionally fold down, for a terrace-on-the-sea feel. That, too, is different from Maverick.

the Cantiere delle Marche yacht Mat interior

To create a warm feel, the owner worked with Nauta Design for the accommodations for 10 and other interior areas. One of the nicest, and sure to be treasured, rooms is the skylounge, with cushions lining the walls of windows. They’re the ultimate window seats, with the best ever-changing views. Overall, Nauta Design has given the yacht Mat a clean, crips, atmosphere where natural, tactile materials take center stage. Mario Pedol, Nauta Design’s founder, adds, “The play of reflected light brings an element of constant motion to the interiors that enlivens and enriches the appeal of clean forms and natural tones.” On a related note, this is the sixth Cantiere delle Marche project to which Nauta Design has contributed.

The yacht Mat is one of dozens of Cantiere delle Marche projects that Hydro Tec has contributed to, though. The naval architecture and design studio has provided engineering for every launch to date. Since Mat is a Flexplorer 146—a mashup of “flexible” and “explorer” to reflect suitability for a variety of activities and rugged, oceangoing engineering and construction—she the ability to travel far. A fuel capacity of 17,171 gallons (65,000 liters) feeding 1,000-hp Caterpillars should allow upwards of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Top speed is 14 knots.

Once delivery takes place in a few months, a crew of nine will point her bow toward distant shores. In the meantime, Ennio Cecchini, the yard’s executive chairman and founder, notes how Mat’s owner leaned into its philosophy. From the number of decks to engineering differences and more, “this extensive level of personalization is what truly defines our concept of semi-custom,” he says.

Cantiere delle Marche cantieredellemarche.it

Hydro Tec hydrotec.it

Nauta Design nautadesign.com