Bavaria Match 35 Information, Review, Specs

The Bavaria Match 35 entered production in 2004 and continued until 2006. During this period, Bavaria Yachts, under the guidance of founders Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, was at the forefront of innovative serial production, known for its commitment to German engineering and robust construction. The company's ethos centered on making high-quality yachts accessible to a broader audience through efficient manufacturing techniques. The Match series, including the 35, was specifically conceived with the goal of creating a "fun and fast cruiser" that could achieve top performance while maintaining comfortable living spaces. This design philosophy aligned perfectly with Bavaria's broader strategy of balancing sailing pleasure with onboard comfort, incorporating "clever details" above and below deck.

The Match 35 featured a deep lead fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, designed for enhanced performance. A shallow draft version was also available, offering a reduced draft of 6.07 feet (1.85 meters) compared to the standard 6.58 feet (2 meters). The model also saw a "Mk II" iteration, built from late 2005 into 2006, further refining its design. The boat's involvement in the World Match Racing Tour underscored its design for competitive sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a design that prioritizes performance, the Bavaria Match 35 boasts a sail area of 850 square feet and a displacement of 11,880 pounds. This yields a high sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 26.15, indicating excellent performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. Its displacement to length ratio of around 167.3 places it in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for a monohull of its size, suggesting a responsive and agile vessel. The ballast to displacement ratio of 0.33, with 3,960 pounds of lead ballast in its bulb keel, provides a moderate degree of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a good amount of wind while maintaining a comfortable motion.

Sailors generally describe the Bavaria Match 35 as a fairly quick and easily handled boat, with good performance in light winds. Its theoretical maximum hull speed is approximately 7.5 knots. While capable of competitive racing, it also offers easy handling characteristics under sail for cruising, making it a versatile platform. Owners note that when sailing short-handed, it is advisable to reef relatively early to manage its ample sail area.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria Match 35 is designed with a classic layout for a yacht of its length, aiming to combine practical functionality with comfortable living spaces. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design philosophy emphasizes user-friendly arrangements. The typical layout includes two cabins, providing berths for several crew or family members, and is equipped with a single head (WC). The galley is often arranged in an "L" shape, and a dedicated navigation area is usually found to starboard. Online reviews and listings often highlight that these yachts are generally well-equipped. The use of fiberglass for both hull and deck suggests a robust and easily maintained structure.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bavaria Match 35 frequently commend its impressive sailing performance and ease of handling. Many appreciate its dual nature as both a capable club racer and a comfortable cruiser. The Match 35 has been noted by some forum discussions to be largely exempt from certain keel-related issues that have sometimes been associated with other Bavaria models, contributing to its positive reputation among owners. However, some minor issues have been reported, such as a creaking wheel. Overall, the consensus points to a well-regarded yacht that lives up to its "racing-cruising" billing, offering an enjoyable and engaging experience on the water for those who appreciate a higher level of performance.