Bavaria Match 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria Match 42 emerged from a period when Bavaria Yachts, established in 1978, was rapidly expanding its production capabilities, leveraging assembly-line methods to build hundreds of yachts annually. The design collaboration between American naval architect Doug Peterson and the Slovenian firm J&J Design (Jakopin & Jakopin) was instrumental in shaping the Match series, aiming to create yachts that could perform well in racing while retaining the comfort and build quality expected of Bavaria.

The Match 42 was specifically conceived as a cruiser-racer, reflecting a design philosophy that sought to balance competitive sailing attributes with the practical demands of private owners and the charter market. 2, 8, Builder Article During its relatively short production run from 2004 to 2006, approximately 150 boats across the Match 38 and 42 series were built. While the standard model featured a draft of 7.07 feet, a shallow draft version was also available at 6.07 feet, offering flexibility for different sailing grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria Match 42's design metrics point to a boat that is keen to perform. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.89, the Match 42 exhibits good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air conditions. Its displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of around 154.76 places it in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for a boat of its size, suggesting agility and efficiency through the water. The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of approximately 0.34 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, though perhaps not as stiff as some dedicated racing machines.

Equipped with a fractional rig, the Match 42 features smaller headsails, which are generally easier to handle and contribute to better upwind performance. Anecdotal evidence from owners and reviews often praises its competitive nature on the racecourse, particularly in IRC handicapping and one-design fleets. Sailors have noted its ability to achieve good speeds, which is often described as surprising given its comfortable appearance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance aspirations, the Bavaria Match 42 does not compromise on interior comfort and liveability. The interior of the Match 42 is typically configured with three cabins and one head, providing ample space for families or multiple guests. The design focuses on creating a "light and spacious interior," a characteristic often found in Bavaria models. The finish quality aligns with what owners accustomed to Bavaria Yachts would expect, utilizing materials and construction techniques consistent with the brand's established reputation for well-engineered boats. Reviews also highlight its "fully fitted luxury interior," reinforcing its dual role as a comfortable cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bavaria Match 42 frequently commend its versatility, appreciating its ability to serve as both a competitive club racer and a comfortable family cruising yacht. Many praise its solid construction and its capacity to perform well on the racecourse, often excelling in IRC ratings and one-design regattas. The boat is often described as a "perfect family and racing boat!"

However, a notable and recurring concern among owners of the Match 42 (and its smaller sibling, the Match 38) has been the extensively discussed issue of keel problems, including instances of keel loss. This issue has been a significant point of discussion within owner communities and forums. Another minor, but frequently mentioned, concern among Bavaria owners, including those of the Match series, is the tendency for the steering wheel to develop a creak. These points reflect common experiences and serve as areas for potential buyers to investigate during pre-purchase inspections.