The Mat 12 is a high-performance sailboat built by M.A.T. Sailing Yachts and designed by Mark Mills. It is described as an IRC Cruiser/Racer, balancing performance with a comfortable deck layout. Launched in 2006, the Mat 12 has achieved significant racing success in various international regattas, including the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The Mat 12's design philosophy, attributed to Mark Mills, aims to blend the performance characteristics of a racing design with the comfort and accommodation of a performance cruiser, creating a true dual-purpose yacht. M.A.T. Sailing Yachts, established in 1993 in İzmir, Turkey, has a reputation for building high-performance sailing vessels with a commitment to quality finishes. The company collaborates extensively with leading naval architects like Mills Design, emphasizing cutting-edge design and hydrodynamic efficiency, particularly for yachts optimized under IRC rating rules. The Mat 12 was later updated with a version known as the Mat 1245, launched in 2012.
With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 21.8, the Mat 12 is well-suited for light-air conditions, indicating a responsive and performance-oriented design. Its high Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.508 suggests excellent stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to significant wind without excessive heeling. The Displacement to Length ratio of about 158.6 further classifies it as a light, performance-focused boat. The Mat 12 is designed to be fast in all conditions, providing a blend of performance, comfort, and accommodation.
While specific detailed interior layouts and maximum headroom for the Mat 12 are not extensively documented in the immediate search results, its designation as an IRC Cruiser/Racer implies a functional yet comfortable interior. The builder, M.A.T. Sailing Yachts, is known for producing yachts with a "finest quality finish," suggesting attention to detail and good material use in their construction. Generally, performance cruisers of this size would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and aft quarter berths, designed to balance living space with the structural requirements of a high-performance hull.
Owners of the Mat 12 often praise its dual-purpose nature, highlighting its competitive speed on the racecourse while still offering a comfortable experience for cruising. Its success in prominent races like the Rolex Fastnet Race underscores its performance capabilities, a key strength frequently noted by its owners.