Mat 1245 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The M.A.T. 1245's journey began in 2012, building upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessor, the M.A.T. 12. Its design is a testament to the enduring partnership between M.A.T. Sailing Yachts and Mills Design, a collaboration consistently focused on pushing the boundaries of performance under various rating rules, particularly IRC. M.A.T. Sailing Yachts, established in 1993, has cultivated a reputation for manufacturing high-performance, cost-effective yachts with a commitment to quality and cutting-edge design. During the era of the 1245's inception, M.A.T.'s ethos emphasized hydrodynamic efficiency and responsive handling, aiming to deliver yachts that excel in both competitive racing and comfortable cruising scenarios. The Mat 1245, with its fin keel with bulb and spade rudder, embodies this philosophy, featuring a hull length of 40.85 feet and an adjustable draft option ranging from 8.4 to 8.8 feet, catering to diverse sailing requirements. The construction primarily utilizes fiberglass for both the hull and deck, ensuring a robust yet lightweight structure.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The M.A.T. 1245's design characteristics translate into a highly engaging and responsive sailing experience. With a total calculated sail area of 967.71 square feet and a displacement of 15,000 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio is approximately 25.41. This high ratio indicates excellent light-air performance, allowing the yacht to generate speed efficiently even in marginal conditions. The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at a significant 0.493 (7,400 lbs of lead ballast in a 15,000 lb boat), suggesting exceptional stiffness and stability. This high percentage of ballast ensures the boat can stand up to a considerable amount of wind, providing a secure and powerful platform that resists heeling excessively.

Further underscoring its performance pedigree is a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 157.79. This relatively low figure classifies the M.A.T. 1245 as a light-displacement performance vessel, contributing to its agile handling and ability to accelerate quickly. The fractional sloop rig, combined with a spade rudder and a fin keel with bulb, enhances its responsiveness and control, particularly upwind. Owners and racers have praised the M.A.T. 1245 for its competitive performance, with some noting its ability to perform well in various racing conditions. Its hull speed is calculated at 7.92 knots, further highlighting its potential for fast passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed for performance, the M.A.T. 1245 also offers a functional and surprisingly spacious interior, suitable for racing crews or family cruising. The yacht features a three-cabin layout, providing substantial accommodation. A full galley is integrated into the living space, along with a water capacity of 53 gallons (201 liters) to support extended stays on board. The interior components are constructed using PVC foam cored composite, a modern choice that emphasizes lightweight yet strong construction, aligning with the yacht's performance-oriented design philosophy. This approach ensures that the interior is both practical for offshore racing and comfortable enough for cruising, offering a blend of utilitarian efficiency and livable space within its 12.45-meter (40.85 ft) length overall.