Bavaria Match 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bavaria Match 35 is a distinct departure from the "charter-friendly" handling characteristics of its Cruiser-line siblings. With a deep T-shaped keel (typically drawing 2.0 to 2.2 meters) and a high-aspect fractional rig, the boat is designed to be stiff and weatherly. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio is significantly higher than the Bavaria Cruiser 34 or 36 of the same era, allowing it to accelerate quickly in light air and maintain a high degree of "feel" through the helm.

In sea trials and editorial assessments from the period, such as those conducted by Yachting Monthly, the Match 35 was noted for its responsiveness and its ability to point several degrees higher than the standard Bavaria models. The hull features a finer entry and a flatter run aft, which helps the boat remain stable when reaching under an asymmetrical spinnaker. However, this performance comes with a requirement for more active sail trimming. Unlike the more forgiving Cruiser series, the Match 35 rewards a crew that is attentive to the backstay tension and traveler position to depower the large mainsail as the breeze builds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

To maintain its competitive edge on the racecourse, the interior of the Match 35 was designed with weight sensitivity in mind, though it remains a fully functional cruising yacht. The layout is a classic two-cabin configuration: a V-berth forward and a large double cabin tucked under the cockpit on the port side. The starboard side is typically reserved for a spacious head and a deep sail locker accessible from the cockpit.

The woodwork is typically finished in mahogany, adhering to Bavaria’s aesthetic of the time, but the cabinetry is often lighter and more streamlined than in the Cruiser models. The galley is L-shaped and functional, though storage is slightly more limited to save weight. One notable variation is the "Match" specific styling, which often includes more stainless steel accents and a more minimalist upholstery choice. While it lacks the cavernous headroom of the Bavaria 37, it provides a comfortable environment for a family of four for coastal hopping.

The Match 35 was part of a focused performance family that included the larger Match 38 and the flagship Match 42. While all shared the same performance DNA, the 35 is often cited by owners as the "sweet spot" of the range, offering the most balanced handling and being the easiest to manage short-handed.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bavaria Match series gained significant international attention, though not always for the reasons the shipyard intended. The range became the subject of intense industry scrutiny following a high-profile keel failure on a Match 42, Megawat, during a regatta in 2005. This event triggered a massive response from Bavaria Yachts and Germanischer Lloyd, resulting in a comprehensive factory-backed reinforcement program for the entire Match range, including the 35 and 38. While the 35 did not share the exact structural configuration of the 42, the media coverage surrounding the "Match Keel Issue" remains a defining part of the model's history in the archives of European sailing journals.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Bavaria Match 35 must prioritize a rigorous structural inspection. While many of these yachts have been successfully raced and cruised for two decades, specific areas require attention:

1. Keel Grid Reinforcement: It is critical to verify if the specific hull underwent the "Bavaria Factory Reinforcement" following the 2005 safety bulletins. This involved adding significant laminate and steel backing plates to the keel grid. A surveyor should check for any signs of "Bavaria Smile" (cracking at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint).
2. Rudder Bearing Wear: The high-aspect rudder on the Match 35 puts considerable load on the bearings. Check for "play" or stiffness in the wheel, which often indicates the need for Jefa bearing replacements.
3. Rig Tension and Chainplates: Because the Match 35 is often sailed hard, the standing rigging and chainplate attachments should be inspected for stress fractures or signs of movement in the deck molding.
4. Sail Drive Diaphragm: As with all Bavarias of this vintage, the Volvo Penta or Yanmar sail drive diaphragm has a recommended replacement interval (usually 7 years). Buyers should check the date stamp on the rubber seal.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Match 35 benefit from the massive global infrastructure of the Bavaria Owners Association. While not exclusive to the Match line, the association provides a deep technical wiki and a forum where the specific structural reinforcements of the Match series are documented in detail. Technical support is also frequently found through the J&J Design office, which maintains records of the original hull specifications.

The Verdict

The Bavaria Match 35 is a "sleeper" in the second-hand market—a fast, well-built German yacht that offers significantly more performance than the average production cruiser at a similar price point. Provided the structural history is verified, it remains an excellent choice for the sailor who wants to win club trophies on Saturday and cruise comfortably on Sunday.

Pros:

• Excellent pointing ability and light-wind performance.
• Deep lead keel provides superior stability compared to iron-keel cruisers.
• Ergonomic cockpit layout designed for efficient sail handling.
• Strong value for money in the performance-cruiser category.

Cons:

• Historical keel-attachment concerns require professional verification.
• Deeper draft limits access to some shallow anchorages and marinas.
• Interior is more utilitarian and less spacious than the Bavaria Cruiser line.