Design and Construction
Bavaria built the Match 35 with a solid-fiberglass hull and deck. Displacement is 4,750 kg (10,472 lbs), including 1,900 kg of lead ballast in a bulb keel. The hull measures 10.79 m (35 feet 4 inches) overall, with a 10.1 m (33 feet 2 inches) waterline and a beam of 3.27 m (10 feet 7 inches). Her ballast-to-displacement ratio is 33.33 percent, and her capsize ratio is 1.87.
Period test sailors found her easy to sail, light on the helm, and very manoeuvrable. Those same reviews placed her among versatile cruiser-racers rather than single-purpose boats. Period testers also described the cockpit and deck as well laid out.
Rig, Handling, and Racing
The Match 35 combines easy handling with more substance than a stripped-out racer. Her fractional sloop carries 850 square feet of sail, producing a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 26.12.
UK distributor Opal Marine assembled a Grand Prix One Design pack with additional sail controls, spinnaker-pole adjustments, and racing sails to encourage one-design fleet racing. A carbon mast and carbon-fibre wheel were also available for owners who wanted to move the boat further toward the racecourse.
The design achieved wins in Class 5 IRC at Cowes Week and notable success in Scottish racing. Owners seeking a higher level of performance can fully equip the boat to race competitively with a full crew. Period assessments also noted light-air quickness and close-quarters manoeuvrability.
Accommodation and Cruising
Below deck, the Match 35 combines her performance with exceptional cruising comfort. She provides four berths in an arrangement suited to manageable coastal and offshore use. A 40-gallon water tank and 25-gallon fuel capacity support longer periods aboard without constant resupply.
The result is a genuine cruiser-racer: quick on the course, yet roomy and restful at anchor.
Known Issues
Buyers and testers noted a few weaknesses. Some deck fittings seem a little light, and not all through-deck fittings have backing plates. Chainplates and hardware mounts therefore merit close inspection.
The boat can also be somewhat tender in high winds, particularly in shallower-draft configurations. These are manageable caveats rather than structural red flags, but they affect how the boat should be inspected and sailed.
Verdict
The Bavaria Match 35 is a well-considered cruiser-racer from Bavaria’s mid-2000s performance line. Doug Peterson’s hull offers light-air speed and close-quarters manoeuvrability, while the interior keeps four people comfortable when cruising. The available Grand Prix package and carbon upgrades underline the platform’s racing intent, and its regatta record supports that potential. Minor fitting concerns and tenderness are the only documented caveats.
Pros
- Genuine cruiser-racer, combining exceptional comfort below with competitive potential
- Easy handling under sail, with a light helm and strong manoeuvrability
- Proven record, including Class 5 IRC wins at Cowes Week and success in Scottish racing
- Available Grand Prix One Design pack, carbon mast, and carbon-fibre wheel
Cons
- Some fittings seem light, and not all through-deck fittings have backing plates
- Can feel tender in high winds, particularly in shallower-draft configurations
