Design and Performance
The Match 42's hull and deck combine a bulb keel with moderate displacement, a configuration suited to both race starts and coastal passages. Her original specifications listed a displacement of 7,400 kg (16,314 lbs) and a waterline length of 11.14 m (36 ft 5 in), figures consistent with a performance-oriented cruiser-racer. A 3.74 m (12 ft 2 in) beam adds form stability, while the 2.15 m (7 ft) draft aids upwind pointing. Her early IRC results came against established racer-cruiser designs, suggesting a well-balanced hull rather than a boat built to excel on only one point of sail.
Rig and Handling
For owners who enjoy a higher level of performance, the Match 42 could be fully equipped to race with a full crew. Across the Match series, a carbon fibre mast and carbon wheel were offered as enhancements for sailors chasing the latest technology, while her smaller sister, the Match 35, could add a Grand Prix One Design pack of extra sail controls and spinnaker pole adjustments through UK distributor Opal Marine. Under cruising conditions, easy handling characteristics are promised as well, rounding out a boat that can shift between club racing and a relaxed passage.
Accommodations
Below decks, the Match 42 is described as offering exceptional comfort for a boat of its type, letting her double as a comfortable cruiser once the racing is done. That balance of comfort and performance below deck is central to the Match concept: a boat built to reward her crew after a hard beat as much as on the racecourse.
Racing Pedigree
The Match 42 quickly established a competitive reputation. The first hull won a series of races in the IRC division in the Bay of Palma and Barcelona early in her debut season. This success was mirrored by the Match 35 in UK regattas, including wins at Cowes Week in Class 5 IRC. For owners who want to race seriously, the option of a carbon rig — and, on the Match 35, the Grand Prix One Design pack — makes the range a genuine contender without sacrificing the ability to cruise the following week.
The Verdict
The Bavaria Match 42 succeeds in bridging the gap between a comfortable cruiser and a legitimate IRC competitor. Her early racing wins showed the design's potential, while the promise of comfort below and easy handling under sail ensures she isn't a stripped-out racer. The availability of a carbon rig across the range, plus the Match 35's Grand Prix upgrade path, makes the series adaptable to different owner priorities. With a bulb keel and moderate displacement, the Match 42 is a well-proportioned performer that rewards both the competitive sailor and the cruising couple.
Pros
- Proven IRC-winning capability right out of the gate
- Carbon mast and wheel options for owners chasing more performance
- Genuine below-deck comfort for a performance-oriented design
Cons
- Deep 2.15 m draft may limit some cruising grounds
- Production build may not satisfy purist racers looking for custom details
