Mat: custom evolution of a semi-custom series?

Construction on the 44.46-metre Mat took Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) two years. Such a long time has to do with the changes made to the project, which allowed the yard to name this vessel not just the second Flexplorer 146, but a milestone in the evolution of the series

In 2024, the owner was able to enjoy the first summer season on board his new yacht.  The explorer tailored to his needs and wishes is different (although not dramatically) from the first unit named Maverick. The thing is that Mat has one deck less than the Maverick, so the profile is lower but more harmonious, to my mind.

Hydro Tec studio that worked on the design and naval architecture for the whole Flexplorer series, was involved in work on the Mat, too. Thanks to them, it was possible to make the changes to the exterior that the owner required, and keep the original brutal aesthetics of the vessel ready to go anywhere. 

Compared to the first Flexplorer 146, Maverick, the Mat features several innovations related to her equipment, layouts, owner, guest and crew accommodation, as well as deck configuration.

Instead of an A-frame crane seen both on the Aurelia and Maverick, there is an “invisible crane” hidden in the upper deck's  overhang, which was previously used for the RJ series. After all the operations are complete and everything’s launched, the crane retracts into its compartment, and the whole aft area can be turned into a large outdoor lounge by the water, which can be extended even more with the help of fold-down bulwarks. 

With a beam of 8.60 m, the Mat’s internal volume is 482 GT, which allows one to spread both social and private areas across the three decks, that are taken care of by a crew of nine. 

As the aft area of the main deck is often used for storing a tender and water toys, the sundeck often plays the role of the main al fresco social area, which also offers panoramic views. The central area protected with a hardtop is home to a bar and an outdoor kitchen, as well as a huge dining area opposite. There is a sanbathing area with a huge sunpad forward, and a jacuzzi with two sunbeds aft. 

The larger part of the upper deck is dedicated to dining areas. One enclosed dining area can also be found in the upper saloon, or the skylounge, and the second one, which is exterior, is hidden under the sundeck’s overhang. There is a small lounge area aft, equipped with armchairs and a low table and shaded by an awning. Captain’s cabin, office and wheelhouse are both on this deck forward. 

The asymmetrical layout of the main deck with no sidewalk on the starboard side allowed for extended interior spaces. This solution has already been tried on the Maverick, but compared to the first unit, the Mat’s layout has been changed considerable in accordance with the owner’s requests, in order to create a more relaxed and laid-back ambience.

Thus, the main saloon has been turned into a cosy lounge with large windows which can be used for socializing or as a home cinema. The interior style offered by Nauta Design combined functionality and elegance and features bleached oak, light ceilings and windows, white upholstery and touches of blue in cushions, pieces of art and decorative items.

“The owners sought to bring out the full potential of the large windows. Central to their vision was the desire for contemporary, spacious interiors that would maximize the natural light streaming through the yacht’s large windows. The emphasis was on creating bright, airy spaces with a seamless flow between the interior and the exterior”, commented Nauta Design.

The idea of laid-back atmosphere finds its continuation in the exterior space under the upper deck’s overhang, which can either be united with the saloon, or become part of the terrace on the aft platform. That is why is equipped as an informal dining area for a family or close friends, as well as a loung with a sofa and armchairs around a low table. 

The main deck layout that is unusual for superyachts can be explained by the fact that the owner’s suite is located right behind the spacious lobby forward and the owners’ wish to keep this level dedicated to themselves. Other spaces on the main deck seem to complete and extend the private space of the owner’s suite with its office, dressing room and bathrooms, as well as a full-beam bedroom. The only exception is the galley on the portside, where the crew can get via a dedicated staircase. 

Comfortable four cabins occupy the central part of the lower deck and are separated from the engine room with a laundry and the engineer’s. This arrangement allowed for lower noise and maximum comfort for the guests. The crew quarters are located forward, while the versatile space with access to the swim platform can be used either as a beach club or a gym. 

With a length of 44.46 m, a beam of 8.60 m and a draft of 2.58 m, the Mat’s displacement is 451 tonnes. The fuel capacity is 65 100 L, and twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines of 746 kW each ensure a range of 5500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. The explorer’s top speed is 15.4 knots.

Two pairs of electro-driven stabilizing fins take care of the guests’ comfort both on the go and at anchor. According to the shipyard, four fins are far more efficient than two. Besides, they ensure better course keeping and seekeeping. 

“With the Flexplorer line, Cantiere delle Marche demonstrates its exceptional capability to transform a semi-custom explorer yacht into a fully custom masterpiece. While we provide base designs such as Flexplorer, RJ, Deep Blue, RAW, and Darwin lines to guide Owners on the style and character of their yacht, they have the freedom to personalize every aspect as they wish. The number of decks, for instance, can vary, highlighting the extensive customization available in design, naval architecture, and engineering. This extensive level of personalization is what truly defines our concept of semi-custom,” says Vasco Buonpensiere, CEO and co-founder of Cantiere delle Marche. 

Cantiere delle Marche has done tremendous work, and the Mat, tailored to the owners’ requests, has a number of features that make it hard to name her just another unit in the series. It is probably one of those few projects where the owner’s wishes and the shipyard’s capabilities coincided, allowing them to create a truly original vessel based on the existing platform. So, is the Mat the evolution of the series? To give an answer to this question, we should probably wait for the third Flexplorer 146, which is already in build.