Construction of the all-new Matica yacht is well underway at the Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands. As launch customers, the owners are having a major influence on the design and layout of the 30-metre motor yacht Matica, the very first vessel from the company’s new semi-custom Caribbean series. They are also impressed with how Moonen has successfully met all their requirements regarding volume, while remaining just under the crucial 200 GT mark.
30m motor yacht Matica under construction at Moonen
As the only premium Dutch yard building semi-custom superyachts between 30 and 50 metres, the new Caribbean series from Moonen has received great reviews. Two of the six versions available are already under construction: a Matica and the first 37-metre/350 GT motor yacht Martinique. All Moonen Caribbeans offer a refreshingly modern twist on the classic Moonen style, with a distinctive and timeless look that will ensure a high resale value.
Works on Matica superyacht
Now that the hull of the superyacht Matica is taking shape, the owners are very much enjoying seeing their yacht come to life. Although they have built up lots of experience in the yachting world, this is the first time they have embarked on a new build.
Rendering of the 30m superyacht Matica
“From the moment the contract was signed we have had a very productive relationship between all members of the project team, including the owners and their representatives,” says Nicky van Zon, project manager at Moonen. “We have had monthly meetings with them at the offices of Camper & Nicholsons, who partnered with Moonen on the sale of the yacht. These meetings have also included the exterior designer Rene van der Velden and the interior designer team from the Adam Lay Studio.”
Luxury yacht Matica – aft view
One of the key changes that these discussions led to was the shaping of the aft ship and transom. “Many superyachts today have an open transom with a staircase either side,” continues Van Zon. “The final design of Matica, however, features a fully closed transom, with only a small swimming platform for crew use. The entire transom has now been turned into a giant hatch that opens aft to form a large swimming platform for guests. A fixed stairway on the starboard side connects this fabulous leisure area to the main deck and the owners are delighted with the blend of form and function.”
Luxury motor yacht Matica
This fully closed transom arrangement illustrates how much influence launch customers have on the exterior profile of a new semi-custom boat at Moonen. With other Caribbean models yet to go into construction, prospective owners can enjoy the same privileges.
Matica superyacht – Decks
Meanwhile, the owners of the first super yacht Matica build have also worked closely with the designers to develop a striking interior concept. Clean lines, symmetry, balance, proportion and lots of natural light are prominent themes, all set within a practical and liveable environment.
Matica Yacht – Exterior
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Adam Lay Studio, which has proven its ability to make all sides of the project work on behalf of the owner while also taking the yard and the remits of the design into account,” adds Van Zon. “The owners are very enthusiastic about the progress we are making and the way their taste in terms of layout, styling and materials has been captured. The communication between designers and owners has been so successful that around 95% of the first proposal was accepted!”
Super yacht Matica – Sundeck
The owners of the first Matica yacht have also been thrilled that their request to build the biggest boat possible under 200 GT has been met. “One of the key issues of this concept is that the Matica stays below the 200 gross tonnes mark due to class implications,” concludes Van Zon. “We have recently received confirmation from Lloyds that we have been granted 199 GT approval with the maximum volume possible. This is a tribute to our close cooperation with Diana Yacht Design on the naval architecture.”
The Matica superyacht hull is based on the well-proven hull of the Moonen 97, ensuring comfortable seakeeping behaviour and low fuel consumption. Her steeper bow gives a narrower waterline entrance and a longer waterline, further increasing comfort at sea and fuel economy. Work on the first section of the hull is under construction (see images) and Moonen is proceeding apace with the other parts. The hull will be ready to connect to the superstructure in the summer and the first Moonen Matica is slated for completion in May 2016.
Like all models in Moonen’s Caribbean series, motor yacht Matica will benefit from Moonen’s stringent quality control as well as Moonen’s superior warranty terms and after-sales service.
