It was late November 2021 when we announced the sale of a second Flexplorer 146, marking a key milestone in the evolution of the series. After just over two years, the complex project was completed, and in 2024, the Owner was able to enjoy the first summer season aboard his brand-new explorer yacht.
While staying true to the Flexplorer concept, this new vessel introduces significant differences in equipment, layout, accommodations for Owners, guests, and crew, as well as deck configuration compared to Maverick, the first Flexplorer 146. Christened MAT, she exemplifies the series’ adaptability and flexibility to meet each Owner’s unique vision and specifications.
“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. “This range is giving us great satisfaction both commercially and, above all, because it is contributing to further enhancing our reputation in the yachting community while strengthening our position as the world leaders in explorer yachts building.”
MAT maintains the robust, exploration-ready aesthetic that the Flexplorer 146 series but has a sleeker profile than Maverick, the first Flexplorer 146, as she has a deck less. This is a substantial difference that goes hand in hand with another first for the series: she doesn’t feature the iconic A-frame crane we saw on both Aurelia, Flexplorer 130, and Maverick.
Her owner opted for another sophisticated technical feature to handle large tender and multiple water-toys, the ‘invisible crane’ that debuted on the explorer yachts of the RJ series built by Cantiere delle Marche. It consists in a compartment encompassed in the thickness of the Sun deck overhang that opens to let a powerful crane out. Once the launching or hauling operation is completed, the crane arm retracts into its compartment and the huge aft deck, featuring collapsible bulwarks, can then turn into an expansive outdoor lounging area just a few steps from the sea.
MAT, like the entire Flexplorer line, has been masterfully designed by Hydro Tec which was entrusted also in developing the yacht’s naval architecture and engineering. The interiors have been crafted by Nauta Design, blending elegance and functionality and they perfectly match the spirit of this eye-catching explorer yacht.
With a Gross Tonnage of 482GT, MAT features generous social and private spaces for the Owners and up to ten guests spread over three decks plus a spacious Sun deck. A crew of nine manages the yacht’s operations and ensures the comfort of Owners and guests.
At 44.46m, a beam of 8.60m, and a displacement of 451t, MAT is equipped with 65 000 litres fuel tanks that powers twin Caterpillar engine C32 each developing 746kW. This configuration enables a top speed of 15.4 knots and a range that exceeds 5 000 nautical miles at 10 knots.
Exterior Designer Sergio Cutolo (Hydro Tec) explains how MAT differs from other Flexplorer 146
The Flexplorer 146 MAT is an evolution of the Flexplorer 146 series, featuring customizations that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. It was developed collaboratively by Hydro Tec, Cantiere delle Marche, and the owners to create a unique yacht that stands apart from other models in the series. Unlike the standard four-deck configuration found in other Flexplorer 146 yachts, such as Maverick and the third unit of the series set to launch this year, MAT features a distinct three- deck layout. This design prioritizes a sleek, spacious feel while maintaining the yacht’s explorer-yacht capabilities.
Sun Deck – Protected by a sleek hard-top, the central area features a fully equipped bar and an outdoor kitchen, perfect for preparing cocktails or enjoying al fresco meals. A spacious dining table invites guests to savor gourmet dishes while taking in panoramic sea views. At the aft, a generously sized jacuzzi offers the perfect spot to unwind, with uninterrupted views of the horizon. Surrounding it, expansive sun pads provide ample space for lounging in total comfort. Whether basking in the sun, enjoying a refreshing drink, or dining under the stars, this Sun Deck has all the amenities you expect of a nearly 50m luxury yacht.
Upper Deck – This deck is mostly dedicated to dining areas. A compact superstructure hosts a panoramic dining room that opens onto a terrace equipped with a nicely equipped outdoor dining and an informal lounging area shaded by an awning. A powerful crane is concealed inside a compartment hidden inside the deck aft. Captain’s cabin and wheelhouse are both on this deck forward.
Main Deck – MAT features the same asymmetrical layout we saw on Maverick with a widebody configuration on the starboard side. Apart from this likeness, environments such as galley, stairs cases, master suite differ in dimensions, positions and layout.
The main salon is a bright, elegant, and subtly formal space where owners and guests can gather, enjoying panoramic views through expansive glass surfaces on both sides. The interior decoration maximizes brightness with extensive use of bleached oak and white upholstery, accented by touches of blue in cushions, artwork, and decorative items.
The upper deck’s overhang shelters a large portion of the expansive aft deck, seamlessly extending the salon outdoors. Here, an informal dining area and cozy lounge provide additional spaces for owners and guests to relax. Further aft, the expansive deck unfolds as a stunning sea-view terrace, offering ample space for outdoor living. Collapsible bulwarks on both sides enhance its grandeur.
Back inside, through the lobby, you enter the Owner’s apartment, a luxurious retreat featuring a studio, a spacious walk-in dressing, and a beautifully appointed cabin with a lavish bathroom. The Owner’s suite, like the rest of the yacht, exudes a bright, relaxed, yet sophisticated ambiance, achieved through a harmonious blend of simple geometries and meticulously crafted details.
Lower Deck – Four nice guest suites occupy the Lower deck central section. On the same deck, forward, large and well-appointed quarters with cabins for six, a roomy crew mess with direct access from the galley through a dedicated staircase, offer more than comfortable accommodation for the crew. The Captain’s cabin is on the Upper deck, close to the wheelhouse, while the engineer’s sits strategically next to the engine room. Thanks to the convenient access to the technical areas, a laundry has been placed on the Lower deck. An extremely large engine room hosts all major machineries, such as the twin Caterpillar C32 Acert and 3three generators alongside most ancillary equipment. The engine room is accessed through a stair located on the Main deck starboard side or the lazarette which opens onto the swim platform. This multifunctional space can be equipped as a gym.