Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands has delivered the first motor yacht in its exciting new semi-custom Caribbean series. Christened Bijoux, this 30m/100ft ‘Matica’ performed exceptionally well during her sea trials and her owners will soon embark on a summer of cruising on board a super yacht they describe as surpassing their expectations in every respect.
Designed by René van der Velden, this raised pilothouse version of the new Caribbean series features stunning curved windows on the main and bridge decks, a finely recessed hull and a modern yet timeless aesthetic that showcases a bright new future in motor yacht elegance. After her launch in May Bijoux was put through a stringent regime of sea trials before her final delivery handover and the results have been highly impressive.
“It is always an exciting moment when you get to put a brand-new design through its paces for the first time in reality,” says project manager Nicky van Zon. “This first Matica easily attained the maximum speed specified in the contract of 13 knots and passed all other tests with flying colours. Her sailing performance was exactly what you would expect from a Moonen and the noise levels were exceptionally low, even at full capacity. The owner’s suite and main lounge on Bijoux measured only 56 db(A) and 53 db(A) at an rpm of 1840 respectively, even though the suite is adjacent to the engine room and the salon directly above.”
Delighted owners
As launch customers for this model, the owners have had a significant influence on the design and layout of the first Matica. “Although they have visited the yard on a number of occasions during the build, they were delighted that the yacht looked even better in the water than they had imagined,” Van Zon continues.
“The owners were also impressed by the views from the pilothouse and the second steering position on the fly bridge. And it was wonderful to see the superb colour combination of a grey hull, white superstructure and black striping come into its own.”
Bijoux also features a superb transom stern, one of the key design elements that distinguishes the Matica from any previous Moonen project. The entire transom can be transformed into a giant hatch, which opens aft to form a large swimming platform. A fixed stairway on the starboard side connects this leisure area to the main deck.
Refined style
The Adam Lay Studio has developed a refined interior design concept for the first Matica, emphasising the broad range of bespoke choices that owners have within the Caribbean concept. Clean lines, symmetry, balance, proportion and lots of natural light are prominent themes, all set within a practical and liveable environment. A wide VIP stateroom is in a prime position forward on the main deck, offering a magnificent panorama. On the lower deck are the full-beam owner’s stateroom and two guest suites, all of which have large portholes and are luxuriously appointed.
Bijoux comes in at just below the 200 GT mark with the maximum volume possible. Her hull is based on the tried and tested Moonen 97, providing comfortable sea keeping and low fuel consumption. A steep bow gives a narrower waterline entrance and a longer waterline, adding to the comfort and fuel economy. The Matica models have a limited draught and well protected propellers so that they can easily explore shallow waters.
A fine experience
“It has been a wonderful experience to work so closely with the owners on this project,” concludes Van Zon. “The trust and confidence they have in Moonen has been rewarded by all the craftsmen at the yard giving their all to this project. Now the owners are going to enjoy the boat as much as we have building her. Bijoux completed her shakedown trip from the Netherlands to Malta in one go and will be on display at the upcoming boat shows in Cannes and Monaco for everyone to admire.“
