Quantum Sails for the Luxury Catamaran Market: Matrix Yachts Launch the 3rd Silhouette Catamaran

Matrix Yachts in Cape Town have just launched the 3rd of their futuristic 76ft Silhouette catamarans, Kings Ransom, a sailing cat with unrivalled luxury and a master suite of spectacular dimensions as normally only found on large motor yachts. King’s Ransom is headed for the Tortola Boat Show and then for charter in the British Virgin Islands at the impressive rate of $ 10, 000 per day.

The first 76ft Silhouette to be built, Akasha, was launched in March 2005 and at the time was the largest production catamaran ever made in South Africa. In-between Akasha and King’s Ransom, there has been Zingara and Matrix Yachts is also now starting production on a 42 footer.

Matrix Yachts is a family business owned and run by Peter and Fiona Werhley and their sons, Mark and Lee. The business is based in Killarney Gardens in Cape Town. The family are originally from Durban where Peter was a consulting structural engineer for 25 years.

How the business came about is a remarkable story in itself. Peter and Fiona spent a while cruising on their Montevideo and gained invaluable sailing experience in this time, but it was their decision to build a Mayotte Voyage 500, a project which took around 2 years, that was the beginning. They chartered this cat in the Caribbean and the US for 4 years and during this time gained invaluable chartering experience and became experts at what works and what does not work on a charter yacht and what charter guest expect and want. During this time, Peter started to design the Matrix 76ft Silhouette catamaran, which seems an amazing feat for someone who is not a naval architect. But as Peter explains, a structural engineer has such an in depth engineering background that it was easy to apply to yacht design and building. As Peter says, “Yachts are a massive compromise. For every decision, there is a consequence.” And it is certainly no easy feat designing a 76 foot charter cat that is the epitome of luxury and style combined with performance.

When the Wehrleys returned from the Caribbean, they moved to Cape Town and started Matrix Yachts in Killarney gardens. The 76ft Silhouettes take a year or so to build and the family business employs around 30 people. Mark the youngest son, a Master Mariner also qualified in boat electronics is responsible for all electronics, marketing and details design.

A very brave move, one may think. As Peter says, either courageous or stupid! One thing is for sure – there was an incredible amount of thought and expertise, coupled with research and knowing what works and what does not, that went into the design of the Silhouette which has resulted in being a resounding success.

Matrix Yachts Design Philosophy

Peter’s goal was to create a modern and stylish cat that offered complete luxury and at the same time bristled with fun water toys for its guests. Hence he chose the catamaran platform, it being far more stable than mono-hulls and having far more interior volume.

The luxury of the Silhouette is on a par with the best hotels: All cabins have private en suite bath rooms with separate shower cubicles. All beds are full size queens and for versatility the bed in the starboard mid cabin is able to convert into two singles. The complete cockpit is shaded and able to be enclosed with awnings when the weather conditions require.

The Silhouette is fitted with a large fly bridge that presents panoramic views of its surroundings, from where all sailing operations are conducted, reducing the risk of injuring any guests and providing the crew with an optimum vantage point. The bridge also boasts padded seating for guests who wish to get a great view and watch any sailing operations as well as a mini bar Jacuzzi with panoramic sea views.

The yacht carries SCUBA diving equipment as well as Hobie Cat.

No jet skis are carried as they are now banned in the British Virgin Islands, King’s Ransom’s destination – a widely applauded law. As Peter and Fiona know only too well, the crew of yachts in this category form a crucial part to the yachts overall success. Amazingly, the Silhouette only requires four crew: a captain, deckhand/engineer, chef and a steward/ess. The jib is self tacking and the commanding 360 degree view from the bridge means that the yacht only needs the minimum number of crew to manage it safely.

The Matrix Silhouette’s Impressive Specifications:

Layout

• Usable covered area: 165 sq m (1780 sq ft)
• Usable deck space: 200 sq m (2160 sq ft)
• Fly bridge: 23 sq m (250 sq ft)
• Headroom: 2.1 m (6 ft11in) minimum
• Access: Transoms incorporate dingy docks & swim ladders
• boarding stairs to trampoline

Accommodation

• All cabins have storage cupboards, en-suite bath rooms, separate showers, wash hand basin, electronically operated venturi type discharge toilets and vanity cupboards.
• Owner’s suite: 1x King, lounge, spa bath, walk in clothes cupboard
• Guest cabins: 4x Queen size beds
• Captain’s cabin: 1x Queen, office, couch
• Crew quarters: 1 x single, 1 x Queen
• Day visitor’s bath room

Comfort

• Air-conditioning throughout
• Entertainment: Home theatre installation, Flat screen plasma TV, interior & exterior speakers
  Ventilation: Opening hatches, port holes, ventilation fans
• Jacuzzi

Technical

• Composite sandwich construction throughout
• Length: 23m (75.8ft)
• Beam: 11.5m (38 ft)
• Draft: 1.5m (5 ft)
• Displacement: Empty - 32 000 kg, Loaded - 40 000 kg
• Fresh water tankage: 3,000 litres (790 gal)

Power

• Engines: 2no Yanmar: 4LHA-STP Marine diesels (177 kW / 240 HP)
• Speed at 90% power: 13 knots
• Diesel fuel tankage: 2,000 litres (526 gal)
• Generator: Northern lights 20kW Generator

The Matrix Silhouette’s Sail Plan:

All three of the Silhouette cats’ sails have been made by Quantum Sails in Cape Town. The sail plan and materials are:

• Main sail: 194 sq m (2095 sq ft)

This is a Fusion M/membrane sail, made from Taffeta with Carbon and Vectran fibres

• Jib or Fore sail: 77 sq m (832 sq ft)

Also a Fusion M/membrane sail, made from Taffeta with Carbon and Vectran fibres

• Code Zero: 272 sq m (2938 sq ft)

Made from 2.2 oz spinnaker fabric

• Asymmetrical Spinnaker:

Made from 2.2 oz spinnaker fabric

The mast is 28.25 m above the deck (93 ft)

Sailing Performance

The performance of Silhouette 76 sailing catamaran exceeds expectations. She effortlessly reaches near wind speed and turns 180 degrees through the wind within two boat lengths. The hydraulic in-boom furling system, head sail roller furler and winches make  sailing the boat effortless and remarkably safe.
Her motoring ability is just as outstanding –in calm conditions she reaches a boat speed of 13.5kts and with the slightest of following sea she will attain 20kts! This makes her one of the fastest non-racing sailing yachts available. Part of her astonishing performance can be attributed to the fact that she slips over the water cleanly and does not trail a huge stern wave. And of course, the advanced technology of Quantum’s Fusion M sails and spinnakers complete the performance of this incredible vessel.

• For more information on Quantum’s large and luxury yacht sails, contact Craig Middleton at Quantum Sails in Cape Town on + 27 21 593 1620 or craig@quantumsails.co.za
• For more information on Matrix Yachts, contact

Peter Wehrley (CEO)
Tel:  +27-21-556-7179 
Fax: +27-21-556-7157
Mobile:  +27-82-337-4299 
Email: info@matrix-yachts.com
Matrix Yachts (Pty) Ltd
78 Kyalami Drive
Killarney Gardens
Cape Town, South Africa
7441