A Vodka to start
In 1974, the Alubat shipyard, founded by Yves Roucher, built its first sailboat in its Vendée yard. Named "Vodka", it is a 25 feet aluminum keelboat. It will be followed by the Ovni 31 then by the Ovni 28, which will be the first integral aluminum dinghy with a hull with chines, thus defining the broad outlines of the shipyard.
Aluminum in the DNA of the site
The mechanical qualities of aluminum have become obvious in the construction of boats. Its rigidity and its capacity to absorb shocks make it the ideal material for a long-distance sailing program. All the boats in the Ovni range are integral dinghies, allowing them to access shallow waters.
The daggerboard control system is both manual and hydraulic, depending on the model. An important point on an aluminum boat is that special care is given to the electrical installation, a field in which the shipyard has built a solid reputation.
Several architectural firms, Finot Conq, Lombard, Briand, Mortain & Mavrikios, have collaborated with the shipyard, allowing the design of no less than 37 models of voyage boats.
The only regatta boat built by Alubat was the 12m JI French Kiss, which competed in the America's Cup in 1985, before the use of composite materials became the norm in the competition.
Customizable sailboats
In order to meet the specifications of demanding sailors, the Alubat shipyard offers each customer a complete customization of each unit. The shipyard allows its customers to choose from a panel of suppliers, the vital elements of a travel boat. The choice of engine, equipment (e.g. generator, watermaker, additional tanks, stove, refrigerator), fittings (e.g. winches, propeller, windlass, pilot, regulator, etc.) and rigging and sails are left to the discretion of each client.
The layouts are also adaptable, such as the different positioning of bunks, or even of certain furniture, partitions or even cabins.
The democratization of the great cruise
The productions of the Alubat shipyard have contributed to the democratization of ocean cruising, from the beginning of the 80's until today. Alubat yachts are present on all the seas of the globe, and have brought back to good harbours hundreds of crews after circumnavigations. Since its creation in 1974, the Alubat shipyard has produced nearly 1,600 units, most of which are sailing around the world. UFOs can be found on all the seas of the Globe, and at any latitude.
Three ranges to suit all travel programs
The Alubat shipyard offers three ranges of sailboats, in order to best meet the needs of its customers. The most representative is the Ovni range, which is currently available in three models from 36 to 45 feet.
The Cigale range takes the shipyard's expertise in aluminum construction, but includes a fast sailing program. To do this, the Cigales are keelboats that offer superior performance to full-size dinghies, and are offered in 16, 18 or 22 meters.
Alubat also offers in its catalog an aluminum travel catamaran, with the Ovnicat 48. Finally, the shipyard offers the possibility to build custom one-offs.
