Allures is a French shipyard which from the beginning made the choice to produce integral dinghies with a shaped aluminum hull and a composite deck. The range consists of 3 models 40.9, 45.9 and 51.9 (from 40 to 51 feet) which are intended for travelers looking for a reliable, comfortable and easy to handle unit with a reduced crew. The economic recipe is good, since many Allures travel the world today.
Luxury destination
With the 51.9, a new milestone has been reached, as this yacht is definitely more upmarket than the rest of the range. There is no doubt that the shipyard wants to attack the competition like Amel or Hallberg Rassy. This can be felt as soon as you step aboard, with a very high and advanced cockpit (almost a central cockpit) which has allowed for a large owner's cabin to be located underneath the entire width of the boat. On the other hand, the first model was equipped with a large windshield to protect the cockpit from the spray. The windshield and cap are quite predominant and break the line of this boat, but offer a good comfort for the crew.
Very comfortable, but still marine
We also note the choice of a U-shaped galley, on the port side at the foot of the companionway, very spacious and still usable at sea. A real hedonistic choice which shows the will to offer pleasure to the sailors.
Allures introduced the chart table with two seats facing each other. We find it again on the 51.9 (in a larger version with a swivel desk seat!), but without offering sailors the possibility to see outside as it is the case on the other models.
The starboard gangway that leads to the owner's cabin also serves as a dressing room. At the rear, the central bed and the adjoining bathroom are really spacious. For the rest, the boat is equipped with a double guest cabin at the front and a rather small "children" cabin with 2 bunk beds.
On deck, the sailboat is piloted from the two helm stations with all maneuvers coming back to the foot of the steering wheels, thus avoiding the piano and the halyards that encumber it. The front of the cockpit remains free of any obstruction for the crew's lazing around.
To tickle the competition
The choice of volume is clearly displayed with this Allures 51.9. Unfortunately, this results in a very high freeboard (heightened by this cumbersome cap) which will not help the owner for his harbour manoeuvres, given the very important dunnage. Once at sea, on the other hand, the comfort and facilities will be of the highest order for the pleasure of all.
