Introduction
Alubat stands as a distinguished name in aluminium yacht construction, renowned globally for its safe, robust, and long-distance bluewater cruising yachts. Founded in the late 1970s in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, Alubat has carved a prestigious niche among sailors seeking performance, reliability, and seaworthiness. With its flagship brands such as the Ovni and Cigale series, Alubat yachts are highly sought-after by adventurers and long-range cruisers alike.
History and Founding
Alubat was established in 1973 with a visionary focus on building yachts able to navigate the world’s most challenging seas. The company's founders, passionate sailors and artisans, identified a gap in the market for durable, sea-kindly cruising yachts. Their solution was to use aluminium—a material prized for its strength-to-weight ratio, resilience, and corrosion resistance—over traditional fibreglass or wood. This pioneering spirit led to the introduction of the iconic Ovni range in 1974, which redefined offshore sailing standards.
Innovative Design and Construction
A hallmark of Alubat is its commitment to all-aluminium hulls. The use of marine-grade aluminium not only ensures exceptional robustness and long service life but also allows for unique design advantages such as shallow draughts and reinforced hulls. A signature feature of many Alubat models, particularly the Ovni range, is the lifting keel or centreboard, empowering sailors to access shallow waters and explore remote anchorages inaccessible to conventional yachts. This makes Alubat a top choice for sailors seeking versatility and adventure.
Notable Models and Achievements
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Ovni Series: The Ovni 365, Ovni 450, and Ovni 495 are celebrated for their bluewater capability, practical deck layouts, and ease of handling. These aluminium centreboarders are trusted by cruising families and solo sailors venturing worldwide.
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Cigale Series: Designed for speed and elegance, the Cigale yachts, such as the Cigale 16 and Cigale 18, are acclaimed for their distinctive designs by naval architect Jean-Marie Finot. These models are popular among performance-oriented sailors seeking a capable offshore cruiser with a modern touch.
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Custom Builds: Alubat also supports custom and semi-custom projects, enabling owners to tailor internal layouts and features for personalised long-distance cruising ambitions.
Key Milestones and Recognition
Throughout its history, Alubat has achieved a number of milestones, including awards for innovation and safety. Its yachts have been selected by professional sailors for expeditions to polar regions, testifying to their legendary robustness and thermal insulation properties. Numerous Ovni and Cigale models have received accolades in international yachting circles for design and seaworthiness.
Unique Selling Points
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All-Aluminium Construction: Superior strength, easy repair, and unmatched durability distinguish Alubat yachts.
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Lifting Keel/Variable Draught: Expands cruising grounds, offering access to shallow anchorages and improved safety in tidal or storm conditions.
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Customisation and Craftsmanship: Owners benefit from a degree of customisation and traditional French boatbuilding artistry combined with modern technologies.
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Sustainable Yachting: Aluminium is highly recyclable, and Alubat’s emphasis on longevity aligns with environmental sensibilities in yacht ownership.
Recent Developments
Alubat continues to innovate, with recent launches incorporating enhanced energy systems, improved interior layouts, and increased focus on long-term liveaboard comfort. The yard has adopted technological advancements in build methods while preserving the hand-finished quality that defines its yachts. Growing demand among serious ocean cruisers and younger buyers alike underscores Alubat’s reputation for offering yachts that exemplify safety, performance, and adventure.
Alubat Yachts for Sale
For those searching for an Alubat yacht for sale, the brand’s legacy and proven offshore pedigree make its models highly desirable in the brokerage market. Whether seeking a tried-and-tested Ovni 445 or a performance Cigale, buyers are drawn to Alubat for its robust construction, practical features, and proven ocean-cruising credentials. Alubat remains synonymous with adventure, inspiring confidence for both experienced sailors and spirited newcomers to bluewater cruising.