Alpa 11.50 Information, Review, Specs

The Alpa 11.50 emerged in 1975, with "Nanook" being the first launched in the series, continuing production until 1979. Alpa Yachts, founded by Danilo Cattadori in 1956, was at the forefront of embracing fiberglass as a primary material for boat construction in Europe, a "true revolution" in nautical engineering according to the builder's history. The company quickly earned a reputation for building high-quality fiberglass sailing boats with robust construction. While the Alpa 11.50 is officially credited to Danilo Cattadori, its lines are often associated with Sparkman & Stephens, reflecting Alpa's broader philosophy of collaborating with leading naval architects to combine performance with seaworthiness. The standard rig for the Alpa 11.50 was a masthead sloop, although some examples were built or converted to a ketch rig.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alpa 11.50, with a length overall of just under 38 feet and a waterline length of approximately 26.74 feet, presents a solid and comfortable sailing platform. With a displacement of 13,669 pounds and a ballast of 5,181 pounds, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 37.9%, she exhibits a respectable degree of stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up well to a breeze. Her sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.56 suggests a balanced performance profile, not a dedicated light-air racer but capable of good speeds in moderate to stronger winds. The displacement-to-length ratio of around 319 indicates a heavier displacement vessel, characteristic of a traditional cruiser. This heavier displacement typically translates to a comfortable motion through the water, making the Alpa 11.50 well-suited for extended cruising and offshore passages. Owners have described her as an "exceptional cruiser" with waterlines that give her a "temperament worthy of a racing boat" while maintaining a solid and robust feel on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Alpa 11.50 is designed with cruising comfort in mind, offering a generous living space for its size. The boat boasts a maximum headroom of 6.23 feet, allowing most individuals to move comfortably below deck. The typical layout features a forward cabin with a V-berth, providing sleeping accommodations for two. While specific details on the general finish quality, materials, storage, and ventilation are not extensively documented in available general reviews, the Alpa builder's reputation for quality fiberglass construction suggests a well-finished interior for its era. The Alpa 11.50 is equipped with a fresh water capacity of 79 gallons, providing ample supply for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Alpa 11.50 enjoys a dedicated and active owner community, a testament to its enduring appeal and robust construction. Owners frequently praise the vessel as being in "very good overall condition" even decades after its production, often considering it "one of the best creations of the shipyard". The boat is consistently lauded for its solid build quality and its capabilities as a comfortable and reliable cruiser. Discussions on various online forums, such as the "Amici della Vela" forum, indicate a vibrant community engaged in the preservation and restoration of these classic vessels, offering mutual support and advice on maintenance and improvements. This strong community ensures the legacy of the Alpa 11.50 continues to thrive on the water.