Alpa 12.70 Information, Review, Specs

The Alpa 12.70 was born out of a unique commission in the late 1960s, driven by a syndicate of twelve individuals eager to acquire the cutting-edge "world class racer" of their time. Production of this ambitious project commenced in 1969 and continued until 1977. Sparkman & Stephens, a firm at the forefront of yacht design, was selected to pen the lines for what was originally intended as a state-of-the-art competitor under the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) rule. The RORC rule of that era emphasized the design of seaworthy offshore racing yachts, fostering a tradition of robust and capable vessels.

Alpa Yachts, a trailblazer in European fiberglass boat construction since 1956, undertook the build. Known for their commitment to high-quality fiberglass vessels, Alpa implemented stringent construction standards for the 12.70, including inspections by both Sparkman & Stephens and Lloyds of London at every stage. This meticulous approach resulted in boats built to a very high standard. However, a significant shift in racing paradigms occurred with the introduction of the International Offshore Rule (IOR) just as the initial boats were delivered. This change meant the Alpa 12.70, though a formidable performer and a winner in offshore racing at the time, could no longer be marketed as the absolute latest racing design under the new rule. Consequently, despite Alpa's high hopes, only three additional units were sold beyond the original twelve, totaling just 15 hulls built, which placed considerable financial strain on the company. During its production run, the Alpa 12.70 was offered in two distinct versions: one with a "tuga lunga" (long deckhouse) and another with a "corta" (short deckhouse), suggesting variations in their deck and potentially interior arrangements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alpa 12.70's design by Sparkman & Stephens imbued it with characteristics well-suited for its original purpose as a capable offshore racer. With a reported sail area of 788 square feet and a displacement of 18,637 pounds, her Sail Area to Displacement ratio (approximately 17.88) suggests a yacht with good light-air performance for her size, yet without being overly tender. Her substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.52 indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Furthermore, with a displacement of 18,637 pounds over a waterline length of 29.92 feet, her Displacement to Length ratio, while high (around 310), is indicative of a solid, heavy-displacement offshore design typical of RORC-era racing yachts. These boats were built for power and seaworthiness in challenging conditions, rather than extreme lightness. Owners and enthusiasts often describe the Alpa 12.70 as a "performance one to say the least" and even a "war machine," underscoring its robust construction and ability to perform well in offshore racing. Its design by Sparkman & Stephens, renowned for their ocean-going yacht designs, further reinforces its pedigree for strong sailing performance and seaworthiness.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Alpa 12.70 are not widely documented in available public information, the vessel's overall dimensions – with a length overall of 41.5 feet and a beam of 11.42 feet – suggest a functional and capable interior, typical of Sparkman & Stephens designs of the era that prioritized offshore utility. Given its design as a high-standard offshore racer and cruiser, it would have featured a layout conducive to extended periods at sea. Expect a classic arrangement generally including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a central table, a galley, and a navigation station. The two deckhouse versions (long and short) would have influenced the amount of interior volume and natural light in the salon area. Finish quality, in line with Alpa's reputation for high standards and the oversight by Lloyds of London during construction, would likely have incorporated durable, well-fitted materials, often featuring rich wood trim and robust fiberglass components for longevity and ease of maintenance in a marine environment.