Alpa 6.7 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Alpa 6.7 marked its entry into the sailing world in 1968. Its builder, Alpa Yachts, founded in Italy in 1956 by Danilo Cattadori, was at the vanguard of marine construction, being one of the very first European shipyards to fully embrace fiberglass as a primary building material. This represented a significant shift from traditional wooden boatbuilding, allowing for more consistent production and reduced maintenance. The company had initially built a strong reputation for high-quality fiberglass Flying Dutchman class boats before expanding into larger cruising yachts.

The design of the Alpa 6.7 was entrusted to Ericus Gerhardus van de Stadt, a renowned Dutch naval architect considered one of the pioneers of modern yacht design. Van de Stadt's philosophy consistently aimed to blend performance with seaworthiness, principles evident in the Alpa 6.7's design. While fundamentally similar to the earlier Alpa 6, the 6.7 is noted to feature a slightly different coach roof, indicating a minor evolution in the design during its production. Alpa Yachts continued to produce the 6.7 and a range of other models until its production sailboat operations ceased in 1978.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a compact monohull with a fin keel and spade rudder, the Alpa 6.7 was designed to be a nimble and responsive vessel. Its relatively light displacement for its length suggests a boat capable of respectable performance, particularly in lighter air. The design by E.G. Van de Stadt, known for creating yachts that combined performance with seaworthiness, implies a boat that handles predictably and offers a rewarding sailing experience for its size. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and efficient sail plan, making it manageable for single-handed sailing or a small crew.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the interior accommodations of the Alpa 6.7 are designed for basic overnighting and shelter rather than extensive cruising. While specific detailed interior layouts and photos are not readily available in public records, it is typical for boats of this size (just under 22 feet) to feature a simple open-plan cabin. This generally includes a V-berth forward, which serves as a sleeping area, and potentially two settees along the sides of the main cabin. A small area for a portable head and minimal galley facilities, such as a sink or space for a cooler, would likely be integrated. The finish quality would reflect Alpa's general reputation for solid fiberglass construction, likely featuring a blend of molded fiberglass components and some wood trim for warmth and traditional aesthetics. Storage would be limited to under-berth spaces and small lockers.