Alpa A15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Alpa A15 began its production run in 1962, emerging from a period when Alpa Yachts was at the forefront of the "true revolution" in nautical engineering by utilizing fiberglass for larger yacht construction. Designers John H. Illingworth and Anselmi Boretti envisioned the A15 as an "Ocean Racer," aiming to offer more than typical cruising yachts of the era. Illingworth, in particular, pursued a "significantly more speedy hull design," making the Alpa A15 notably slimmer than 98% of other designs in its class. This design philosophy, combined with Alpa's commitment to robust fiberglass construction, resulted in a vessel known for its structural integrity and seaworthiness. At nearly 48.23 feet overall, the Alpa A15 was considered one of the largest GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) sailing hulls in Europe at the time of its introduction. While Alpa Yachts continued to produce a diverse range of models and refine its techniques, the company ceased its original sailboat operations in 1978.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alpa A15 is characterized by its long keel hull type and masthead yawl rigging. With a length overall of 48.23 feet and a waterline length of 32.81 feet, she boasts a substantial displacement of 35,274 pounds. This gives her a very high Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 445.6, indicating an exceptionally heavy displacement vessel designed for powerful and comfortable motion, particularly in demanding offshore conditions. Her reported sail area of 1,033 square feet results in a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.94, which suggests a conservative sail plan aimed at stability and ease of handling rather than extreme light-air performance.

Despite her heavy displacement, the Alpa A15 was designed as an ocean racer, implying an emphasis on maintaining speed and seaworthiness in various conditions. The long keel contributes significantly to directional stability, ensuring a steady course even in challenging seas. The yawl rig, featuring a mizzen mast, offers versatility in sail handling and is known to provide "better comfort and stability when sailing downwind or on a broad reach". This configuration allows for easier balancing of the sail plan, contributing to the boat's overall comfort and predictable handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its considerable length and volume for its era, the Alpa A15 would typically offer spacious accommodations for extended cruising. While specific interior layout details are not widely documented online, boats of this size and vintage often feature a traditional arrangement. This would generally include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley area for meal preparation, and a dedicated head (bathroom) compartment. The robust fiberglass construction and generous beam of 11.81 feet would likely translate to a solid and well-finished interior, typical of quality European builders of the period.