Alpa A19 Information, Review, Specs

The Alpa A19 commenced production in 1975, emerging from an era where Alpa Yachts was at the forefront of fiberglass boat construction in Europe. Founded by Danilo Cattadori in 1956, Alpa quickly established a reputation for embracing fiberglass as a revolutionary material, moving away from traditional wooden boatbuilding. The shipyard was known for its commitment to high-quality and robust construction, a philosophy that extended from their early, successful Flying Dutchman class boats to their larger cruising yachts like the A19. Philippe Harlé, the designer of the A19, was a prolific French naval architect known for creating seaworthy and practical designs. His intent for the A19 was to create a "cabin cruiser for cruise", a small sailboat that maximized interior volume for its class, being noted as more spacious than many comparable designs of its time. No significant variations of the Alpa A19 during its production run have been widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Alpa A19 is characterized as a "moderate weight sailboat which is a very high performer." Its design as a fractional sloop, meaning it has a smaller headsail relative to the mainsail, contributes to easier tacking, a desirable trait for both cruisers and those seeking a more agile boat. The fin keel, a common design choice, provides "splendid manoeuvrability," allowing for quick turns and responsive handling. However, this comes with the typical trade-off of "less directional stability than a long keel," meaning it may require more active steering to hold a straight course, especially in a seaway. While described as "stable / stiff," owners should be aware that, like many smaller, lighter performance-oriented vessels, it may have a "low righting capability if capsized." This suggests good initial stability, but a significant heel could rapidly progress if not managed. Overall, the Alpa A19 appears to strike a balance, offering lively performance for day racing while retaining the fundamental characteristics of a small cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact "cabin cruiser," the Alpa A19 provides basic accommodation for overnighting. While specific detailed interior layouts and headroom figures are not extensively documented in public databases, its designation as a cabin cruiser implies a sheltered space below deck for rest and storage. Reviews suggest the A19 was designed to be relatively spacious for its length, offering more interior volume than many contemporary designs in its class. Typically, sailboats of this size would feature a V-berth forward for sleeping, possibly with a basic galley area and seating in the main cabin, and designated space for a portable marine head. The finish quality and materials would likely reflect the builder's reputation for solid fiberglass construction, typical of European boats of the era, focusing on durability and practicality.

Owner's Perspectives

While detailed owner reviews and discussions specific to the Alpa A19 are not readily available on common online forums, the broader Alpa brand benefits from a passionate community. The company's legacy is rooted in building robust, quality fiberglass vessels. Owners of other Alpa models often praise the solid construction and enduring seaworthiness of these Italian-built boats. Given the A19's age, potential owners would likely consider typical maintenance aspects for older fiberglass vessels, such as ensuring the integrity of deck hardware, checking for osmosis, and inspecting rigging. The active Alpa Historical Club and other online communities dedicated to the brand suggest that resources and shared knowledge exist for maintaining these classic sailboats.