Alpa A8 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Alpa A8 began production in 1974. Alpa Yachts, founded in Italy in 1956 by Danilo Cattadori, was a pioneer in European fiberglass boat construction, a revolutionary shift from traditional wooden builds. The shipyard quickly established a reputation for robust construction and innovative use of composite materials, initially with high-performance dinghies like the Flying Dutchman before moving into larger cruising yachts. While specific design philosophies for the Alpa A8 from John H. Illingworth are not extensively documented in available public records, his general approach often favored seaworthiness and solid performance. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or marks in the Alpa A8's production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 26.25 feet and a waterline length of 20.01 feet, the Alpa A8 presents as a steady performer for its size. The calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.48 suggests a boat that is moderately powered. This indicates reasonable performance in light to moderate winds, while also being manageable and not overly sensitive in stronger conditions. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at around 258.0, places the Alpa A8 firmly in the medium-heavy displacement category. This characteristic typically translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway and a stable platform, prioritizing cruising comfort and reliability over outright speed. Specific details regarding the boat's ballast weight, which would inform its stiffness and stability further, are not readily available in provided specifications.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Alpa A8 is not extensively detailed in general public records. While the vessel is designed for cruising, specific dimensions for maximum headroom were not provided in the available data. Typically for a sailboat of this size from the 1970s, one could expect a relatively simple, functional interior arrangement featuring a V-berth forward, a small enclosed head, a compact salon with settees and a table, and a basic galley area. Finish quality, consistent with Alpa's reputation, likely involved a blend of fiberglass liners and practical wood trim, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance suitable for a compact cruiser.