For over five decades, Alubat, a distinguished French boat builder, has carved a unique niche in the marine industry. Since its founding in 1973, the shipyard has steadfastly focused on crafting robust, lifting keel aluminium boats, a segment largely overlooked by other manufacturers. This strategic specialization has cemented Alubat's reputation as Europe's foremost builder of aluminium yachts, renowned for their rugged construction, offshore capability, and unparalleled versatility.
The Origin Story
Alubat was established in 1973 in Les Sables d'Olonne, on the Atlantic coast of France. The company quickly set its course for innovation, distinguishing itself by exclusively building boats from aluminium. This choice of material, combined with a focus on lifting keel designs, was foundational to Alubat's identity. In 1978, the shipyard launched its first truly iconic vessel, the Ovni 28. This groundbreaking sailboat was notable for being the first aluminium lifting keel boat with hard chines, a design characteristic that would define future Ovni models and underscore Alubat's commitment to robust, go-anywhere yachts.
History and Evolution
Alubat's journey has been marked by a consistent evolution of its core philosophy: building strong, aesthetically pleasing boats that meet the demanding requirements of blue-water cruising. The shipyard has continuously refined its construction techniques, leveraging the inherent qualities of aluminium for strength, durability, and customization. While Alubat has experienced corporate changes, including a period of liquidation, it has successfully emerged, with a group of employees taking over ownership in recent years, led by General Director Luc Jurien since 2021. This has allowed the company to perpetuate its passion for tailor-made boats and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Alubat's reputation in the sailing world is firmly rooted in its specialization in lifting keel (dériveur intégral) aluminium yachts, particularly suitable for serious blue-water cruising and exploring shallow anchorages. Their boats are celebrated for their exceptional strength and safety, thanks to their all-aluminium construction. A signature design feature of many Alubat yachts, especially the Ovni range, is their distinctive hard chine hull, which contributes to stability and interior volume.
A key aspect of Alubat's identity is the high degree of customization offered to owners. Each boat can be tailored to the owner's specific wishes, allowing for unique internal layouts and designs, a testament to the shipyard's skilled workforce in welding, woodwork, and painting. Alubat has collaborated with several renowned naval architects who have contributed to the evolution of their designs. These include Philippe Briand, Alain Mortain-Yannis Mavrikios, and Marc Lombard. The Cigale range, for instance, has seen designs by Jean-Marie Finot (Finot-Conq) and later by Marc Lombard.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Alubat's product line is dominated by its highly successful ranges, each designed for specific sailing aspirations:
- Ovni Range: The Ovni range remains the cornerstone of Alubat's production. These production-built lifting keel aluminium yachts, typically ranging from 30' to 56', are designed for experienced, long-distance cruisers who prioritize safety, comfort, and the ability to access shallow waters and dry out on tides. The Ovni 28 was the pioneer, setting the stage for subsequent models. Newer models like the Ovni 450 (designed by Marc Lombard) and the Ovni 370 continue this legacy, offering modern designs for blue-water adventures.
- Cigale Range: Conceived for performance, the Cigale range (typically 14m – 18m) consists of ultra-light displacement boats (ULDB) with deep fin keels, developed from racing boat principles. These models are built to highly detailed specifications to achieve their performance goals, offering a faster, more exhilarating sailing experience while maintaining the robustness of aluminium construction.
- Levrier des Mers Range: Similar to the Cigale, the Levrier des Mers range also focuses on performance-oriented deep keel ULDBs.
- Ovnicat: Demonstrating Alubat's ongoing innovation, the shipyard is currently constructing the Ovnicat 48, an aluminium blue-water sailing catamaran designed by Mortain & Mavrikios.
- Custom Yachts: Beyond its production ranges, Alubat also undertakes specific requests for custom yachts and motorboats up to 20 meters, leveraging the inherent flexibility of aluminium construction and its skilled craftsmen.
The Builder Today
Alubat continues to operate from its shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. The company is now under the ownership of a group of employees, led by Luc Jurien, signaling a renewed focus and commitment to the brand's heritage. Alubat maintains its position as a leader in the aluminium boat market in Europe.
Modern Alubat boats appeal to discerning sailors who seek a robust, safe, and customizable yacht capable of extensive blue-water cruising and exploration. The ownership experience is often characterized by a strong sense of community. The "Ovni Club," for instance, provides a platform for owners to share knowledge, experiences, and foster connections, highlighting the loyal following Alubat has cultivated over the decades. This active owner community underscores the confidence and satisfaction felt by those who choose to sail an Alubat.
