Ovni 400 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Alubat, established in 1973 in Les Sables d'Olonne, has a long-standing tradition of crafting high-quality aluminium yachts with lifting keels, a specialization that has cemented its reputation in the marine industry. The Ovni 400, introduced in 2019, embodies this legacy while bringing a fresh perspective to the popular Ovni range. The design by Mortain & Mavrikios marked an innovative departure, aiming to create a vessel that stands out from earlier Ovni models.

The core philosophy behind the Ovni 400 is to provide a 100% aluminium sailboat capable of navigating "far, everywhere, elsewhere" with unwavering confidence. This translates into a design focused on exceptional strength, safety, and a comfortable life onboard, suitable for experienced long-distance cruisers. Alubat's manufacturing ethos, characterized by leveraging aluminium for durability and offering a high degree of customization, is evident in the Ovni 400, allowing owners to tailor interior layouts and finishes to their specific preferences., 3]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alubat Ovni 400, with its robust aluminium hull and lifting keel, offers a distinctive sailing experience tailored for offshore passages and shallow-water exploration. With a displacement of 24,692 lbs and a length on the waterline of 37.96 feet, the boat exhibits a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 201. This places it in the category of moderate to light displacement, suggesting a vessel that balances solid cruising capability with a degree of performance, rather than being an excessively heavy or sluggish boat.

Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio, calculated at around 16.41, indicates moderate performance, particularly in lighter air. While not an outright racer, this ratio suggests the Ovni 400 is capable of respectable speeds and can handle a range of wind conditions efficiently. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 34.8% contributes to the boat's stability and stiffness, enabling it to stand up to a good breeze. While this is a solid figure, it positions the boat as comfortably stable without being overly stiff or tender. Anecdotal descriptions suggest that the Ovni 400 offers "characteristics of an absolutely sporty sailboat," reflecting a design that seeks to combine its cruising mandate with engaging handling. The cockpit is thoughtfully designed for safety, comfort, and spaciousness, underscoring its blue-water cruising intentions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Alubat Ovni 400 is designed for extended cruising comfort, prioritizing space and the robust qualities inherent in its all-aluminium construction. Owners are offered a wide variety of layouts, allowing for significant customization to suit individual cruising styles. The finish quality often features high-end materials, with "country oak interior" being a noted option, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

With a generous maximum headroom of 6.56 feet, the interior feels open and airy, contributing to a comfortable living environment for taller occupants. Typical interior arrangements, which can be configured to owner preferences, generally include well-appointed sleeping cabins (such as a V-berth forward and quarter berths aft), a functional head with shower, a spacious salon for dining and lounging, and a galley equipped for preparing meals offshore. While specific details can vary based on customization, the emphasis is on practical living spaces, ample storage for provisions and gear, and good ventilation to ensure comfort in diverse climates.