History and Design
The story of the Alios is intertwined with the legacy of Lanaverre, a company that pioneered Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) — or fiberglass — boat construction in France. Launched in 1972, the Alios came into production during the latter years of Lanaverre as an independent entity, as the company was sold in 1976 following its merger into Yachting France. Christian Maury, the designer behind the Alios, was also responsible for some of Lanaverre's most iconic and widely successful dinghies, such as the 420, which significantly popularized competitive sailing. While specific design philosophies for the Alios are not extensively documented, its classification as a "habitable cruising monohull" suggests an intent to combine Lanaverre's characteristic performance-oriented design with accommodations suitable for overnight stays or short excursions. There is no information to suggest significant variations or mark designations during its production run.
Sailing Performance and Handling
Given its compact size, the Lanaverre Alios is characterized by its nimble handling and simplicity. With a length overall of 18.31 feet and a waterline length of 16.57 feet, she is designed for ease of management, making her appealing to singlehanders or small crews. The Alios features a fractional sloop rig and a centerboard keel. This centerboard design is a notable advantage, allowing the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waters with varying depths, as it can be retracted to reduce draft to a shallow 1.97 feet, enabling access to shallower anchorages or marinas. While specific anecdotal descriptions of its handling are not widely available, her design, typical of Maury's creations for Lanaverre, would likely prioritize responsiveness and a balanced helm, consistent with a boat intended to be both enjoyable to sail and practical for light cruising.
Accommodations and Layout
Despite its modest length, the Lanaverre Alios is categorized as an "habitable cruising monohull," implying a functional, albeit compact, interior layout. Details regarding the exact interior arrangement are not extensively documented online, and specific headroom figures are unavailable. However, boats of this size typically feature a basic cabin designed to maximize the available space. This would generally include a V-berth forward, which serves as the primary sleeping area, and possibly a small space for a portable head. A minimal galley counter or storage area might also be integrated, designed for essential provisions rather than extensive cooking. The construction, being fiberglass, would provide a durable and low-maintenance interior finish, likely complemented by some wood trim for a warmer aesthetic, typical of boats from this era. Storage solutions would be practical and integrated where possible, acknowledging the limited volume. While ventilation details are scarce, small portlights and an overhead hatch would typically be incorporated to ensure airflow.