New Ovni Cruising Yacht at Paris Boat Show

by Nancy Knudsen on 12 Nov 2008 OVNI is Spanish or French for UFO(Unidentified Flying Object), but unless you're a Spanish or French landlubber it's better known as the name of those sleek little aluminium yachts you see flying French flags all over the cruising world. They're well designed, have a lifting keel which apparently works without giving trouble, and they sail like a superstar. The design is neat and the aluminium is most often not painted, meaning low maintenance and the ability to search out problems with the greatest of ease.

Inside they have a well designed open feeling, and hard wearing surfaces, perfect for the ravages of sailing long distances. In fact, with the toughness of the aluminium for any eventuality, lifting keel for braving the shallowest of entrances and their good sailing ability, they're up there with the best cruising boats in the world.

Now there's a new one, the Ovni 445, launched at the 48th edition of the Paris International Boat Show, which will take place from 5th to 14th December 2008 at la Porte de Versailles, the 'City of Lights'.

The manufacturers of the new Ovni 445, French company Alubat, located at Fontenay Le Comte and Chateau d'Olonne, say the new yacht, a little longer than its predecessors, the Ovni 43 and the 435, offers more in performance and comfort than the earlier designs, and retains the lifting keel concept. They also claim what is obvious to anyone who examines the yacht - 'It is specifically designed for long distance cruising.'

Alubat have been around for some time. They built their first prototype for the Ovni in 1974, a boat called Vodka. It was 25 feet long. Many designs followed – there are 22 previous Ovni models and over 1500 units have now been produced, so they've had a little practice. Alubat boast that 'there are no temporary or contract workers, staff turnover is very low, and this guaranteed the continuity, training and experience, and the quality of the finished product.'

Almost from the beginning, too, they have specialised in sturdy aluminium and lifting keels, so it's no wonder their expertise in both is demonstrable.

...and if I sound like a commercial, it's because, if we ever sell our current boat in this climate, we'll be looking for an Omni!

For more information about Alubat and the Omni, go to their website