Founded in 1973 in Les Sables‑d’Olonne, Vendée, Alubat swiftly gained notoriety with the OVNI 28—the first production aluminium lifting‑keel yacht featuring hard chines back in 1978. Over its 50‑year history, the shipyard has launched 26 models (25′ to 58′) in collaboration with renowned naval architects like Philippe Briand, Marc Lombard, Jean‑Marie Finot, and Mortain & Mavrikios.
Craftsmanship & Facilities
- All‑aluminium construction: hull, deck, coachroof, cockpit—welded inside and out for exceptional durability and safety.
- The covered workshops span over 10,000 m² (5,500 m² indoors), encompassing metalwork, painting (up to 9 coats), carpentry, and in‑house mechanical and electronics assembly.
- Gloriously handcrafted interiors feature American oak joinery, individually fitted pieces, and structural quality checks—each yacht feels bespoke .
Core Product Range
- OVNI series: The flagship lifting‑keel blue‑water yachts including the latest OVNI 370 (2021), OVNI 430 (shown in 2023), and the upcoming OVNI 490 pilothouse (launch due May 2025).
- CIGALE ULDBs: Aluminium ultra‑light displacement keelboats like the Cigale 15 QR (swing‑keel) designed by Finot‑Conq.
- OVNICAT 48: A long‑range aluminium sailing catamaran under development, designed for serious offshore cruising.
Services & Support
- Expertise extends beyond construction to refit, after‑sales support, and second‑hand sales, managed by a skilled in‑house team under Thierry Leprince for professional upkeep.
- Global assistance—including troubleshooting at anchor (e.g. keel issues) and advice—is part of Alubat’s commitment to long-distance sailors.
Organization & Output
- Staffed by around 40–47 craftsmen—including talented metalworkers, carpenters, and technicians .
- Produces roughly 12–15 yachts annually.
- Boasts a revenue of approximately €8 million (2023), steadily recovering after the 2014 takeover by 14 Vendée stakeholders.
Reputation & Legacy
- Recognized for robust, sea‑going vessels that have circumnavigated the globe—many of the ~1,600 aluminium boats built remain active worldwide.
- A unique 12 Metre JI “French Kiss” racing yacht was built for the 1987 America’s Cup by Alubat—designed by Briand, affirming the yard’s technical depth.
Alubat is a boutique yet well-equipped shipyard, excelling in fully welded aluminium blue‑water yachts. With decades of innovation in lifting‑keel design, expert craftsmanship across all trades, and comprehensive after‑sales support, they are trusted by serious cruisers seeking safety, durability, and customization.
More: https://www.alubat.com
