The Philippe Briand-designed Bluewater Sailboat Ovni 43, a 42.32-foot masthead sloop that was constructed in aluminum by Alubat (FRA) between 1991 and 2000. There have been 68 units built. Eight guests can fit in its three cabins and salon.
The Ovni 43 is a high-performance sailboat that is well-suited for fast cruising. It’s designed to be stable and stiff, which makes it a great option for longer voyages. The boat’s low righting capability, however, means that it may not be the best option for those looking to race or sail in more extreme conditions. Despite this, the Ovni 43’s moderate weight makes it easy to handle and maneuver, and its fuel capacity is sufficient to support extended trips. Additionally, the boat has a good water supply range, which makes it an ideal option for those who plan to spend extended periods of time at sea.
Overall, this Bluewater Sailboat Ovni 43 is a well-rounded sailboat that offers a great balance of performance and comfort.
The shipyard ALUBAT began its journey in 1974 with the creation of the prototype ‘VODKA’, the first OVNI model, the OVNI 25 which was made of aluminum and had a fin keel. The range was soon expanded with the addition of the OVNI 31, a weighted lifting keel boat. The OVNI 28, launched in 1978 was the first aluminum lifting keel Bluewater Sailboat, it had a bilge keel, but it established the foundation for the designs that followed.
In 1994, the shipyard ventured into building keel yachts. Today, the range includes 4 CIGALES models that vary in size from 14 to 22 meters and the ‘ALUBAT 58’.
In 2014, the shipyard was bought by 14 shareholders represented by Michel Berson, president, and managed by Christian PICARD. Since then, ALUBAT has built more than 1,500 aluminum units, many of which are still sailing around the world.
The OVNI is a top-of-the-line lifting keel aluminum yacht that is built to withstand the rigors of intensive use. This makes it the perfect choice for experienced and demanding sailors who are looking for a yacht that can handle the demands of blue water sailing. The OVNI’s reputation as the “4×4” of the sea is well-deserved, as it is known for its strength, off-road capabilities, safety, and comfort.
One of the key features of the OVNI is its lifting keel, which allows it to navigate in any weather and find shelter in any location. This makes it a great choice for sailors who want to explore the open seas without worrying about the conditions. In rough seas, the keel can be lifted, which allows the boat to glide smoothly on the water, providing a comfortable experience for all on board. This is especially important for sailors who are planning to embark on long voyages and want to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the journey.
The Ovni range of lift keel cruisers, made of alloy, has gained a reputation for being durable and capable of sailing to any destination. The lift keel feature allows for exploration of waters beyond the reach of traditional cruising yachts. One such vessel, LOTUS, has lived up to this reputation during a two-year expedition, sailing as far south as Trinidad and as far north as Nova Scotia, mainly with just two people aboard. The boat has proven to be the perfect choice for short-handed blue water cruising.
After the 2018 season, LOTUS underwent a full cosmetic overhaul, including a repaint of the sheerband, deck, superstructure, cockpit, and transom. The boat has been thoroughly cleaned below decks and comes with a comprehensive inventory, including a fully battened Hydranet mainsail by Owen Sails (2016), roller reefing Pro-Vectran genoa by Owen Sails (2018), electric anchor windlass (2017), and a full overhaul of steering gear and rudder bearings (2016). This is a great opportunity to purchase a well-maintained and equipped version of this rugged blue water cruiser, ready to set sail this spring. The boat is currently stored ashore and available for viewing by prior appointment.
Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.
Over time, the interior fittings of OVNIs have been upgraded to meet the most luxurious standards. This means that sailors can enjoy all of the comforts of home while they are out at sea. Whether you’re looking for a yacht that can handle the demands of blue water sailing or you’re simply looking for a luxury yacht that can provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience, the OVNI is an excellent choice.
The OVNI 43 is a top-of-the-line lifting keel aluminum yacht that is built to withstand the rigors of intensive use. This makes it the perfect choice for experienced and demanding sailors who are looking for a yacht that can handle the demands of blue water sailing. The OVNI’s reputation as the “4×4” of the sea is well-deserved, as it is known for its strength, off-road capabilities, safety, and comfort.
The OVNI 43 is capable of handling heavy weather without the aid of drogues or parachute anchors, as reported by the personal experience of the skipper. The highest wind encountered on the boat was 60 knots in gusts and the highest sustained winds were 50 knots, which were navigated in Le Maire Strait (off Argentina) with only minor damage to the boat.
Sailing an OVNI 43 in winds of 40-50 knots is also manageable, as reported by the skipper’s personal experience. Typically, 3 reefs in the mainsail and a reduced staysail were used, with broad reaching at about 150 degrees being the best for the boat and steering. The autopilot, a powerful Brookes & Gatehouse hydraulic pilot, was able to handle the heavy winds and the skipper found it comfortable to let the autopilot do the work. The autopilot is an ATP2 hydraulic system, similar to the one used by Ellen McArthur on her recent circumnavigation, making it suitable for a 43-foot cruising yacht.
In the event of heaving-to, the OVNI 43 performed well with 4 reefs in the main and a well reefed staysail, providing a comfortable experience. The boat was able to handle winds of 45 knots and was able to lay its course after the winds changed direction.
Overall, the OVNI 43 is a rugged and capable blue water cruiser that is well-suited for experienced sailors. With its lifting keel, the OVNI 43 is able to navigate in any weather and find shelter in any location, making it a great choice for those who want to explore the open seas without worrying about the conditions.
When considering the Ovni 43 as a potential sailing vessel, it’s important to take into account its Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 22.0. This ratio suggests that with the right handling, the Ovni 43 will have enough performance to outstrip most other sailboats of similar waterline length.
The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 42.4 is another key factor to consider, as it indicates that the Ovni 43 will hold its own in heavy winds and rough seas, allowing it to power through the waves.
The Displacement/Length Ratio of 211 indicates that the Ovni 43 is a moderate displacement cruiser, meaning it can carry a significant amount of cruising gear without negatively impacting its performance. This displacement category is common among sailboats intended for offshore cruising.
Additionally, the Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 23.3 suggests that the motion of the Ovni 43 in a seaway will be similar to that of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability. It’s important to note that this may not be suitable for individuals prone to seasickness.
Lastly, the Capsize Screening Formula of 2.1 indicates that the Ovni 43 may not be the best choice for ocean passage-making, as it carries a higher risk of capsizing in strong winds and heavy seas when compared to sailboats with a CSF of less than 2.0.
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