The Ovni 30 is an aluminum centerboard sailboat from the 1980s. Designed by Philippe Briand and built by Alubat, this sailboat is a cruiser capable of taking a couple anywhere. Here’s a look at a sailboat that has inspired the dreams of many sailors.
In my youth, this sailboat made me dream. Looking at an Ovni 30 was like dreaming that I could buy a cruising sailboat and set sail. Well, I never did. However, this sailboat shouldn’t be limited to offshore cruising. It’s also an excellent choice for exploring our coastlines and discovering rias, coves, and fine sandy beaches.
The Ovni 30 is an iconic sailboat that has become part of the legend of aluminum vessels produced by the Alubat construction site. Upon its release, it was designed to meet the needs of sailors seeking a robust and versatile boat; this cruising sailboat is indeed aimed at those who wish to sail long distances while enjoying the comfort and safety of a solid and seaworthy vessel. But its size and simplicity also make it suitable for coastal navigation.
The story of the Ovni 30
The Ovni 30 was launched in 1978, the result of a collaboration between the French shipyard Alubat and the naval architect Philippe Briand., then at the beginning of its career. Built from aluminum, a material renowned for its lightness and corrosion resistance, the Ovni 30 was designed as a long-distance cruising sailboat capable of sailing in challenging conditions. With production spanning a decade, this model established itself in the 9- to 10-meter sailboat market.
Approximately 150 units were produced, a modest figure but representative of the shipyard’s quality strategy. Its navigation program is geared towards…offshore cruising, while remaining accessible to recreational boaters for coastal outingsAmong its main competitors at the time were models such as the First 30 (Bénéteau) and the Jeanneau. Symphony, but the UFO was distinguished by its unique positioning thanks to its aluminum hull and its lifting keel.
Interior design
The Ovni 30 features an interior optimized for onboard living, despite its compact dimensions. The typical layout includes:
- A large square : Located in the center of the boat, it offers a convivial space with a folding table and benches that can be converted into extra beds.
- An L-shaped kitchen : Located on the starboard side, it includes a gimbal-mounted stove, a sink and sufficient storage for utensils and provisions.
- A forward cabin Designed to accommodate two people, it has storage space under the bunk.
- A bathroom Simple but functional, it includes a sink and a marine toilet.
- Storage spaces : Well designed to accommodate navigation equipment and personal belongings of the crew.
Marine qualities
The Ovni 30 is renowned for its robustness and its ability to navigate safely, even in difficult conditions.
- Maneuverability Thanks to its lifting keel, it allows it to operate in areas with a shallow draft, thus offering privileged access to certain anchorages.
- Marine behavior The hull designed by Philippe Briand offers good directional stability and excellent handling in heavy weather.
- Versatility It also stands out for its ability to alternate between offshore navigation and coastal navigation.
Owner reviews
The owners of the UFO 30 highlight several key strengths:
- Robustness and reliability : The choice of aluminum provides reassurance in the face of potential damage.
- Versatility : Navigate with complete freedom, including in hard-to-reach areas.
- Lifetime Many owners point out that the boat ages well, provided that the hull and equipment are properly maintained.
On the other hand, some report narrow interior spaces and limited light in the cabin, typical characteristics of sailing ships of that era.
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Ovni 30 Technical Specifications
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Architect | Philippe Briand |
| Construction site | Alubat |
| Launch year | one thousand nine hundred seventy-eight |
| Overall length (LHT) | 9.15 m |
| Width | 3.00 m |
| Draft | 0.60 m / 1.70 m (up/down) |
| Shift | 4.5 tonnes |
| Shell material | Aluminum |
| Motorization | Inboard diesel, 15 HP |
| Sail area | 45 m² |
| Number of cabins | one |
| Water capacity | 150 L |
| Fuel capacity | 60L |
| Production | Approximately 150 units |
The Ovni 30 remains a benchmark for cruising enthusiasts in varied waters, offering an ideal compromise between robustness, safety and freedom.