In 1973, the ALUBAT shipyard was founded at Les Sables d’Olonne in France’s Vendée region.
Photo credit : © Mr Dresco - First OVNI 28 in Switzerland in 1980
In 1978 the OVNI range was launched. As hard-chine aluminium centreboarders, the first OVNI models laid the foundations for the concept that still defines the brand’s identity today. Ranging from 25 to 58 feet, some twenty-eight models have been developed over more than half a century, in collaboration with leading names in naval architecture: Philippe Briand, Marc Lombard, Alain Mortain, Yiannis Mavrikios and the CBA team, comprising Alain Bechetoille, Jean-Pierre Brouns and Nina Kalseder.
In 1994, a new chapter began with the CIGALE range, designed by architects Jean-Marie Finot and Pascal Conq, followed by Marc Lombard. With the CIGALE range, Alubat embarked on the construction of aluminium keelboats of the ULDB (Ultra-Light Displacement Boat) type, designed to focus on lightness and performance.
In 2023, Luc Jurien, who had been at the helm of the shipyard since 2021, took over the business alongside Julie Jurien, Administrative Manager; Joris Corbin, Head of the Design Office; Cécilia Edeline, Sales Manager for France, Second-hand Yachts and Communications; Pierre-Yves Mesnier, Purchasing Manager; and Denis Vanlaere, Export Sales Manager.
Together, they continue the journey with the 45 men and women who now make up the ALUBAT team.
In 2025, the OVNI 490 joined the “new generation” OVNI range. This new 50-foot model stands out for its pilothouse, which offers a new way of experiencing sailing.
In 2027, the CIGALE range is being revamped with the CIGALE 15 QR (for “Quille relevable” – Lifting Keel in English), designed by the naval architecture firm FINOT-CONQ. This new ULDB features a chine-bottomed hull and heralds a new generation of CIGALE yachts.
Since its foundation, the ALUBAT shipyard has launched more than 1,800 boats. All of which have been built entirely from aluminium (hull, deck and superstructures) and continue to sail all over the world.
Photo credit : © Jean-Paul C. - OVNI 490 at the Seven Sisters, Norway
