Ordering the first Ovnicat 48
The project to create multihull versions of the famous Ovni line of monohull dinghies from alubat shipyard in Vendée had been presented at the International Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte in 2018. Although it had interested observers and aroused the curiosity of yachtsmen, no customer had placed an order for the Ovnicat catamaran. In view of the investment, the shipyard, coming out of a complicated period, was not in a position to finance a production boat with its own funds, and the project was therefore left in the drawers.
The Ovni range will however be declined on 2 hulls. 4 years later, the project is finally relaunched. Alubat has received the order for the first two catamarans. The first Ovnicat 48 is expected to hit the water in June 2024, while the second is expected in early 2025.
A marginally modified catamaran
The Ovnicat 48 retains the main characteristics of the initial project, namely a length of 14.94 meters and a maximum beam of 7.75 meters. The catamaran will be built entirely in aluminum, except for the roof, which will be in composite. The boat, in standard configuration of 3 cabins, is proposed at a price of 1.2 Meuros HT.
Nevertheless, in 4 years, boaters' expectations have evolved. The methods of the shipyard too. A revision of the project is therefore underway. "There are adjustments to be made between 2018 and 2024 to match today's needs. The architects are still Alain Mortain and Yannis Mavrikios. The equipment is close to what was planned in 2018. We are adapting to the industrial process of Alubat today. There are also some changes in the layout. The new details will be available shortly." explains Cécilia Edeline, Alubat's sales manager.
A positive dynamic for Alubat
On the site side, the announcement comes in a buoyant commercial context. The company is working to strengthen its production team to meet demand. " We are currently recruiting. In addition to the apprentices already with us, we are looking for experienced profiles and we are thinking about the industrial plan. L' UFO 370 is selling well with 16 boats sold" concludes, positive, Cécilia Edeline.
