Ovni 370

The Ovni 370 is Alubat's smallest current production cruiser, introduced in 2022 as an affordable entry into the Ovni range of go-anywhere aluminium lifting-keel yachts. At just under 12 metres, it is CE Category A certified for blue water sailing and sits below the Ovni 400 in the lineup. Designed in collaboration with naval architects Mortain/Mavrikios and the CBA design office, the 370 carries on the Ovni tradition of rugged construction, exceptional shallow-water capability, and serious long-distance credentials in a more approachable size and price.

The 370 shares the family's distinctive angular styling with a chined hull and an inverted, rounded bow that extends the effective waterline and adds interior volume. A twin-rudder arrangement provides light and responsive steering, and all running rigging is led aft to the coachroof, centralising sail controls for easy short-handed handling.

The hull and superstructure are fabricated entirely from aluminium using semi-thick plate, giving the boat a robust, go-anywhere character that Alubat has refined over five decades. The keel consists of a ballasted aluminium lifting centreboard — weighing 260 kg — that rises fully into the hull, reducing draught from over three metres to under one metre. This allows the yacht to dry out on a beach or explore shallow tidal anchorages without fear of damage. A safety-release mechanism protects the centreboard in the event of an unintended grounding. Fixed external ballast of 3,000 kg supplements the board, and combined stability is adequate for Category A ocean passages, though the companion Ovni 400 offers meaningfully greater range stability for heavy-weather bluewater work.

The rig is set up as a cutter, with a fractional mast, a main and a self-tacking solent as standard, giving flexible sail-area options across a wide range of wind strengths. The Volvo D2 50 hp engine drives a shaft, and tankage is generous for an under-12-metre boat, with close to 500 litres of diesel and 380 litres of fresh water aboard.

Sea trials have shown the Ovni 370 to be a moderate performer rather than a thoroughbred. Upwind it averages 4 to 4.5 knots at wide tacking angles, a reflection of the beamy, volume-oriented hull form. Reaching speeds are more impressive; under a Code 0 at 60 degrees to the apparent wind the boat comfortably exceeds 5.5 knots with a light, balanced helm. Reviewers consistently note that the 370 rewards patience rather than urgency, making it well suited to trade-wind passages and coastal exploration rather than fast offshore racing.

The deep, well-protected cockpit contributes to crew comfort at sea, and the layout of controls on the coachroof means two people can manage all sail evolutions without leaving the helm area. The twin tillers are ergonomically positioned and give clear feedback, an important quality on long passages.

Below decks the raised saloon is the centrepiece of the interior, providing panoramic views through large windows and making the yacht feel spacious and light-filled both at anchor and underway. The saloon table drops to form a pilot berth, and a proper chart table sits on the starboard side under a raised section that improves sightlines forward. A large wet hanging locker and dedicated utility space serve the needs of long-distance crews.

The standard layout is a two-cabin arrangement with a forward double cabin and a port aft cabin offering at least 5 ft 10 in of headroom. The heads compartment includes a separate shower, and an optional third cabin can be fitted in the technical room aft. Overall the 370 punches above its length in habitability, with ample stowage and thoughtful details throughout that reflect Alubat's long experience building yachts for extended voyaging.