ADVICES

Choosing the right sailboat means first and foremost clearly defining your plans.

‍

When choosing a blue water cruising sailboat, every prospective buyer asks themselves: Where will I be sailing? What will my sailing schedule be like? Will I encounter very demanding weather conditions? Will I be using marinas or wild anchorages? For how long? With what crew?

These questions naturally lead to key architectural choices, including the type of hull. Among the possible solutions, the centerboarder for its adaptability and suitability for blue water cruising. That's why Allures Yachting the advantages of this configuration in this technical focus.

‍

The centerboarder a major asset for blue water cruising

‍

Highly appreciated by long-distance sailors, the centerboarder three key advantages:

• Access to shallow areas: wild anchorages, shoals, drying out
• Enhanced safety: consistent stability, reliable performance even when drift is detected
• Comfort and stability at sea: smooth movements, moderate heeling, peaceful sailing

‍

‍

‍

Navigate freely, regardless of depth

‍

The main advantage of centerboarder is the freedom to sail where others cannot go. Thanks to its reduced draft, you can access:

• wild anchorages and isolated shelters,
• areas that are poorly mapped (corals, shoals, ice),
• the possibility of voluntarily running aground for a technical inspection.

‍

This ability to get as close as possible to the coastline—while maintaining a safe and reliable design—is a real differentiator.

‍

‍

‍

Stability and comfort: a hull designed for serenity

‍

The centerboarder a higher center of gravity, offset by a generous beam and a carefully designed displacement. The result:

• smooth movements,
• moderate lodging,
• comfort at sea and at anchor,
• reassuring behavior in cross waves.

‍

On an Allures, the solid aluminum centerboard does not add unnecessary weight. Its stability remains constant, even with the centerboard raised or removed, which is a strong argument in the event of an incident at sea.

‍

Consistent performance at all speeds

‍

Contrary to popular belief, a centerboarder performs well:

• good upwind performance, thanks to a refined centerboard profile,
• best downwind speed with the centerboard raised, with less drag,
• better balance of the bar, ideal for autopilot.

In severe conditions, the ability to take down the cape or flee high drift significantly improves safety: the boat can slide sideways without risking the dreaded "trip" of fixed keels.

‍

In conclusion: the right choice for exploring differently

‍

The centerboarder, as we conceive it at Allures Yachting, opens up new horizons for sailors: inaccessible areas, enhanced safety, comfortable sailing, and peace of mind in heavy weather.

‍

It is a technical solution favored by demanding sailors—those who see long-distance travel as a quest for controlled freedom.

‍

‍

Read more

‍

‍

Aluminum hull sailboat: safety first

‍

The primary reason for choosing an aluminum sailing yacht for bluewater cruising is undoubtedly safety. Long passages, poorly charted areas, unexpected encounters, potentially harsh conditions, and navigating in ice all demand exceptional hull strength. The robustness of an aluminium hull provides genuine reassurance to aspiring circumnavigators.

‍

‍

‍

Impact Resistance and Reinforced Protection

‍

A major advantage of an aluminum hull lies in its ability to withstand impact. Aluminium's greater elasticity allows the material to deform far more before breaking. GRP (Glass-Reinforced Plastic) composite, by contrast, is more rigid and therefore less forgiving: it tears or breaks more abruptly on impact.

‍

‍

Enhanced Safety when Facing the Unexpected

‍

An aluminium hull sailboat therefore offers greater safety and more peace of mind when faced with the unexpected at sea. The recent example of orca interactions in the North Atlantic is particularly telling: the repeated impacts on the rudder can place heavy loads on the hull. Composite structures may absorb these shocks poorly and can fracture or delaminate, leading to water ingress. On an Allures yacht, the rudder stock tube, through which the rudder shaft passes, is welded to the aluminium hull. This virtually eliminates the risk of hull damage in this area during orca interactions.

‍

‍

Aluminium Thickness in Yacht Building

‍

Aluminium alloys are classified into series according to their composition, their characteristics, and therefore their recommended uses:

• 1000 series aluminium, over 99 percent pure, is mainly used for electronics and packaging.
• 2000 series aluminium copper alloys are widely used in aeronautics.
• 5000 series (aluminium-manganese) and 6000 series (aluminium-silicon-manganese) are used in marine applications thanks to their high mechanical strength, excellent weldability, and outstanding corrosion resistance, which is essential in a marine environment.

‍

At Allures Yachting, the structural elements of our aluminium monohulls, including frames, stringers, bottom structures, and reinforcements, are built using 6005, 6060, and 6082 alloys. These are chosen for their rigidity, particularly when used for extruded profiles or machined parts within the yacht structure.

For the hull plating, the outer skin of the hull, we use 5000 series alloys. They offer high ductility, which is necessary for shaping a round bilge hull, while also providing very high mechanical strength, even after welding.

‍

‍

Understanding the Mechanical Strength of Aluminium

‍

Mechanical strength is measured in megapascals (MPa). 1 MPa equals the pressure of a 10 kilogram force applied to 1 square centimetre. 250 MPa equals the pressure of 250 tonnes on 1 square metre.

However, a material's mechanical strength is not just a single number, but a set of behaviours observed under force. Among these, two key reference points are: Yield strength (Re): the limit up to which the material returns to its original shape, beyond this, permanent deformation occurs. Tensile strength or Ultimate Tensile Strength (Rm): the maximum load the material can endure before breaking, it's ultimate load.

‍

Comparing the Mechanical Strength of Aluminium and Composite

‍

Highly resistant, an aluminium hull is above all ductile: it dents, bends, absorbs energy, and provides visible warning signs (such as buckling).

Composite, on the other hand, reaches a sharper point of failure, with cracking or delamination and local collapse of the sandwich structure. Energy absorption depends on skin and core thickness. GRP is more rigid and therefore less flexible, tearing or breaking more abruptly on impact.

‍

Mechanical strength values

‍

‍

‍

‍

For a hull, however, strength is not assessed by MPa alone but by the ability of a complete plate to absorb impact, a capacity influenced by thickness, shape (curvature), and internal stiffening (frames, beams, floors).

Thicker plating resists puncture better, dissipates more energy, and bends rather than tears. Mechanical loads are distributed across both the plating and the structure. Curved, stiffened hulls further multiply resistance. One of the advantages of an aluminium hull is its ability to deform rather than crack, a vital safety feature in bluewater cruising.

On Allures aluminum monohulls, depending on the model, plating thicknesses are: 8-10 mm for the bottom and immersed sections, 10-12 mm for internal reinforcements, 5-6 mm for the topsides.

With a tensile strength exceeding 300 MPa, it would take more than 300 tonnes per square metre to rupture the aluminium hull, roughly the weight of four Eiffel Towers!

‍

A Well-Designed, Well-Built Aluminium Hull Remains Light

‍

Aluminium has a density of 2.7 g/cm3, far lower than steel (7.85) and only slightly higher than composite (1.5-2). Yet, for an equivalent structural design, aluminium hulls can be lighter than conventional GRP hulls because they do not require very thick skins or heavy reinforcements to achieve excellent strength. And this is even more true for yachts over 40 feet.

Allures sailboats combine a robust aluminium hull with a strong, lightweight composite deck. The 14 and 16 metre bluewater models from Allures Yachting therefore match the weight of similarly sized composite yachts. With hulls designed by renowned naval architect Olivier Racoupeau, Allures aluminium monohulls also deliver exceptional performance.

‍

Discover the architect's vision in this video:

‍

‍

Recyclability of an Aluminium Sailboat

‍

Beyond its strength, aluminium is a durable and recyclable material. The aluminium used by Allures Yachting is made from around 80% recycled aluminium, itself fully recyclable. When properly maintained, an aluminium hull sailboat retains its mechanical properties for decades and offers outstanding corrosion resistance, a significant advantage for environmentally conscious sailors.

‍

Repairability anywhere in the world

‍

Another major advantage of aluminium boat hulls is their ease of repair. Aluminium can be repaired almost anywhere, even in remote regions, without sophisticated equipment.

Any competent welder can carry out at least a temporary repair without being a marine specialist. And welders can be found all over the world. Simple, watertight aluminium patches can be welded on anywhere, keeping the voyage going.

Repairing a composite hull, by contrast, requires genuine specialists, resins, chemical catalysts, and very precise temperature and humidity conditions.

‍

‍

Aluminum Hull: Peace of Mind at Sea

‍

Choosing an aluminum hull sailboat means opting for a safe, durable travelling companion, ready to face any horizon. Thanks to its remarkable impact resistance, its ability to deform without breaking, and its repairability all around the world, aluminium remains the most reliable material for sailing far and for many years.

Light, robust, recyclable, and built to last for decades, an aluminium hull boat offers unmatched peace of mind to demanding sailors.

This philosophy, centred on safety and performance, has guided Allures Yachting from the very beginning: to design aluminium sailboats capable of carrying their crews with complete confidence to even the most ambitious destinations.

‍

Discover episode 2: twin rudders centerboarder essential technical choices for blue water cruising 

‍

‍

On board a blue water yacht, every design decision counts. This instructional video addresses two fundamental elements of Allures' DNA:

• The centerboarder, which not only allows access to remote anchorages, but above all enables the boat to dodge certain waves by deliberately skidding, avoiding the dreaded tripping effect caused by fixed keels.
• The twin rudders, now widely adopted on modern sailboats, for its smooth steering, efficiency under autopilot, and safety in strong winds or when luffing up.

These choices, once reserved for ocean racing, are standard features on Allure boats because they meet the specific requirements of our sailors: to set sail far away, for long periods of time, and with complete confidence.

‍

Bonus

‍

This video is part of a series of five episodes designed to provide a better understanding of Allures' technical approaches.

‍

Discover episode 3: Hull, stability, displacement: what are the secrets to a comfortable sailboat? 

‍

‍

‍

Designing a sailboat for blue water cruising means aiming for more than just technical balance: it means guaranteeing quality of life at sea, over the long term. In this video, Olivier Racoupeau details three fundamental pillars of the Allures philosophy:

‍

- An optimized hull: the length at the waterline is designed to maximize average cruising speed while ensuring good stability when the boat is underway. No need to constantly restart: the boat maintains its speed naturally, even under autopilot.

‍

- Tailor-made stability: today, stability is no longer determined solely by ballast. Waterline width, superstructure volume, freeboard... everything is calibrated to ensure both stability at small angles (comfort when sailing) and ultimate stability (safety in heavy weather).

‍

- Travel consistent with the program: Allures sailboats are designed from the outset to carry heavy equipment (water, diesel fuel, equipment, exploration gear, etc.). The result is a stable, predictable, and comfortable boat, even when fully loaded.

‍

The goal? To give the crew the opportunity to continue living normally at sea: cooking, sleeping, sharing moments—without being constantly distracted by the boat. Because a true blue water cruising sailboat blue water cruising judged by its maximum speed, but by its consistency, ease, and comfort in real life at sea.

‍

‍

The goal? To give the crew the opportunity to continue living normally at sea.

‍

‍

Bonus

‍

This video is part of a series of five episodes designed to provide a better understanding of Allures' technical approaches.

‍

Discover episode 4: Sail plan: what architectural choices lead to greater efficiency in blue water cruising

‍

‍

A well-designed sailboat starts with a coherent sail plan. In this episode, Olivier Racoupeau shares his approach to balancing efficiency, balance, and ease of use:

‍

- Effective sail area vs. displayed area: not all meters are equal. Actual performance depends on the projected area, not just the total figure. The goal: less sail, but better use of it.

‍

- Rigging developments: no more genoa . Angled spreaders, widely spaced chain plates, and a mast improve stability, reduce pitching, and allow for simpler, more efficient sails.

‍

- Continuity of transitions: to ensure good performance under sail, the transitions between genoa, gennaker staysail carefully designed to avoid any "gaps" in power between configurations.

‍

- Reduced use of reefed sails: by anticipating optimal operating ranges during the design phase, it is possible to minimize the use of furling sails, extending their service life and facilitating navigation.

‍

In short, a good sail plan means less surface area, but better performance and, above all, a sailboat that is easy to handle, even with just two people. This philosophy guides every Allures design from the drawing board onwards.

‍

Bonus

‍

This video is part of a series of five episodes designed to provide a better understanding of Allures' technical approaches.

‍

Discover episode 5: Composite deck on aluminium hull why does this combination make sense, according to Olivier Racoupeau?

‍

‍

The real advantages of a composite bridge

‍

On a sailboat, the deck is never an impact zone: all potential energy is absorbed by the hull. This opens the door to a different material for the upper part—and that's where composite shows its full potential.

Why choose a composite bridge?

- Integrated insulation: the sandwich structure provides natural thermal and acoustic insulation. The result: immediate comfort, summer and winter alike.
- Reduced weight: compared to an all-aluminum construction, the weight savings improve performance and make maneuvering easier.
-Durable non-slip surface: molded into the material, without extra thickness or bonding, it is more resistant to wear and tear and requires little maintenance.
- Optimized design: the composite allows for fluid, ergonomic shapes, designed for natural movement and harmonious integration of equipment.
- Increased usable volume: lighter, larger, and better insulated storage compartments—a real asset for long journeys.

‍

The choice of demanding sailors

‍

Combining an aluminum hull (robustness, safety, repairability) with a composite deck (lightness, insulation, aesthetics) offers an ideal balance. This combination of materials allows for uncompromising performance at sea and quality of life on board. It is a sensible choice, made for those who sail far, for long periods of time, and in varied conditions.

‍

The Allures Council

‍

For an offshore program, the combination of aluminum and composite is ideal: it maximizes safety, thermal comfort, and functionality on board. This duo reflects our philosophy: sturdy, comfortable, and elegant sailboats designed to explore the world with complete peace of mind.

‍

Bonus

‍

This video is the last in a series of five episodes designed to provide a better understanding of Allures' technical approaches.

See also: Why choose a centerboarder blue water cruising

‍

Aluminum boats: the choice of robustness

‍

Three times lighter than steel, aluminum is the material of choice for mobility. Used in aeronautics, automotive, rail, and naval applications, it has been the benchmark material for blue water cruising sailboat hulls for over 50 years. Its durability, recyclability, impact resistance, and low maintenance requirements make it the ideal choice for long-distance sailors.

‍

But what about electrolysis in all this?

‍

If you mention aluminum in a port, there is always someone who will express concern about electrolysis. But what does this word really mean?

In reality, the term electrolysis is often used incorrectly. It covers two very different phenomena:

• Galvanic corrosion
• Electrolytic corrosion

Understanding them is already preventing them.

‍

Galvanic corrosion: a story of metals

‍

Galvanic corrosion results from the contact of different metals immersed in the same electrolyte, in this case seawater. A weak electric current flows, causing gradual attack on the less noble metals.

‍

The solution: sacrificial anodes .

‍

sacrificial anodes deliver a natural protective current that counteracts the corrosion current. Their effectiveness can be measured accurately using appropriate tools.

‍

Electrolytic corrosion: beware of leakage currents

‍

Electrolytic corrosion is caused by accidental electrical current (leakage current) coming from the shore or dock. This additional current accelerates corrosion at the point of exit to the sea, depending on its polarity.

The solution: rapid detection and neutralization of leakage currents through regular monitoring of the electrical system.

‍

Integrated expertise at Allures Yachting

‍

At Allures Yachting, we go far beyond the standards. Our design office includes electrical engineers who ensure that each sailboat is designed to remain protected from these phenomena.

• Rigorous electrical assembly
• Installation and monitoring of sacrificial anodes
• Periodic leakage current testing

‍

Tip: Replace your sacrificial anodes are more than 50% worn to ensure their effectiveness. 

‍

Anticipate to navigate with peace of mind

‍

Electrolysis is not inevitable. It is a well-understood phenomenon that can be controlled, provided you follow a few simple rules and remain vigilant. A well-designed, well-maintained boat will take you far, for a long time, and with complete confidence.

‍