All the secrets of Allures Yachting and its 51.9 (16 m)

We had introduced it to you a few years ago at the virtual booth at Milan Yachting Week, Allures 51.9 is the flagship bluewater cruiser from the parent shipyard of the Grand Large Yachting group, France’s fourth-largest yacht builder. Over the years, the group has acquired several iconic yachting brands (including Garcia Yachts, Outremer, Gunboat, and RM) and developed them brilliantly. At the Düsseldorf show, accompanied by marketing manager Jérôme Guillou, we had the opportunity to visit Allures 51.9 and learn the secrets of this brand.

Functionality and hedonism according to Allures Yachting

Allures Yachting shipyard has been building sailboats with aluminum hulls but fiberglass deck and deckhouse for over 20 years, a feature that makes it unique. The purpose is not only to reduce weight but also to have more freedom in designing the shapes of the boat’s dead work, without being limited by the rigidity of aluminum. Allures are sailboats intended for long sailing in tropical latitudes, for those sailors, according to the shipyard, who are looking for pleasure for its own sake. In contrast, the Garcias, one of the brands acquired over the years by the Grand Large Yachting group, are boats made entirely of aluminum. Garcia boats are mostly intended for exploration at extreme latitudes, equipped with a layer of polyethylene foam that provides considerable thermal insulation (optional on Allures) and double-glazed windows.

The brand’s flagship

Allures 51.9, the yard’s largest boat, is designed by Berret-Racoupeau, like its smaller sister the 45.9. Until a few years ago, a 40.9 was also sold, but production was discontinued. The 51.9 has been in production for 2 years and the boat on display at the Düsseldorf show is hull number 4 but the order list goes up to 11 units, so by ordering it now the first availability is for November 2025. For Allures, the 51.9 is not only a large 45 but, from its conception, has been designed to have a large aft master cabin and a large outdoor cockpit.

Allures 51.9 – Exterior

The cockpit is more than 6 meters long, is divided into 3 areas (a relaxation area protected by hard top or rigid sprayhood, a dedicated boating area and a wet-area aft) and can comfortably accommodate 10 people. All maneuvers are grouped near the helmsman, facilitating navigation with a small crew. The two rudder wheels provide optimal visibility while sailing. There is a large sundeck and a retractable beach aft, a feature that highlights the tropical nature of this model. The boat has a movable keel, the below-deck square in fact is raised to make room for the lifting keel system, which with a manual winch can go from 2.92 to 1.34 meters. The rigging includes a rollable mainsail in the mast.

How it is built

The aluminum structure of the living work, like all Allures boats, is overlaid and glued to the fiberglass by about 6 cm. There is no contact between the two materials, which are separated by a layer of glue that is adhered under pressure for two days, and screws every 2 to 3 cm further secure the fastening.

Allures 51.9 – Interior

Designed for cruising in tropical latitudes, on Allures 51.9 thermal insulation is an option. Going below deck on the starboard side we find a comfortable L-shaped sofa that, by lowering the table, can turn into a huge bed. On the port side in addition to the chart table with double seating is a large U-shaped galley. Continuing toward the bow are two guest cabins and a bathroom with a separate shower. Toward the stern, on the other hand, a long corridor used as a technical area leads to the master cabin, which also has a private bathroom with a separate shower. The finishes are of high quality and there is plenty of storage space on board, as befits a boat intended for long cruising.

On-board systems

Range is provided by four tanks, two 300-liter tanks for water and two 350-liter tanks for fuel. In addition to being able to install solar panels on the rigid sprayhood to provide power even while sailing, there is room on board for a hydro-generator or diesel generator. The engine room, which is central, is easily accessible, and across the hallway is all the storage space for spare parts and equipment as well as facilities such as a washing machine.

Grand Large Academy

Allures accompanies the owner not only at the boat purchase stage but also post, offering, in addition to worldwide service, sending its own technician to follow up on site where needed, also a full-fledged Academy for the long haul. Before departure from the site Grand Large Academy offers a series of Training courses on engines, offshore medicine, safety at sea, meteorology, etc..

Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500

The first Allures 51.9, delivered 1 1/2 years ago, left after 2 months for the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500, a 3-year round-the-world voyage. Every 4 years Grand Large Yachting, of which Allures is a member, organizes a long fleet cruise for all boats of the group’s brands. A way to enjoy the trip without too many problems and complications. Grand Large takes care of booking moorings, arranging passage through the Panama Canal, obtaining permits to sail to the Galápagos, and between stops each crew is free to choose where to stop and what to visit with the security of having a supporting fleet by their side.

Allures 51.9 – Data Sheet

Overall length 16.67 m
Hull length 15.57 m
Maximum width 4.82 m
Draft 1.34/2.92 m
Standard displacement 18,400 kg
Sail area 118.6 square meters
110 HP engine
Fuel tank 2 x 350 liters
Water tank 2 x 300 liters
Layout 3 cabins with 2 bathrooms
Designer Berret-Racoupeau
Italian Importer Sailaway

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James Barbaro