Deck Layout

Aventura’s deck layout has been set up for sailing short-handed. Therefore there are dedicated lines permanently set up for each task, which means that setting up a spinnaker, for example, never takes longer than five minutes and I often do it on my own.

Aventura’s deck layout was carefully thought out for sailing in extreme conditions. All lines and halyards are brought back to the cockpit to a powerful electric winch. One further addition was that of a Walder boom brake. When its two control lines are winched in, even in an involuntary gybe the friction of those lines on the oversized block of the preventer will slow down the movement of the boom, which

One major consideration was the availability of storage space for all those items that I intended to take on my planned voyage. The standard OVNI 43 is designed with two double aft cabins but knowing where I was planning to sail I sacrificed the port cabin entirely and turned it into cavernous cockpit locker, a decision that I never regretted. To give an idea of what I manage to stow in my oversized portside cockpit locker I’ll list here the main items: a large inflatable dinghy (packed), at least two of the spinnakers, a few jerrycans, all spare engine oil, hydraulic fluid, antifreeze, six large fenders, mooring lines and a lot more besides. The watermaker, day fuel tank and heater are also located in the same locker.

Among the many things I asked the builders to do, was to use lifelines covered in plastic as they are nicer to the touch and are provided with gates amidships. OVNIs come with granny bars by the side of the mast as standard. They are a great help if I have to work at the foot of the mast in rough weather and are also useful for securing sail bags or fenders.

Cockpit Protection

Aventura has a canvas dodger that had been made higher so it gives full headroom. It is provided with a Perspex windscreen for better visibility. Initially I had a small bimini with side panels that could be closed for high latitude sailing. For my latest voyage I had a larger bimini made, initially just for the tropics, but I got so used to it, and find it so useful against the dangerous effect of being exposed to the sun for long periods, that now I use it all the time.