The boat Ovni 395 "Fortuna"

Fortuna" is an Ovni 395 (Lenght 12,77m. - Beam 4,11m.) built by the Alubat France and launched in 2005 in Les Sable d'Olonne. Ovnis are long known as the "4 x 4 of the sea". One of Fortuna's greatest assets are her retractable keel and rudder, she is a tough and agile aluminum offshore sailboat designed by Philippe Briand. The hull aluminium (5083 H111) makes her a robust, fast and comfortable sailing yacht.
In the construction phase we instigated a number of modifications to ensure Fortuna was well prepared and equiped for the South.
· Additional diesel tanks for longer range
· Sail locker with access from deck,
· More winches on deck for sail handling
· Steps on the mast for easier climbing aloft.
· New MaxProp propellor is more efficient
· Large rugged dodger gives excellent protection in the cockpit
· Bowsprit and boom brake
· Wind generator and solars panels
· Thermally insulated the hull and cabintop
· More interior stowage space
· Grey-water holding tank
These a just a few of the things done to improve the quality of life on board and to make navigating easier.
The higher quality standards and preparation of the yacht offers a partnership with the sea, one never feels like simply being a "passenger", Fortuna is a yacht that everyone can enjoy and sail.
The boat may be sailed single handed and has a cutter sail plan (furling system Yankee and staysail, removable stay for storm jib, fully battened mainsail with rapid reduction), making her, well balanced and manageable.
The retractable keel and rudder enables more access where most other boats cannot go. It is possible to beach the yacht if ever necessary for repair and maintenance as the draft is 0,90m. - 2,10m.

Fortuna has one double cabin at the bow, the skipper's bunk in the saloon and double cabin astern. The spacious bathroom with toilet and shower is located aft. The open plan saloon, galley and navigation area makes for warm comfortable and inviting area. Fortuna can accomadate 4 guests + Captain.
The interior is proffesionally fitted out using cherry wood, countertop in Corian, giving a warm “honey feeling”. Comforts includes a Refleks heater and Origo stove, hot and cold pressurised water, electric Spectra watermaker, a wide variety of music (stereo CD system with interiors and ext. speakers) and a good selection of books. Fortuna has all the equipment and comforts for an enjoyable Cape Horn vojage and High Latitudes adventure.
Fortuna is self sufficient at sea, and in remote areas for more than one month. It is equipped with a main Volvo Penta 55HP diesel engine. Tender is a rugged Lomac 2,50m. with fix bottom and Yamaha 4HP outboard engine and a spare inflatable dinghy with Yamaha 2HP outboard engine.
Onboard we carry for anchoring a 16kg Fisherman, a 20kg Delta and an aluminium 9.5kg Fortress. Chain size10mm x 65m coupled with a anchor warp of 22mm.x65m. We also carry an additional 180m of nylon warp and additional chain. For tieing ashore we have 200m of polipropilene and exotic ropes.

Electronic navigation equipment onboard are:
· Radar 24nm. integrated with chartplotter
· Radar detector MerVeille
· Weather fax, Navtex
· SkyEye antena (Noaa satellite pictures in real time)
· Raymarine RN300 GPS, interfaced with chartplotter plus 2 handheld GPS's
· Sextant Fraiberger
· Simrad VHF with DSC and an Icom waterproof handheld
· HF Icom 706 MK IIG (SSB/BLU), Modem Paxtor III for e-mail & grib weather data
· Laptop Panasonic Toughbook for e-mail & grib meteo by linked via GSM and satellite
· Satellite phone Iridium 9505, voice & data
· Autopilot hydraulic Ray 6001 Plus with remote control plus a Windpilot self-steering
· Raymarine navigation & sailing instruments
· Electrical System is 12V DC ( gel batteries + 2° alternator on engine) with Xantrex batteries monitor and 220V AC provided by inverters (2x150W - 1x1800W) and Honda generator 2KW

The safety equipment carried exceeds normal requirements. Equipment includes, Liferaft Viking RescYou self righting (1x6 people), danbuoy, Emergency packs, Epirb with GPS (ACR Aquafix 121,5/406 Mhz.), distress flares Pains Wessex, manual Watermaker Survivor06 Katadyn, a waterproof Ditch kit, a waterproof first aid and medicine kit.
One set of scuba diving equipment and dive suit are available for cold waters.

The Skipper, Moreno Salvatore
Italian owner Moreno Salvatore has been skippering and running “Fortuna” since 2005. Moreno has was always fascinated with the sea, history and traveling.
Having sailed throughout the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, he has also voyaged around the coasts of Brittany through to Ireland and the Aran Islands via Fastnet rock.
Prior to sailing Fortuna to South America, Moreno sailed to the northern high latitudes crossing the Arctic Polar Circle and continuing to 70°North. During this passage he visited England, Scotland, Norway.
During the last few years Moreno has navigated single handed for ocean voyages and coastal passages to compliment his experience with team / group sailing. In January 2009 Moreno has navigated from Ushuaia to Antartic Peninsula, sailing to latitude 65°15' South.
Moreno is PADI DiveMaster, carries first aid qualifications from both PADI and the Italian College of hiking. During his time here in the south, he has completed a course in “glaciology and safe glacier hiking” through Club Andino including training for first aid to the victims of avalanches and course of Crux Roja Argentina.
During winter in Tierra del Fuego he has learned how to “Sledge Dog” drive.
Moreno is a HAM radio operator (IZ0GPM) and carries marine radio certification from English RYA.
He has attended courses in marine Biology and participated to the whale waching.
Languages spoken aboard: Italian, Spanish, English.

Destination and Costs 2009-10:

CAPE HORN: 7 days (2009 / from 19 Oct.)
To charter the boat for 2 persons , costs €. 3.300
Voyage with 4 persons max - €. 1.500 each from Puerto Williams.
Day 1: Puerto Williams - Puerto Toro / Isla Lennox
Day 2: Puerto Toro / Isla Lennox - Bahía Nassau - Caleta Martial / Puerto Maxwell.
Day 3: Caleta Martial / Puerto Maxwell - Cape Horn- Caleta Martial / Puerto Maxwell.
Day 4/5: Caleta Martial / Puerto Maxwell - Bahía Nassau - Isla Lennox / Puerto Toro.
Day 6: Isla Lennox / Puerto Toro - Puerto Williams.
Day 7: Puerto Williams.

DARWIN GLACIERS: 8 days
To charter the boat for 2 persons , costs €. 3.800
Voyage with 4 persons max - €. 1.700 each from Puerto Williams.

Day 1: Puerto Williams - Caleta Letier / Islotes Campamento.
Day 2: Caleta Letier / Islotes Campamento - Caleta Olla / Caleta Voilier.
Day 3: Caleta Olla, glaciar Holanda. Si Caleta Voilier, Seno Pía.
Day 4: Glaciares Italia, Alemania, Romanche y Seno Pía.
Day 5: Seno Pía - Bahía Tres Brazos.
Day 6: Bahía Tres Brazos - Bahía Yendegaia.
Day 7: Bahía Yendegaia - Puerto Williams.
Day 8: Puerto Williams.

CAPE HORN + DARWIN GLACIERS: 15 days - 14 nights aboard
To charter the boat for 2 persons for a week costs €. 6.600
Voyage with 4 persons max - €. 3.200 each from Puerto Williams.

A N T A R C T I C A : 24 days - 23 nights aboard (2010 / Feb. 8 - Mar. 3)
To charter the boat for 2 persons , costs €. 15.180
Voyage with 4 persons max - €. 6.900 each from Puerto Williams.

Day 1/3: Puerto Williams - Puerto Toro - Caleta Martial.
Day 4/17: Cape Horn- Melchior Islands y sailing Peninsula Antartica.
Day 18/24: Melchior Islands - Cape Horn- Caleta Martial - Puerto Williams.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
* Accomodation in double cabin with warm blankets
* Lifejacket (not inflatable)
* Engine and Heating fuel
* Food and beverages including wine and beer
* Iridium antenna connection
* All port fees and local taxes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
* Satellite communication with Fortuna's equipment. Only possible once approved by the Captain and must be paid in cash before the end of the voyage.
* Personal nautical waterproof or warm clothing
* Foul-weather gear and seaboots
* Personal inflatable Life vest and harness
* Technical equipment and/or tools of specific use for the expedition itself
* Strong alcohol beverages
* Special mountaineers food
* Transportation to and from the boat
* Shoreside accommodation
* Special permits for projects ashore such as climbing, research, skiing, diving, etc.
* Personal medical and evacuation insurance (obligatory)
* Passport and visas expenses if required; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore.
* All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and telecommunication charges.

*During winter in Tierra del Fuego, the captain has learned how to “Sledge Dog” drive if you are interested n this.

The Skipper, Moreno Salvatore

Interior Photos

Sailing around Cape Horn

See Cape Horn

This voyage may last 7 days depending on weather conditions

 
Glaciers and fjords of Tierra Del Fuego adventure (8 days)

See Tour of TierrraDel Fuego

More Photos of the Antarctica Expeditions, etc.