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A Short List of Centerboard Cruising Boats

Being stuck on the west coast of Florida, with two shoaling channels offering the easiest access out to the Gulf of Mexico, Ive suddenly become more interested in centerboard cruisers. Generally, Im not a huge proponent of adding moving parts to a cruising sailboat, but the attraction of being able to make reasonable progress to windward, feel secure in a blow, and explore skinny-water paradises that are off limits to conventional offshore designs is hard to resist.

So this week, I started a short list of 35- to 45-foot boats that looked interesting to me. Some Ive sailed on; some I havent. Practical Sailor has reviewed several of these boats. (Ive provided links to the reviews of boats we have looked at.) Id be interested in adding to this list and hearing thoughts from other owners of centerboard cruisers.

They are listed in no particular order.

1. Krogen 38. I grew up down the street from the Krogen family on Key Biscayne and had the chance to visit Jims design studio when I was just starting out as a reporter back in the 1980s. This is a pure cruising cutter that Krogen designed for himself. It has two bronze centerboards, one in front of the other, making it very easy to balance on long passages. Pros: This is a robust, three-cabin cruising boat with a loyal following. Cons: Cored hull and teak decks on boats of this age can be landmines. Are two centerboards double trouble? 2. Morgan 41 . Ive sailed on a couple of these sloops and like the way they look and sail. The boats heritage gives it a loyal following (a good thing to look for in any used boat). Pros: Storied design, with a good deck layout and comfortable motion. Cons: Finish quality varies greatly as many were owner-completed. Factory interior is pretty basic. 3. Tartan 37 . A classic Sparkman & Stephens design. Three different couples my wife, Theresa, and I cruised in company with in the Caribbean had Tartan 37s, and all of them were happy with the boat. Pros: A very popular dual-purpose classic with good bones. Cons: A bit pricey for the size and vintage, and not as spacious as contemporary 37-footers.

4. Ovni 43. In the Pacific and Southeast Asia, we sailed with two different couples cruising aboard these aluminum boats, made popular by circumnavigator, rally organizer, and author Jimmy Cornell. Pros: Tough aluminum construction, good track record. Cons: High price, and used boats are hard to find. 5. Block Island 40. Ive never sailed on this fabled yawl designed by Bill Tripp, but PS Technical Editor Ralph Naranjo often cites it as an example of rugged construction. Pros: Proven offshore design with a cult-like following. Cons: Many of the older Block Island 40s require expensive upgrades that will quickly eat through a cruising budget. 6. Bristol 35.5 . This Ted Hood design marked Bristols push into the big-boat market under Bristols boss Clint Pearson. Pros: This is a solidly built and popular Bermuda veteran. Cons: Totally enclosed cable makes it difficult to service. Not as spacious as contemporary cruisers in this size. 7. Sabre 38 MkI or MkII. Ive sailed several Sabres, ranging from the older Roger Hewson designed 34s to the new-generation Jim Taylor boats , and have always been impressed with the way they handled. Pros: Sabres craftsmanship is generally above average for production boats. Stick-built interior is more amenable to owner conversions. Cons: Outside of the Northeast, Sabres do not carry as much value as some other brands.

I initially thought Id dig up 10 boats, but with Thanksgiving around the corner, the crush of work and family obligations, Im calling this project to a halt for now. Happy Thanksgiving! Id love to hear some other suggestions to help round out the list!

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Allures 40.9 vs Ovni 400: French aluminium centreboarders go head-to-head

• November 2, 2020

Two rugged aluminium 40-footers from competing french yards make an interesting comparison. François Tregouet tests the Allures 40.9 and Ovni 400

Back in the mid-2000s the niche market for aluminium centreboarders was disrupted by the arrival of a new upstart, Allures Yachting. Until then, the undisputed market leader was French company Alubat, builders of Ovni at Les Sables d’Olonne.

Last autumn Alubat launched the Ovni 400, a substantial evolution of its original concept, which we went to test sail in Les Sables. Then, just a few days later, it was the turn of competitor Allures to reveal its new 40.9. The opportunity to carry out a comparison of these two ocean cruising prospects was too timely and tempting to ignore.

The original Ovni concept dates back to the 1970s. With their shoal draught and raw, chined aluminium hulls, Ovnis have captured the imagination of serious ocean sailors over the past four decades. More than 1,500 Ovnis have been built, and fulfilled thousands of sailors’ bluewater cruising dreams. Jimmy Cornell famously completed a five-year circumnavigation aboard his Aventura III , an Ovni 43.

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In 2003 engineers Stéphan Constance and Xavier Desmarest created Allures Yachting, with the ambition of revitalising the aluminium centreboarder concept. Starting with a 39.5 the Cherbourg-en-Cotentin-based yard quickly extended its range to 45ft, then a 50-footer.

But after the economic crisis of 2008, demand shrank and this specialised market was challenged by an ever-increasing number of competitors. Alubat began to appear unreactive. It was even close to disappearing in 2014, when it was taken over by a consortium of shareholders that loved the brand.

The Ovni 450 was launched, a refinement of the 445 aimed to innovate without alienating existing customers. Now, however, comes the Ovni 400, marking a real breakthrough.

The beamy hullshape of the Ovni 400 packs plenty of volume. All Ovni photos: François Tregouet

With this new design it is quicker to list what hasn’t changed: its 100% aluminium construction, centreboard keel and suitability for long-distance cruising are the main elements which remain the same.

At first glance, the shape of the hull is the biggest difference. The freeboard is almost vertical; the first curve is close to the waterline and its considerable beam extends almost all the way to the transom.

It has a rounded, slightly inverted bow, extended by a solid aluminium bowsprit. The bow section finishes one third of the way back, and sports a muscly volume visibly influenced by the box rule hulls of the Mini, Class 40 and IMOCA classes.

Slab-sided hull is rounded below the chine

This is combined with a short coachroof and vertical windows, and a clear and uncluttered foredeck that takes little water over the deck. The boat is secure to manoeuvre around on, with wide panels of non-slip and a longitudinal foot brace that runs centrally down the foredeck. Once at anchor, the foredeck area can become a double-bed sunbathing area.

The form and function of the boat almost makes you think of a catamaran – a connection that the Ovni 400’s architects, Alain Mortain and Yanis Mavrikios, are at no pains to deny.

All sail handling can be done from the cockpit, and canvas is hoisted or unfurled from the shelter of the huge companionway canopy. This rests against a solid arch, made of aluminium, which also supports the double mainsheet. When seated at the forward end of the cockpit benches, or on the coaming, you have a particularly well-sheltered watchkeeping station.

Cockpit is secure for helmsman and crew, but particularly under the canopy

At the stern, the twin wheels offer flexible helming: each wheel can be used sitting or standing facing forward, or sitting on the coaming to fix your eyes on the gennaker luff.

The twin rudders respond rapidly, and the genoa sheet winches, which are centred within easy reach, allow the helmsman to fine tune the sails without disturbing the crew. They can sit comfortably installed, well wedged-in, at the solid teak and lacquered aluminium cockpit table.

It takes time to learn how best to sail this modern hull. There is power, for sure, but also plenty of wetted surface area, so you have to find the right angles of wind and heel to optimise performance in light airs and breezier conditions. Under engine (a 50hp Volvo saildrive) the Ovni reaches 6 knots at 2,200rpm.

The airy forward cabin with an island double berth

But it is the Ovni’s comfort, ergonomics and stowage that impress most. The yard’s great experience and customer feedback all show their hand here.

Among the most striking points we liked were the large, rectangular bed in the forward cabin, and panoramic coachroof windows, which give a 180° view from the sliding companionway door. The light joiner work and décor give an uncluttered, modern look.

Practical touches include refrigerator drawers in the galley, which can be opened when the yacht is heeled; a large, and easy to clean moulded heads compartment in the starboard aft cabin; and a proper machinery room – a must for any bluewater sailor – that is accessible from the interior or the cockpit.

Galley with sensible handholds and fiddled worktops is to port

A few details from the first boat need attention, such as protection for the throttle and perhaps fitting the arch slightly further aft.

However, this is a serious candidate for bluewater voyaging . And with serious voyaging in mind, the buyer of the hull in build during our visit to the yard is having his boat equipped with a rigid doghouse to protect crew from any heavy weather.

Allures 40.9

Allures unveiled its latest model at last season’s La Rochelle Boat Show. Anyone familiar with the Allures 39.9 might recognise the deck layout and lines, but many changes have been made here.

The Allures’ deck and superstructure are composite, which allows a more sculpted shape than welded aluminium plate. Photo: Jerome Houyvet

Although the interior layout remains more or less the same, the leap in quality initiated by its designer Isabelle Racoupeau – wife of the yacht’s naval architect Olivier Racoupeau – has changed things substantially. The Allures 40.9’s warm joinery and the attention given to the finishing details makes its predecessor seem dowdy by comparison.

From the stainless steel fiddles at the navstation to the leather-covered reading lights and the white Corian inserts in the saloon table, there is an overall feel of luxury.

Wireless light switches are within easy reach and no longer hidden in the ceiling. It’s these type of small details that give an overall impression of stylishness whilst remaining seamanlike.

Coachroof portlights allow natural light to flood into the 40.9’s saloon. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The large roof hatches and five hull windows on each side generate plenty of light. The hull windows are aligned horizontally, so they enhance both the exterior aesthetics and the view from inside.

At sea, the slightly raised chart table and the U-shaped galley positioned close to the companionway allow the off-watch to keep an eye on the outside while staying warm and dry.

The saloon occupies the entire width of the hull, and the saloon table hides the centreboard well. There are a large number of stowage spaces on three levels on each side: under the seats; behind the backrests and under the side decks.

A U-shaped galley is to port, forward of the companionway. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Fitted on this boat was good quality insulation foam (optional), which limits temperature changes and avoids any risk of condensation on the inside of the aluminium hull. The deck is of composite construction.

This use of an alloy/composite combination is something that has been well mastered in superyacht builds as well as in aeronautical construction. The saving in production time for the shipyard is obvious, as the interior can be built while the hull is open and without passing the furniture through the companionway hatch. It is not only an economic advantage; the use of a mould also allows the development of different deck shapes, a high level of finish, and better insulation.

As for the aluminium hull, owners love the fact that the lack of paintwork means there is one fewer item of regular maintenance to worry about, and anyone who craves colour can still have the design of their choice with the now-standard vinyl hull wrap.

Photo: Jerome Houyvet

On our test sail we had between 15 and 18 knots of wind, and the Allures 40.9 seemed so easy. At 40° off the apparent wind, we were making 7 knots, and between 8 and 9 knots once we bore off to 115°.

I had another opportunity to sail this boat last year in over 25 knots of wind, and my impression then was equally good.

In quite rough seas the boat hardly took any water over the deck and was sailing at more than 9 knots downwind in spite of having only a jib and mainsail. The only boats overtaking us that day were coastal or ocean racing yachts.

With over 20 knots of wind to get back to Cherbourg, we sailed dead downwind, sails goosewinged as if we were in the tradewinds – albeit not so warm. We’d have liked to hoist a gennaker on the solid bowsprit, to lengthen her stride.

But on this point of sail, and with a swell starting to build, you get the best of the smooth movement that centreboarders provide, and it’s a behaviour that always pleasantly surprises anyone not familiar with this configuration.

The same is true of harbour manoeuvres, especially when going astern. Guided by the twin rudders, and helped by the bow thruster, the Allures 40.9 smoothly slipped into its berth like a hand into a glove, despite a strong crosswind.

Photo: Francois Tregouet

Head to head verdict

Both the Alubat and Allures yards clearly have a technical mastery of their builds. To be convinced of this, you only have to look at the electrical installations. The very high level of quality on both builds dispels any fears about the risk of electrolysis.

The metalwork on both boats is beyond reproach, stowage space is abundant, there are well-placed handrails everywhere and the capacity of the tanks gives all the self-sufficiency you could require. The specifications (below), indicate how evenly matched they are in some areas. So, which one would you choose?

The Allures and Ovni, close though they may appear to be, actually have very clearly differentiated personalities, and it is on this basis that owners will most likely make their choice.

The large and powerful Ovni will seduce those seeking to conquer muscular seas. The sleeker Allures will win the hearts of those who like to travel light. With the Ovni it is possible to customise the (aluminium) deck layout, while the Allures offers the versatility of a glassfibre deck construction.

Both Alubat and Allures deserve praise for the fact that the competition between them has pushed each company to innovate and improve their designs.

Centreboarder + Aluminium = Instability + Electrolysis?

Thousands of aluminium centreboarders have been cruising the world over the last 50 years. But myths die hard. A centreboarder is surely less stable than a keelboat? That’s simply not true. The standards for stability are the same for both. The downside is that the ballast on the centreboarder is higher up, so it requires more ballast to achieve the same righting moment.

A boat of the same length and sail area will be a few hundred kilos heavier – a disadvantage in light airs. On the other hand, the stability is very similar with the centreboard up, so you’re able to sail downwind in very little water or in rough seas.

The layman may also be worried about electrolysis in aluminium yachts. To dispel this biggest myth: the weak alloy of a lost penny dropped in the bilge won’t work its way through the 10-15mm of solid aluminium hull.

Ultimately, the electrical installations by shipyards such as Allures and Alubat are first class. Current leakage testers are a standard fit, warning of any deterioration, but also of possible problems if additional equipment is installed during the long life of the boat.

Allures 40.9 specification

LOA: 12.65m / 41ft 6in Beam: 4.15m / 13ft 7in Draught: 1.06–2.75 m / 3ft 6in–9ft Displacement (lightship): 10,900kg / 24,030lb Upwind sail area: 82.5m² / 883ft² Cabins: 2-3 Engine: 50hp Water capacity: 330lt / 73gal Fuel capacity: 400lt / 88gal Starting price: €313,000 (ex. VAT) Price as tested: €374,029 Design: Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design

Ovni 400 specification

LOA: 12.90m / 42ft 4in Beam (max): 4.35m / 14ft 3in Draught: 0.98–2.88 m / 3ft 3in–9ft 5in Displacement (lightship): 11,200kg / 24,692lb Upwind sail area: 85m² / 915ft² Cabins: 2-3 Engine: 50hp Water capacity: 400lt / 88gal Fuel capacity: 540lt / 119gal Starting price: €309,000 (ex. VAT) Price as tested: €420,045 Design: Mortain & Mavrikios

First published in the October 2020 issue of Yachting World.

What is a Sailboat Centerboard?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

A sailboat centerboard is a retractable fin that protrudes from the bottom of the hull. The centerboard keeps the boat stable and on course.

Centerboards are an important and often overlooked part of a sailboat, but they're essential to stability and effective navigation. Centerboards perform the function of a keel and keep the boat on course regardless of wind direction. Centerboards are primarily found on small trailerable vessels, which vary in length from 12 to 25 feet.

Table of contents

How a Centerboard Works

Centerboards look similar to fin keels, but they have one notable difference: they're retractable. Small sailboats use centerboards for stability and to keep a straight course, especially when sailing windward .

Technically speaking, a centerboard is a rudimentary form of a hydrofoil. In practicality, it's like a rudder that always stays amidships. This is beneficial, as it forces the boat to track a straight course regardless of what direction the wind is blowing.

Without the centerboard, the wind would push the sailboat in whatever direction it was blowing. Tacking would be nearly impossible, and attempting to sail windward could simply knock down the boat. In this sense, the centerboard performs the same function as a fixed-keel.

Centerboard Sailboat Characteristics

Centerboard sailboats are typically less than 25 feet in length and designed for shallow water. In fact, centerboard boats are perfect for shallow water. Cruising in lakes and rivers is a joy with a centerboard boat, as the board can be retracted for towing, beaching, or skimming over shallow water. Centerboard sailboats are the ultimate shoal-draft vessels.

Centerboards descend from a hollow cavity in the center of the boat. This cavity is called the centerboard trunk. Some centerboards are removable and slide vertically into the centerboard trunk. Others are hinged or enclosed, allowing them to be raised and lowered from inside the cabin without removal.

Removable Centerboards

Removable centerboards are usually found on the smallest sailboats. These blades tend to be roughly twice the length of how they look from under the boat. This is because the centerboard trunk has to be above the waterline. Remember, the centerboard trunk is effectively a hole in the boat, so it can't be the same height as the water.

Enclosed Centerboards

Enclosed centerboards are common on mid-sized and larger 'small' boats. They're especially common on vessels equipped with cabins. The primary benefit of an enclosed centerboard is water tightness, as the board is housed within a sealed centerboard trunk.

Enclosed centerboards can be raised and lowered from inside the cabin and never needs to be removed from the boat. They're also shorter (overall) than removable centerboards, as they don't mount to the very top of the high centerboard trunk.

The primary drawback of enclosed centerboards is increased complexity and access issues. But in most cases, small centerboard craft are not usually in the water long enough for severe growth issues. Additionally, retracting the board can protect it from excessive marine gunk.

Hinged Centerboards

Hinged centerboards (or 'swing keel' centerboards) are the most common enclosed variety. Hinged centerboards pivot on a forward hinge. They're long and thin and sometimes stow in a hidden centerboard trunk that's mounted to the bottom of the hull.

These 'stealth' centerboard trunks free up cabin space at the expense of a few inches of draft. Hinged centerboards offer an increased level of grounding safety, as they retract on their own if they hit the ground (instead of shearing off). It's the collapsing steering column of sailboat keels .

Advantages of Centerboard Sailboats

The primary advantage of a centerboard boat is its inherent shoal-draft capability. That means centerboard boats can go a lot closer to shore than fixed-keel vessels. They can even go on shore, and drying out during low tide is rarely hazardous. They sit upright on dry land, and they're easy to trailer around.

The cost to construct, own, and maintain a centerboard cruiser is often far less than a traditional fixed- keel sailboat . This is primarily because you usually don't need a crane to pull it out of the water. Centerboard boats are often small and light enough to leave on a trailer, and their small size avoids excessive marina fees.

Disadvantages of Centerboard Sailboats

Can you cross an ocean in a centerboard sailboat? Most would caution against it. Some would say, "absolutely not," but it has happened a time or two. The issues with centerboard sailboats are size, displacement, draft, and stability, which cause problems in rough weather.

Most centerboard sailboats are only comfortable in calm coastal and inland waters. Conditions aboard a shoal-draft sailboat in foul weather range from uncomfortable to downright perilous, which is a major tradeoff. Additionally, small centerboard sailboats typically lack the cabin and storage space necessary for seagoing provisions.

Also, most small centerboard sailboats simply aren't designed for extended cruising. Things like generators, VHF radios, large freshwater tanks, and bathroom facilities usually aren't up to the task on small boats.

Centerboard Sailboat Propulsion

The smallest centerboard sailboats, such as Sunfish and Laser racers, have no propulsion system other than the sail itself. However, anything beyond 15 feet in length will probably have some alternative propulsion. Small boats have an oar or two on board, but most utilize a 5 to 10-horsepower outboard motor.

Inboard motors are rare, but a one or two-cylinder marine diesel can sometimes be found below the cockpit of a centerboard cruiser. Some small 'motor-sailer' boats have inboard engines and a centerboard for sailing.

Best Centerboard Sailboats for Cruising

Centerboard sailboats are ideal for coastal and inland cruising, and many of these pocket-sized vessels include surprisingly comfortable accommodations. These aren't dinghies or converted rowboats; they're serious sailing vessels in a compact package. Here are a few of the best 'all-around' centerboard sailboats available today.

Catalina 22

The Catalina 22 is one of the most popular sailboats ever built. It has the profile of its larger cousins (like the Catalina 27) but features a compact swing keel centerboard instead of a fin keel . At 22 feet long, the Catalina 22 is about as hardy as centerboard cruisers get.

And thanks to its retractable hinged centerboard, there's enough cabin space for a V-berth, porta-potty, stove, sink, settee, and a convertible dining area berth. The trailerable Catalina 22 is widely available on the used market, often for entry-level pricing.

West Wight Potter 19

The West Wight Potter 19 is a small centerboard pocket cruiser with a cult following. It's a fiberglass V-bottom trailer sailboat with a spacious cabin, retractable centerboard, and foldable mast. This little cruiser is capable and convenient, and it's still produced today.

West Wight Potter sailboats are famous for being (quite literally) unsinkable. They're loaded with flotation foam and stay afloat even when completely flooded. Plus, they're easy to sail, and they have an enormous amount of natural stability.

The Hunter 22 is a remarkably well-balanced centerboard cruising boat. Like the Catalina 22, this Hunter sailboat features a compact swing-type retractable centerboard. It has a spacious cabin with room to accommodate the whole family on short voyages.

Hunter designed this compact cruising sloop with a masthead rig, which is simple to operate and robust. These vessels were only produced for a few years in the 80s, but variants are plentiful, and they're plenty of fun to sail.

Centerboard Vs. Fixed Keel

Are you interested in buying a sailboat ? Deciding between a centerboard and a fixed keel is an important decision that shouldn't be overlooked. If you're looking for a trailerable weekender for short voyages and an occasional offshore run, then consider a centerboard. They're cheap and easy to store in or out of the water.

Centerboard sailboats are also ideal for island hopping, as long as the islands aren't too far from your homeport. Florida to the Bahamas is a common and manageable journey for cruising centerboard boats.

And since centerboard sailboats tend to be smaller, it's important to consider how much provision storage you'll need for the journey. Running out of food or fresh water isn't much fun in the middle of the ocean.

Fixed keelboats are ideal for extended offshore voyages and coastal cruising, especially in choppy waters. A fixed keel cruising boat offers superior roll comfort, stability, and handling in a wide range of weather conditions. They're safer in storms as well. For serious sailing, it's difficult to find an ideal alternative.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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a New generation of aluminum sailboats building on the success of tried and tested design

With our experience and expertise in blue water sailing yachts, Alubat collaborated with the MORTAIN & MAVRIKIOS and CBA agencies to upgrade the OVNI 400 to the OVNI 430.

The OVNI 430 is part of the new generation of boats combining innovation, elegance, ergonomics, comfort and performance.

A hull with an inverted and voluminous bow giving the boat great length at the waterline. It is built-in semi-thick aluminum and a lighter structure (10mm for the bottom plate, 8 mm for the rest of the hull). The hull hollow is also moved slightly to the front as compared to the 400.

There is an increase in volume in the front 2/3rds of the hull. An additional chine has been added to the bottom.

The keel lifts all the way inside the hull for better hydrodynamics. 

Cast iron NACA profile centerboard with manual lift.

The lifting centerboard allows access to shallow, protected waters, and the ability to beach without sacrificing performance or safety.

The front of the coach roof is slightly widened as compared to the 400, and the coach roof angles are slightly modified to allow the deck saloon interior layout.

The mainsheet arch is removed and the mainsheet is now on the coach roof. The Genoa and Staysail sheet passages have also been improved.

The boom is slightly lowered and the integrated double bowsprit and forestay have been moved to the front.

The companionway door is inclined and watertight.

Access to the stern lockets from the cockpit have been added and the life raft locket has been extended for additional storage.

A panoramic view for active watchkeeping, great light and ventilation, an offset salon on the port side for an open and connected interior, a spacious head with separate shower, and a large fore owner cabin highlight the new, modern layout design.

The price represents an example of a fully equipped OVNI 430 with premium items for the long-distance sailor. Link for full equipment list

Exterior gallery

As part of the new generation of boats, the Ovni 430 combines innovation, comfort and performance.   The inverted bow gives a longer waterline length, improving performance and expanding the interior volume.

The Ovni 430 improves on the tried and tested design of the 400. An upgraded raised interior features panoramic view for active watchkeeping, great light and ventilation. An offset salon on the port side opens the interior area.

A large owner cabin is located forward and highlights the new, modern layout and design. There is a spacious head with a separate shower on board. 

Note: photos show a traditional layout

Interior layout

Price & equipment.

Integral aluminum chine construction with a watertight bulkhead at the front and a crash box

Welded structural reinforcements

Welded and bolted mooring cleats

Aluminum toe-rails integrated into the hull

Welded seacocks

Marine-grade plywood and solid wood trim

Iroko hardwood for external trim

Stainless steel double lifelines on stainless steel stanchions with side opening gates

Storage for dinghy engine on the bathing platform

Aluminum chain-plates with stainless steel bushes

Complete painting process with primary epoxy

Non-skid on horizontal areas

1 fore cabin hatch

2 additional hatches on the coach roof with ventilation. Hatches come with blinds

6 fixed hull portlights

2 opening aft portlights on coach roof – 1 port and 1 starboard

Panoramic Plexiglas coach roof with 7 opening portlights with curtain for privacy

2 blocks for mainsail sheet. Mainsheet on coach roof

1 electrical winch 48AEST on coach roof

2 additional winches 48AST for staysail

2 electrical winches 48AEST on cockpit instead of 2 x 48AST (manual)

2 Genoa sheet tracks with 1 piston adjustable traveller car

2 double pulleys with clamps, return sheet leads on winches

2 locking winch handles

2 sheaves boxes (x6) leading to halyards and reefs back to the cockpit

Cam clutches on the coach roof for halyards, reefs, downhaul

Aluminum grab rails welded on coach roof and 2 aluminum grab rails welded on transom

Pulpits at mast base

Bathing platform with stainless steel swim ladder with aluminum grab rail and lockable liferaft storage. 

Water, fuel and black water deck fill

Hot and cold water shower on bathing platform

4 harness clip-in attachment points (companionway, helm station and bathing platform)

Aluminum aft arch for accessories, 1 LED stern light, and mooring cleats for lifting dinghy

Block and fairleads with cam clutch for Genoa furler line feeders

Aluminum bow nose with two bow rollers

Integrated stern roller

Self-draining chain locker, cable clinch and cleat

Vertical electric windlass 1200W chain grab Ø10

Anchorage Pack (fore & aft): Spade Anchor 25kg + 60m of Ø10mm chain, and 7,1kg Fortress Anchor + 40m of mixed rope/lead Ø18mm anchoring line

Windlass control at the helm station

2 bow and 2 stern mooring cleats 330mm, 2 midship spring cleats 330mm, additional 2 mooring cleats on foredeck 330mm and 2 mooring cleats on the rear skirt 330mm

Mooring Pack: 6x black fender with black sock + 1x White Stepfender, and 4 x 10m Ø 16mm mooring ropes + 2x 15m Ø16mm mooring ropes

Sails are all high tech Pro Radial woven polyester radial sails made by Incidence Sails in La Rochelle, France. Included are the following:

Full batten mainsail 52 m2, 3 reefs including 2 automatic reefs, lazy bag and battens, Spectra halyard. Running backstays and blocks. Hydra Net radial sailcloth.

Furling Genoa (41 m2), UV stripe, bag. Hydra Net radial sailcloth.

Furling Code 0 with sheets, blocks, and Dynema halyard

Furling Staysail, sheets, blocks, Dynema halyard, sail bag

1 mainsail halyard, 1 Genoa halyard, 1 boom topping lift, 2 Genoa sheets, 1 mainsail sheet.

Additional halyard for Code 0/Spinnaker

Anodized aluminum deck stepped mast, double swept aft spreaders, 4 mast steps include 2 to reach mainsail and 2 mast steps at the head of the mast.

Mooring and masthead navigation lights, halogen deck floodlights and tri color mast head

Stainless steel mast pulpit

Tri color and white LED mast head light

Girouette WINDEX at mast head

Anodized aluminum boom fitted with outhaul and 3 reef lines leading back to cockpit

Rigid boom vang with tackle

Mast step/pod with blocks

Stainless Steel standing fractional rigging: 1 forestay and 2 backstays, 2 upper shrouds, 2 inner shrouds, 2 aft shrouds

Large self-draining cockpit with direct access to bathing platform through aluminum lifting bench

2 dorade boxes in aluminum welded on the coach roof for ventilation

Synthetic teak on bathing platform

Synthetic teak on bench seats and and helm seat with upholstered seats and backrests in choice of color marine fabric

Coaming lockers with permanent ventilation of aft cabins

Locking cockpit lockers on portside

Ø910 twin steering wheels, compass & compass cover for each helm station

Engine control panel on main starboard station helm

2 LED lights under dinghy davit aft arch (white/red)

Storage and gas lockers on the rear skirt

Storage lockers on transom

Manual bilge pump

2 opening aft portlights on coach roof (one on portside coach roof and one in the technical room)

Harness clip-in attachment points

2 Genoa sheets lockers under main winches

Smoked Plexiglas companionway door retractible and watertight. Sets in 3 positions

Exotic wood frame

Dodger with vertical canvas enclosure with an open central part

Welded instrument compatible with aluminum dodger

1 leather-wrapped s/s grab rail and 1 grab rail in wood bulkhead

Solid wood 3 non-slip companionway steps – 3 LED lights on the companion way steps, and 1 LED lights on the forward cabin step

2 opening aft portlights on each side of the companionway

Engine access located under companionway steps via hydraulic cylinders

Headroom: 6’5″ (1.98 m)

Chart table and seat both with storage

Electric control panel with 12V, 1 x 220V and 1 USB outlets, leak meter, water and fuel gauge

1 directional chart LED light in red and white

Raised salon layout with portside L-shaped bench seat and bench seat opposite on centreboard casing with storage under seating. Large fixed table. Upholstered cushions, 12cm thick with backrests

Lateral shelf behind seating with storage space, 2 additional shelves

Ash wood finish

5 fans 12 V

Handrails throughout

Vinyl lining on ceiling and wood lining on hull sides

Laminated flooring with integrated lockable storage

2 opening porlights in the panoramic roof for ventilation. Panoramic roof comes with curtains for privacy

4 LED overhead lights

Varnished aluminum mast support

White staron (synthetic resin) worktop with fiddles

Stainless steel sink

Pressurized hot and cold water

Gimballed s/s two-burner stove with over with s/s protective rail

12V s/s refrigerator, 2 drawers, 144 L, opening in the running direction

Storage cupboard under sink with shelves and bins

Drawers under worktop

Tall cupboards with door and shelf

Shelf behind stove

Opening porthole in the panoramic roof

2 LED lights in red/white

Headroom: 6’4″ (1.95 m)

Central double berth 200 x 140

12cm thick upholstered mattress on slatted bed base

Storage lockers under berth

Wardrobe, cupboard and shelves for storage

Opening deck hatch for ventilation

2 fixed portholes with closures

3 overhead light, 2 adjustable LED reading lights with integrated USB outlets

Headroom: 6’1″ (1.88 m)

1 removable double berth with 12 cm thick upholstered mattress on slatted bed base

Wardrobe and shelves for storage. Storage under berth

Engine inspection hatch in cabin

2 opening portlights on the panoramic roof for ventilation

Overhead light and 2 adjustable LED reading lights with integrated USB outlets

Headroom: 7′ (2.16 m)

White countertop, 2 shelves and mirror mounted on bulkhead

Separate shower with shower column with mixer (hot/cold pressurized water)

Opening sail gear wardrobe and water drain

Manual pump toilet with holding tank

Sink with hot and cold pressurized tap

Opening portlight on panoramic roof for ventilation

2 LED overhead light, 1 220V outlet

Headroom: 6’4″ (1.96 m)

Located starboard of companionway

Two bunk berths

Access technical room via hatch in the cockpit and suspended storage in the aft cabin

Washer/Dryer DAEWOO mini 3kg

2 LED overhead lights

1 fixed hull porthole

Headroom: 4’9″ (1.50 m)

Access by opening deck hatch

Foresail locker layout and 12 V lights

Insulation black foam + armacell

Watertight bulkhead between locker and stem

D2-50 Volvo diesel engine 50hp in a soundproof, ventilated compartment (option for Yanmar)

Dual fuel filters

MAX PROP 3-blade feathering propeller

Rope cutter SPUR   for engine transmission Shaft drive

12V lighting in the engine compartment

SIDEPOWER Tunnel bow thruster 100kg / 12V

Air conditioning reversible 16000 BTU/ 220V ( 2 Units )

Generator 4Kw Fisher Panda Néo 5000i

Solar panels 2 x 130 W total on aluminum support and hard dodger, and MPPT regulator

230V AC 50Hz Circuit which includes dock outlet, Bipolar leak detector & electric panel. 

Pack upgrade batteries : 4 AGM 130Ah batteries

1 engine battery 90Ah

Battery charger 60A and 120A load distributor

Converter 24-220v

Insulation transformer 3600 W auto 115V/230V

Additional 115 Ah alternator

Water maker AQUABASE – 12 V – 65l/h with automatic rinse

Maintenance Kit (anodes, led, fuses, hydro-lube rings etc)

30L water heater, 220V supply and via engine heat exchanger

Custom plastic welded water and fuel tanks

2 automatic electric bilge pumps with switch on control panel

Aluminum welded seacocks

B&G Electronics Package Includes (sample of electronics installation): 

• Triton Navigation Pack and 2 displays

Autopilot LS 40ST16 and NAC-3 computer with display + control panel + precision 9 electronic compass

VHF B&G V60 with AIS + GPS and VHF antennas

AIS B&G Transmitter/Receiver

Radar B&G HALO 20+ – 36NM range

ZEUS 3S screen – 9″ touchscreen at the starboard helm station + navionics map France +Pod

Pilot remote control

Fusion bluetooth radio + 4 speakers

Cast iron NACA profile centerboard with manual lift

Twin helm stations in cockpit with twin self-aligning rudders

Commissioning includes: launching, masting & rigging adjustment, one day coaching & 5 days in the marina

Customized vinyl sticker with boa t name + home port initials

The price represents an example of a fully equipped Ovni 430 with premium items for the long-distance sailor. 

SPECIFICaTIONS

• Architects : MORTAIN/MAVRIKIOS & CBA
• Material : Aluminum 5083 H111 and 6060 T6 profiles
• Hull Overall : 12.90 m | 42.3 ft
• Hull Length : 12.28 m | 40.3 ft
• Length at Waterline : 11.54 m | 37.9 ft
• Maximum Beam : 4.36 m | 14.3 ft
• Draft with Centerboard Down : 3.40 m | 11.15 ft
• Draft with Centerboard Up : 0.85 m | 2.8 ft
• Air Draft : 18.50 m (60.7 ft) excluding aerials
• Displacement (light) : 11,900 kg | 26,235 lb
• Ballast Weight : 3,330 kg | 7,341 lb
• Keel Weight : 700 kg | 1,543 lb
• Water Tanks : 450 l (119 gal)
• Fuel Tanks : 580 l (153 gal)
• Black Water Tank : 50 l (13 gal)
• Upwind Sail Area (sloop) : Traditional 85 m² (915 sq ft)/ Square top 93 m² (1001 sq ft)
• Mainsail : Traditional 44 m² (474 sq ft) / Square top 52 m² (560 sq ft)
• Solent : 41 m² (441 sq ft)
• Engine : VOLVO D2-50 shaft drive 36.5 kW (50 hp) Optional upgrade available.

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CMPF Trisbal 42 Aluminium centreboard

Used yachts for sale, sail monohulls 40ft > 50ft,        cmpf boats for sale, cmpf trisbal 42 boats for sale.

CREATING AN ALUMINIUM SAILBOAT FOR BLUEWATER CRUISING

"I have always been fascinated about the idea of sailboat traveling on the ocean energy self-sufficient like the satellite rounding the earth. Producing its own energy by the power of wind, sea and sun.

The Li Yachts project started with my own desire of the boat that will be used in dive expeditions with aim to reach even the remotest locations – and I wanted to do that with freedom of fossil fuels."

Voyage started from my hand drawn sketches. Here drawing the 47 ft centreboarder.

We have designed a 40 ft centreboard pilothouse sailboat made of aluminium and the 33 ft version is in initial sketch stage. My search for the perfect cruising boat lead me to start the design project and a company called Li Yachts in 2015 in Finland. The name was borrowed from my old aluminium yacht and now refers to low impact because of sustainability goals.

The basis for the project was a life-time passion for the sea. Contributing personal factors included my long sailing experience in Nordic waters and the technical and artisan education I had completed earlier. Also my desire to realise long research expeditions on the world’s oceans in the future was part of my personal background.

The strongest motivational factor was the fact that I was not satisfied with the properties of most modern yachts. Based on the above, the need for a totally new sailing boat concept crystallised

Late autumn gale approaches, I'm dreaming of keeping watch from warmth of the pilothouse.

My goal in the Li Yachts project is to create a modern sailboat made of aluminium, the simple and strong tool for bluewater cruising. The main design elements will include safety, practicality and sustainability The new design concept covers production, use and maintenance. Zero pollution and high level of recycling of materials are some of the specific goals. Please read more about the background in The Blog  page.

At a very concrete level, I have understood what changes in design will be needed for the boat of the future when I have been owning, sailing and re-building an old aluminium sailboat called Li built in 1967 , since 2011.

During the years with my current aluminium yacht, I have kept notes on the observations as regards the design elements which could be improved. In many cases they would actually need to be drastically redefined in order to satisfy my dreams as to the perfect expedition sailboat. For more information of these details, kindly see  The Concept  page.

Familiar snowy views while winter sailing at 60°N has given lessons on how well an aluminium sailboat intended for high latitude sailing should be insulated.

I believe I am not alone with my thoughts. I think most experienced sailors would share my ideas. I believe many of them have actually realised there is a need for some basic changes in the design as regards our future yachts.

As the resources of the world are becoming more and more scarce, we need to take this into consideration, in addition to considering the improvements needed in other operational details of a sailing boat.

Please contact me in case you need more information or want to share design or production ideas. At the moment we are working hard to be able to build the 40 ft prototype. The goal is to produce a small serie, which would give reasonable priced opportunities for the first interested sailors.  I hope that a new advanced and sustainable aluminium sailboat will soon sail the seas and oceans of the world.

Fair winds,

Simo Nyrönen

Founder of Li Yachts

• Sail School

Aft : The rear of a boat, close to the stern Backstay : A mast support that runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the boat. It may be adjustable in order to bend the mast backward or to increase tension on the forestay tool Ballast : Weight in the keel of a boat that adds stability Beam : A boat's greatest width Beating : Sailing (or pointing) at an angle into the wind or upwind. Since sailboats cannot sail directly into the wind, "beating" is the closest course to the wind they can sail. Bilge : The lowest part of a boat's hull

Blanketing : A tactical maneuver in which one boat slows a competitor by positioning itself to obstruct the competitor's wind Block : An assemblage of one or more sheaves (pulleys) housed in a plastic or metal case that changes the direction of travel of a line (rope) and may be attached to a boat's deck, spar or other stationary object Boom : Spar to which a sail's lower edge or foot is attached. The boom is attached to the mast at the gooseneck. Boom vang : Lines that control the boom. These lines run from the boom to the base of the mast and are used when reaching and running. Bow : The front of the boat Broach : When in a downwind situation, the boat turns uncontrollably and is pushed by the wind onto its side, lying with the mast parallel to the water. As a rule, the boat will right itself. Buoy : A floating marker Cam cleat : A mechanical cleat used to hold a line automatically. It uses two spring-loaded cams that come together to clamp their teeth on the line, which is placed between them. Also known as jam cleat . Centerboard : Like a keel, it is a weighted appendage projecting below the boat that keeps it from capsizing and also supplies the hydrodynamic lateral force that enables the boat to sail upwind. Unlike a keel, it is retractable. Cleat : A fitting, typically with projecting ends, that holds a line against the tension from the sails, rigging or mooring Clew : The lower corner of a mainsail or jib and either lower corner of a spinnaker Coming about : Turning the boat so the bow crosses through the eye of the wind, thereby changing the side of the yacht on which the sails are carried. Also known as tacking. Covering : A tactical maneuver in which a boat stays between a competitor and the wind or the next mark Daggerboard : An adjustable fin primarily used to stop the boat moving sideways through the water. Also known as centerboard. Dinghy : The Laser, Laser Radial, 470, and Finn are all dinghies that have been used in Olympic sailing - they all have one hull and a centreboard or daggerboard Downwind : The point of sail when the wind blows from aft of the boat's beam Drag : The negative or retarding force acting on a body, such as a boat moving through a fluid parallel and opposite to the direction of motion Fall off : A maneuver in which a boat turns away from the wind Fleet racing:  Competition format were entries race against each other around a course Foot : The bottom edge of a sail Genoa/Headsail/Jib : The smaller sail set in front of the mast Gooseneck : A fitting that attaches the boom to the mast Gybe : Turning the boat so the stern crosses through the eye of the wind, (thereby changing the side of the boat on which the sails are carried (opposite of tacking). Also spelled jibe. Halyard : A line used to hoist and hold up a sail Header : Wind shift that causes the boat to head away from the mark Helmsman : The crew member who steers the boat; also the skipper, or the "driver" Hiking out : Leaning out of the craft in order to change the center of gravity in the boat and go faster Hiking straps : Straps attached to the feet that help a sailor hike out more, minimizing the chance of falling out of the boat Hull:  The main body or shell of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck ISAF : International Sailing Federation, the world governing body of sailboat racing Jam cleat : A device used to grip a line (rope). It has two rows of V-shaped molded teeth that grip the line when it is jammed in the groove. Also known as cam cleat. Jib : A foresail that overlaps the shroud base and is used for sailing upwind Jibe : Same as the gybe -- turning the boat so the stern crosses through the eye of the wind, thereby changing the side of the yacht on which the sails are carried (opposite of tacking) Kee l: A weighted, non-moveable appendage projecting below the boat that keeps it from capsizing and also supplies the hydrodynamic lateral force that enables the boat to sail upwind Kite : Large, light ballooning sails that are only attached to the mast at the corners. They are used when sailing downwind. Also known as spinnaker . Knot : One nautical mile per hour Lay : To sail a course that clears an object or racecourse marker buoy such as the windward and leeward marks. When a boat is doing so, it is said to be "laying the mark." Layline : An imaginary line projecting at an angle and corresponding to the wind direction from either side of a racecourse marker buoy that defines the optimum sailing angle for a boat to fetch the mark or the finish line. When a boat reaches this point, it is said to be "on the layline." Going beyond the layline means the boat is sailing a greater distance to reach the mark or finish line. Leech : The trailing edge of a sail or the curve of a sail Leeward : The side furthest away from the wind Lines : A nautical term for ropes Luff, to : Bubbling or flapping of a sail when it is not trimmed enough or is being back winded by another sailor when the course sailed is too close to the wind Mainsail : The sail behind the mast Mark : A buoy used in a racecourse Mast : The vertical spar that holds up the sails Match racing : A racing format in which only two boats compete at a time, as opposed to fleet racing, wherein three or more boats sail at once Medal race : The final race in the series. Only the top-10 boats after the opening series compete and scores are doubled. Multihull : Nacra 17 (boat used in its inaugural event at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games) - A boat with more than one hull. A boat with two hulls is also known as a catamaran and a boat with three hulls is knows as a trimaran. Nautical mile : The unit of geographical distance used on saltwater charts; one nautical mile equals 6,076 feet or 1.15 statute miles. Therefore, one statute mile equals 0.87 of a nautical mile. Off the wind : Sailing away from the wind; also downwind, reaching or running Plane : A boat planes when it sails over her own bow wave so only a small section of the hull is in the water. This allows the boat to go faster than the theoretical maximum hull speed. Pointing : Sailing at an angle into the wind or upwind. Depending on a boat's design, some will "point higher" or sail more directly into the wind and thus sail a shorter course to a given mark on the racecourse. Port : Nautical term for the left side of a boat when facing forward Port tack : Sailing with the wind blowing onto the port side and the mainsail on the starboard side Race officials : The officials responsible for running the race and enforcing the rules. This group includes the measurers who ensure that each sailor's equipment is equal and within the rules, the race officers who run the races and the judges and umpires who are rules experts and make decisions about whether rules have been broken. Reef : To decrease a sail's size Rigging : The wires, lines, halyards and other items used to attach the sails and the spars to the boat. The lines that do not have to be adjusted often are known as standing rigging. The lines that are adjusted to raise, lower and trim the sails are known as running rigging. Rudder : A moveable fin located underneath the back of the boat that steers the craft Running rigging : All moving rods and lines that support and control the mast and sails Shackle : A metal connector that attaches to other fittings with the use of a pin that is inserted through the arms of a U Sheet : A line that controls sails Skiff : 49er - A light open dinghy with a self-draining hull Slalom finish : A technical section of the windsurfing (RS:X) course involving multiple changes of direction in quick succession Spar : A basic term for a mast, boom or yard Spinnaker : Large, light ballooning sails that are only attached to the spars at the corners. They are used when running or reaching, sailing downwind. Starboard : Nautical term for the right half of the boat when facing forward Starboard tack : Sailing with the wind blowing onto the starboard side and the mainsail on the port side Stern : The rear of the boat Tacking : Turning the boat so the bow crosses through the eye of the wind, thereby changing the side of the boat on which the sails are carried (opposite of gybing) Tiller : A lever used to turn the rudder of a boat from side to side Trapeze : To stand on the side of the boat to maximize the effect of the body weight Trim : To adjust the sail to the right shape and angle to the wind. The process of "hiking out," or changing the center of gravity of the boat in order to go faster. Upwind : Toward the direction from which the wind blows; windward. Way : Forward motion of a boat. A term typically used in the context of saying that a boat is making way, is underway, or has way on. Windward : The side closest to the wind

Note: Some components of NBCOlympics.com may not be optimized for users browsing with Internet Explorer 11, 10 or older browsers or systems.

Moscow concert attack: More than 60 reported dead; ISIS claims responsibility

This live blog has ended. For the most recent updates, please click here .

What we know about the Moscow concert attack

• Men in camouflage broke into a Moscow concert hall and opened fire, shooting an unknown number of people, Russia’s prosecutor general said.
• The terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility but did not provide proof of the claim, which was made on ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.
• Russia's Investigative Committee said that more than 60 people are dead after the attack at Crocus City Hall. Officials have said more than 100 others were injured.
• A fire also started inside Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue northwest of central Moscow. Firefighters have evacuated about 100 people from the basement of the building and efforts are underway to rescue people from the roof, Russian emergency officials said.
• Russia officials said they were investigating the attack as a terrorist act.
• A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the venue, which has a maximum capacity of more than 9,000 people.

Three children among those killed, state media reports

Chantal Da Silva

Three children were among the more than 60 people killed in yesterday's attack at Crocus City Hall, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the Russian Ministry of Health.

Officials have warned that the death toll connected to the deadly incident may increase as the investigation continues.

Xi sends condolences to Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday after a deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, saying China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns terrorist attacks.

China firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability, Xi said, according to CCTV state television. 

Moscow bloodshed comes two decades after some of worst attacks in Russia

Phil Helsel

The shooting attacks in Moscow are the latest in a series of deadly terror attacks in the country since the 2000s.

In 2004, militants from Chechnya and elsewhere took hostages at a school in Beslan in southern Russia.

The militants demanded a withdrawal from Chechnya. Hostages were kept in a gymnasium, and 334 died — half of them children — when gunfire and explosions erupted when it was stormed. Hostages’ families were critical of the rescue operation. Russian prosecutors later cleared authorities .

Two years prior, in 2002, Chechen separatists attacked the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow and took more than 700 people hostage. Russian forces used gas, and 129 hostages died. The attackers were killed.

More recently, in 2017 a suicide bomber from Kyrgyzstan killed 15 people as well as himself in an attack on a St. Petersburg subway. In 2013, two bombers killed a combined 34 people in attacks on a railway station and a trolleybus in Volgograd.

The group Islamic State, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks Friday at the Crocus City Hall venue.

Putin wishes victims well, deputy prime minister says

President Vladimir Putin is thinking of those injured in today’s attack and thanked doctors, a Russian government official said according to state media.

State media TASS reported that “Putin wished all those injured in the emergency at Crocus City Hall to recover and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors, Golikova said,” referring to Tatiana Golikova deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension provision.

More than 60 dead, and death toll could grow, Russian agency says

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Saturday that more than 60 people have died in the attack, and warned the number may increase.

“The bodies of the dead are being examined. It has been previously established that more than 60 people died as a result of the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the number of victims may increase,” according to the Investigative Committee, which is a federal state agency.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the security agency FSB are continuing to investigate, the committee said in a statement, and weapons and ammunition have been found.

U.S. warned Russia about planned terrorist attack in Moscow, NSC says

Monica Alba

The United States shared information about a potential terrorist attack in Moscow with Russia’s government earlier this month, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said.

The U.S. Embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and said it was monitoring reports that extremists might attack large gatherings in Moscow.

“Earlier this month, the U.S. Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow — potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts — which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

“The U.S. Government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.

Putin recently dismissed ‘provocative’ warning about potential attacks

In remarks that aired three days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of “provocative statements” about potential terror attacks in Russia, and dismissed them.

“I’ll remind you of recent, let’s say directly, provocative statements of certain official Western structures about potential terror attacks in Russia,” Putin said.

“All of this looks like obvious blackmail and an attempt to intimidate, destabilize our country,” he said before the state security agency FSB.

Putin in those remarks did not specify a country or warning. The U.S. embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds .

“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the U.S. embassy warned.

Guards at concert hall didn't have guns, state news says

The Associated Press

Guards at the concert hall didn’t have guns, and some could have been killed at the start of the attack, Russian media reported.

Some Russian news outlets suggested the assailants fled before special forces and riot police arrived.

Reports said police patrols were looking for several vehicles the attackers could have used to escape.

U.S. had been gathering intelligence that ISIS could attack Russia

Ken Dilanian

The U.S. had been gathering intelligence for months that ISIS could mount a mass casualty attack in Russia, two U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News.

That information led to a March 7 warning issued by the U.S. embassy in Russia about possible extremist attacks, including at concerts, urging people to stay away from large gatherings, one of the officials said.

That official said the claim of responsibility today by ISIS appears to be genuine, though no final assessment had been made about who was responsible.

Some Moscow concertgoers filmed events as they unfolded Friday night, when gunmen opened fire inside a theater and people ran to take cover in fear for their lives.

Witness says gunfire was first thought to be construction noise

A witness to today’s armed attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall told a state news agency that they first mistook the gunfire for sounds of an installation being dismantled.

“First, we started hearing typical loud pops, but it was impossible to understand that they were gunshots. We thought that something was falling, as exhibitions were being dismantled at that moment, and someone seemed to be dropping something large,” Mikhail Semyonov told TASS .

“Then, the bangs were getting more and more frequent. Suddenly, there was a scream, and the bangs started to be heard as bursts. Then it became clear that it was shooting,” he said.

ISIS claims responsibility for attack but does not provide proof

The terror group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow.

The group, also known as ISIS, did not provide any proof of its claim, which came from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.

The group’s members have carried out a number of terror attacks, including the 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.

Children among the victims, Russia's children commissioner says

Yuliya Talmazan

Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, said children were among the victims of tonight's attack.

"Information about their condition is regularly updated," Lvova-Belova said on Telegram. "Any additional assistance will be provided immediately."

She later told Russia 24 TV channel that at least two children had been injured, including one boy with a gunshot wound.

Earlier, Russian officials released a preliminary casualty toll of at least 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.

France, U.K., Germany condemn attack

Officials from France, the U.K. and Germany were among those who expressed their condolences to the victims of the attack at the Crocus concert hall.

"The images of the terrible attack on innocent people in Crocus City Hall near #Moscow are horrific," Germany's Foreign Office said on X . "The background must be investigated quickly. Our deepest condolences with the families of the victims."

"We condemn the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow," the U.K.'s embassy in Russia said . "This is a terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, France's foreign ministry called for "full light" to be shed on "these heinous acts."

Public events across Russia called off after attack

Several regional leaders across Russia, including in the annexed Kherson region of Ukraine, have canceled public events this weekend over security considerations after the deadly concert attack in Moscow.

Shortly after the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin canceled all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend. State news agency TASS also quoted Russia's cultural ministry as saying that mass and entertainment events in federal cultural institutions have been canceled in the coming days.

Zelenskyy adviser speaks out about attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser denied that Ukraine was involved in the deadly Crocus concert hall attack.

“Ukraine certainly has nothing to do with the shooting/explosions in the Crocus City Hall (Moscow Region, Russia),” Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on X. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”

No evidence has emerged to suggest Ukraine may have been involved, but Ukrainian officials may be trying to pre-empt accusations, as some Kremlin hawks have already started pointing at Kyiv. 

Asked whether the shooting was at all tied to the war in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting, but again, this just broke. We’re taking a look at it, but I would disabuse you at this early hour have any connection to Ukraine.”

Videos posted to social media appear to show chaos inside Moscow's Crocus City Hall during and after a terrorist attack.

Some videos include what sound like gunshots and show men with rifles, as concertgoers frantically try to exit the venue.

State Department issues warning to Americans in Moscow

Jason Abbruzzese

The State Department said that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall and that U.S. citizens should avoid the area and follow the instructions of local authorities.

"The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for U.S. embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates in Russia," the State Department said in a message posted to its website .

'What a nightmare in Crocus,' Widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny condolences about concert attack

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died in prison last month, expressed her condolences about the attack Friday.

"What a nightmare in Crocus," Navalnaya wrote on X. "Condolences to the families of the victims and quick recovery to the injured. Everyone involved in this crime must be found and held accountable."

320 firefighters, 3 helicopters working to put out fire

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said the number of rescue crews responding to the attack is growing and now includes more than 320 firefighters, 130 emergency vehicles and three helicopters dumping water on the burning concert venue.

Moscow regional governor says 40 dead, more than 100 injured

Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Telegram that at least 40 people are dead and more than 100 injured in the terrorist attack, confirming figures previously reported by Russian state news.

Putin informed about concert venue attack 'in the first minutes,' Kremlin spokesperson says

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed about the shooting at the Crocus concert hall "in the first minutes" of the attack, Russian state news agency RIA reported.

The president is receiving information about what is happening and the measures being taken through all relevant services and is giving necessary instructions, Peskov said according to RIA.

Russian journalist was inside concert venue when gunmen entered

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that one of its reporters was inside the venue when gunmen entered and began shooting concertgoers.

The journalist said that at least three unmasked gunmen in camouflage entered the hall a few minutes before 8 p.m. Moscow time. They shot people point-blank and threw incendiary bombs, according to the journalist.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson calls incident 'bloody terrorist attack'

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, called the Friday night incident at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow a "bloody terrorist attack" as she called for "strong condemnation" from the international community.

"Now, as the Russian authorities have stated, all efforts are being devoted to saving people," Zakharova said. "The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime!"

U.S. national security spokesperson says embassy has told Americans to avoid large gatherings in Moscow

Kyla Guilfoil

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby addressed the attack in Moscow at a White House press briefing Friday afternoon, calling it a “terrible, terrible shooting attack.”

“The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the the victims,” Kirby said.

Kirby added that the U.S. embassy has notified all Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, concerts, shopping malls, etc., and “stay put where they are” for their safety.

Russian media says 40 dead, more than 100 injured at concert attack

TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency, and RIA Novosti are reporting that Russia's FSB security agency has put the preliminary casualty count at 40 dead and more than 100 injured by a terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert venue.

NBC News has not confirmed those casualty numbers.

Roof of concert venue at risk of collapse, Russian media says

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that the roof of the building near the concert venue's stage has begun to collapse.

Video posted to Telegram by RIA Novosti showed fire continue to blaze inside the venue.

Moscow area governor says more than 70 ambluances at scene of attack

Andrei Vorobyov, Moscow's regional governor, said on Telegram that more than 70 ambulances have been dispatched to the scene of concert venue attack.

“Everything is being done at the scene to save people," he wrote in the Telegram message. "The Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) has been deployed. There are over 70 ambulance carriages near Crocus, doctors provide the necessary assistance to all victims."

Nigel Chiwaya

Russia’s prosecutor general office says number of victims still being determined

Russia's prosecutor general said on Telegram that officials are working to determine how many people have been killed or hurt in the concert attack.

“On behalf of Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor of the Moscow region has gone to the scene of the incident at Crocus City Hall to coordinate the actions of law enforcement agencies," the prosecutor general's Telegram account posted. "Tonight, before the start of the event in the concert hall in Krasnogorsk, unknown men in camouflage clothes broke into the building and started shooting."

"The number of victims is being determined, a fire started in the entertainment center building, and citizens are being evacuated."

Moscow's mayor cancels weekend events

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all public events in Moscow this weekend.

"I have taken the decision to cancel all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend," he said. "I ask of you to treat this measure with understanding."

Popular rock band was to play sold-out venue that can hold 9,500

Tim Stelloh

A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the Moscow concert hall where there were reports of gunmen in combat fatigues opening fire.

Picnic, formed in 1978, was to play at Crocus City Hall, west of central Moscow.

The multilevel facility in Krasnogorsk has a maximum capacity of 9,527 people. Booking sites show the event was sold out.

Russia's aviation agency says additional security added to Moscow airports

The Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsiya said that additional security measures are being introduced in Moscow airports

"Due to increased security measures, we ask passengers to arrive at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports in advance," the agency said on the Telegram messaging app.

Moscow's emergency ministry says it is working to extinguish fire

Moscow’s emegency ministry said it was working to extinguish a fire that began at the music venue.

The ministry said about 100 people were evacuated from the building, and it was working to rescue people from the roof.

Russian media says state security taking action

Russia's news outlet RIA Novosti said that the country's security agency, the FSB, is taking measures to respond to the shooting at a concert hall near Moscow.

Videos posted by Russian media show men with rifles moving through area

Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through a concert hall. Another one showed a man inside the auditorium, saying the assailants set it on fire, with incessant gunshots ringing out in the background.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage. He didn’t immediately offer any further details.

Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated.

Russian news outlets report gunman opened fire at Moscow concert hall

Several gunmen in combat fatigues burst into a big concert hall in Moscow on Friday and fired automatic weapons at the crowd, injuring an unspecified number of people, Russian media said.

Russian news reports said that the assailants also used explosives, causing a massive blaze at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow. Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that at least three people in combat fatigues fired weapons. The state Tass news agency also reported the shooting.

U.S. warned of imminent Moscow attack by ‘extremists,’ urges citizens to avoid crowds

Patrick Smith

U.S. citizens in  Moscow  had been warned to avoid large gatherings earlier this month because of heightened fears of a terrorist attack.

The U.S. Embassy in the Russian capital said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates and “be aware of your surroundings,” it said in a brief  online update .

Read the full story here.

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By Antoinette Radford and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Putin says Moscow attack was carried out by "radical Islamists." But he also blames Ukraine

From CNN's Mariya Knight in Atlanta, Darya Tarasova and Sugam Pokharel in London

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that the brutal attack at a Moscow concert hall on Friday was carried out by “radical Islamists.” 

“We know that the crime was committed by radical Islamists, whose ideology the Islamic world itself has been fighting for centuries,” Putin said.

He also again suggested that Ukraine was to blame for the attack.

“It is also necessary to answer the question why the terrorists tried to go to Ukraine after committing a crime, who was waiting for them there? It is clear that those who support the Kyiv regime do not want to be accomplices of terror and sponsors of terrorism, but there are really a lot of questions,” he said in a meeting via videoconference with government officials, special services and law enforcement agencies on measures taken after the terrorist attack, according to the Kremlin.

“We know by whose hands this atrocity was committed against Russia and its people, and we are interested in who the instigator is,” Putin said.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the massacre and released graphic footage showing the incident – but the Kremlin has alleged, without evidence, that the perpetrators planned to flee to Ukraine. Kyiv has vehemently denied involvement and called the Kremlin’s claims “absurd.”

Putin on Saturday also claimed that a “window” had been prepared for the attackers to escape to Ukraine. He did not provide evidence.

The post has been updated with more details from Putin's remarks.

Death toll in Moscow concert hall attack rises to 139, Russian official says

From CNN’s Dasha Tarasova in London

Two more people have been confirmed dead following a brutal attack at a Moscow concert hall on Friday, taking the death toll to at least 139 killed, a senior Russian official said on Monday.

“Initial results of the investigation indicate that the attack was carefully planned and prepared,” Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Investigative Committee of Russia, said in a live TV broadcast.

Here's the numbers he provided:

• Deaths: 139 people killed. 137 died on the spot, two died in hospitals.
• Identified: 75 of 139 people have been identified, including three children.
• Cause of death: 40 people died from gunshot wounds, two people died from a combination of gunshot and stab wounds. As a result of the fire, 45 people died from exposure to high temperature and combustion products.

US says that it warned Russia in early March of possible terror attack despite ambassador's denial

From CNN’s Michael Conte 

The US State Department said Monday that the United States had warned Russia in early March about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow “potentially targeting large gatherings, including concerts."

Spokesperson Matthew Miller was responding to a denial by the Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov that Moscow received any warning.

“We gave them that private warning consistent with our duty to warn ... when we see or when we gather intelligence of terrorist attacks or potential terrorist attacks,” Miller said at a press briefing. 

He noted the United States on March 7 warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had described the security warning as “provocative” and “outright blackmail” before the attack.

“It was because of that warning that we passed on to the Russian government that we issued a security warning on March 7, where we again said to US citizens that we had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow… potentially targeting large gatherings including concerts,” Miller added. 

Here's what you need to know about the Moscow concert hall attack that killed 137 people

From CNN staff

All four suspects in the Crocus City concert hall attack case have been remanded into pre-trial detention until May 22. They are charged with committing a terrorist act, according to the courts of general jurisdiction of the city of Moscow, which under the Russian Criminal Code is punishable by up to life imprisonment.

Three of the defendants pled guilty to all charges, according to state media news agency TASS.

All four are from Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, and had been in Russia on either temporary or expired visas.

On Monday afternoon, authorities said they had identified an additional three people who they believed were involved in the attack — two brothers and a father.

Friday's attack killed at least 137 people. The attack is Russia's deadliest in two decades .

Catch up on the latest developments:

• Day of mourning: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Sunday a day of national mourning for the 137 victims in Friday's attack .
• Authorities work to identify victims: Procedures to identify those killed in the attack have begun, the city’s Department of Health said, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. The Russian Investigative Committee said 62 bodies had been identified so far, adding that "for the remaining victims, genetic examinations are being carried out to establish their identities."
• Fighting terrorism in Syria and Turkey: Putin held separate calls with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad, on Saturday and promised closer cooperation in fighting terrorism following the attack, according to a Kremlin readout.
• Russian Embassy says no warnings from US: The Russian Embassy in Washington says it did not receive any warnings about a potential attack in Moscow from the US. Last week, Putin dismissed warnings by the US embassy in Russia that there could be attacks on large groups.
• Putin links attack to Ukraine: Putin said the main suspects arrested planned to flee into Ukraine. Ukraine has denied any connection. The UK warned that Russia was creating a "smokescreen of propaganda."
• Terror alert: France has lifted its terror alert to its highest level following the deadly attack in Moscow, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said Sunday.

Russian social media channels show apparent torture of Crocus City suspects

From CNN’s Nathan Hodge

Video footage and still images have appeared on Russian social media that appear to show the violent interrogation of several of the men alleged to have taken part in the deadly terror attack on a concert hall outside Moscow Friday. 

One video appears to show one of the suspects, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, being held on the ground while having part of his ear cut off by a camouflage-wearing interrogator. Rachabalizoda later appeared in court with a heavily bandaged ear. 

The Grey Zone, a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, published a still photograph that claims to show the electrocution of one of the detained suspects.

Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Russian state propaganda network RT, posted a video that appears to show the interrogation of another suspect, Shamsidin Fariduni, who is shown stammering and shaking as he is questioned by interrogators off camera. Fariduni subsequently appeared in court with a bruised face. 

CNN asked the Kremlin about the “visible signs of violence” committed against the suspects, but spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment.  

Russian Investigative Committee asks court to detain three more in connection with concert hall attack

From CNN's Tim Lister and Darya Tarasova

The Russian Investigative Committee says it has established that more people were involved in Friday's Crocus City terror attack beyond the four men alleged to have carried out the attack.

“According to the investigation, in order to commit a terrorist act, Shamsidin Fariduni recruited Aminchon Islomov into the organized group no later than January 2024, and Dilovar Islomov no later than March 11, 2024,” the Investigative Committee said on Telegram. 

The three individuals are two brothers and their father, Russian state media agency TASS said. Investigators are asking the Basmanny Court of Moscow to choose a preventive measure for the three defendants, the court told TASS.

“Three more materials were received regarding the accused Islomov Aminchon Isroilovich, Islomov Dilovar Isroilovich, as well as the suspect Islomov IsroilIbragimovich,” the court said, according to TASS. Fariduni was one of those detained in Bryansk Saturday. Both Aminchon and Dilovar Islomov appeared in Basmanny court in Moscow Monday. State news agency TASS said that Dilovar Islomov is a citizen of the Russian Federation and works as a taxi driver, citing court documents.

Russian state news agency RIA said Dilovar Islomov “owned the Renault car in which the terrorists fled the crime scene, sold it in February, and the compulsory motor liability insurance remained on him,” citing a source familiar with the situation.

Here's what to know about ISIS-K, the group linked to the Moscow concert hall terror attack

From CNN's Jessie Yeung

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State group, claimed responsibility for  Friday’s deadly assault  on a concert venue in Moscow, releasing graphic footage purporting to show its gunmen carrying out what was Russia’s worst terror attack in decades.

Here's what we know about the group:

When was it formed?: ISIS-K was formed in 2015 and has been active in  Afghanistan , Pakistan and Iran. It is a branch of ISIS, the terror group that emerged in Syria and Iraq and, at its peak, controlled a huge stretch of territory. Five years since the  fall of ISIS’ self-proclaimed caliphate  across Iraq and Syria, the group has morphed into a terror network with cells spread around the world, including in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia.

How is it linked to ISIS? The connection between the groups is not entirely clear. The affiliates share an ideology and tactics, but the depth of their relationship – such as the chain of command and control – has never been fully established.

What is its ideology?: Like its parent organization, ISIS-K aims to create a “pure Islamic state,” according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) – describing the group’s vision of a “global, transnational caliphate” governed by Sharia law.

Why attack Russia?: ISIS has a longstanding animosity against Russia and Putin, several experts told CNN. “Russia has been at the top or near the top of the list of ISIS for many years,” said Daniel Byman, director of Georgetown University’s security studies program.

Read more about  ISIS-K here.

Russians return to site of Moscow terror attack to offer condolences

From CNN's Matthew Chance and Katharina Krebs in Moscow

Four days after Friday's Moscow terror attack, some 200 people gathered at the site of the attack Monday morning, offering condolences to the victims, a CNN team in Moscow reports.

While the crowd was much smaller than the numbers who were at the Crocus City hall on Sunday, a steady flow of people were bringing flowers and stuffed toys to the scene, according to the CNN team. Candles were also laid next to the memorial.

A Russian Red Cross tent is set up at the location to provide psychological help. The CNN team said volunteers are helping people with directions on where to pick up belongings or cars left on Friday. The main entrance of the Crocus hall remains barricaded off, with police buses and emergency vehicles clearing rubble. Search operations are still ongoing.

The victims: Moscow's Department of Health published an updated list of those still hospitalized in the capital's medical institutions after the attack, consisting of 76 names.

At least 137 people died in the attack after gunmen opened fire on people inside the hall, and set fire to the building. Of them, at least three were children. President Vladimir Putin declared Sunday a day of national mourning, vowing to punish the perpetrators and expressing condolences to those who had lost loved ones.

Tajikistan reiterates readiness to cooperate with Russia against terrorism after Moscow concert attack 

From CNN's Anna Chernova

Following the identification of the four men charged with carrying out the attack in Moscow on Friday as Tajik nationals, Tajikistan has reiterated its readiness to fight terrorism together with Russia.

The Russian state news agency TASS published video Monday showing Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda writing a note in the book of condolences at the Russian embassy in Dushanbe.

State-run RIA Novosti reported on its Telegram channel that Tajikistan is providing assistance to the Russian investigation “in the case of the terrorist attack in Crocus,” citing a source in Tajikistan’s special services. It reported that a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry had confirmed that “Tajikistan specialists are providing assistance to investigators from Russia in connection with the arrest of citizens of the republic in the case of a terrorist attack.”

On Sunday, the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon, who had expressed “deep condolences and feelings of solidarity with the Russian people in connection with the death of civilians as a result of the vile terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall."

“During the conversation, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon noted that special services and relevant departments of Russia and Tajikistan are working closely in the field of countering terrorism, and this work will be intensified,” the Kremlin said. 

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