The Albin Express is actually a descendant of the J/24. The American boat with its then unique concept - simple, light, fast and cheap - was such a success that the Swedish shipyard Albin Marin AB wanted to build the J/24 under licence.
Even before production began, however, the decision was made to have a rival boat designed. The appointment of Peter Norlin as designer was a stroke of luck. To this day, the sporty Albin enjoys enormous popularity. More than 100 boats regularly compete in the Swedish championships.
If you want to sail cheaply and quickly, the Albin Express is the boat for you. For less than 10,000 euros, it is hard to find a regatta-capable boat in any other class. Countless young Scandinavian families prove every year that you can also go sailing with this small yacht. And even in Germany there is an active scene both on the regatta courses and when it comes to cruising.
Find out what makes the Swede so popular and what you should look out for when buying an Express in the used boat test in YACHT 9, on newsstands from 15 April.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
