Alerion Yachts proceeds with the Alerion 41

by Scott Bryant on 31 Aug 2012 Pearson Marine Group, whose Alerion Yachts range is widely credited with creating the popular category of 'gentlemen's daysailer,' has orders in hand and hull number one already demolded (all Alerions are SCRIMP molded) for their latest new model, the Alerion 41. This innovative and powerfully-rigged sloop provides all the advantages of 'Alerion Sailing' plus a full accommodations plan and standing headroom that encourage daysailing to comfortably extend into overnight cruising.

'The Alerion 41 is the first model in our 'Alerion Series' of coastal cruising boats,' announced Scott Bryant, Vice President of Pearson Marine Group, builders of Alerion Yachts. 'She was effectively defined by some of our Alerion Express series' customers who told us that they wanted to extend their 'Alerion Sailing' experience beyond an afternoon of daysailing. That predicated an interior with standing headroom, two private staterooms and a generous head. We've given the Alerion 41 comfortable accommodations for up to six.'

The key ingredient in the Alerion 41 (as it is for all other Alerions) is a deck plan and rig that can be safely and pleasurably handled by the skipper even when he (or she) is sailing singlehanded. All controls are led to the helm position and pushbutton reversible electric winches (standard) make sail adjustments fingertip-easy. The full-roach mainsail with full-length battens is stowed with lazy jacks while the roller jib includes a jib boom, so the Alerion 41 can be underway in less than five minutes, making the most of our too often limited time.

The classic appearance of the Alerion 41 hull is made possible by a number of special features. The lovely sweep of her sheer and elegant transom do not expose any clutter as control lines are led underdeck, the anchor chute and windlass deploy when needed from below the foredeck, and the stern swim and boarding steps are concealed within a unique water access system (shown opened in accompanying illustration). Yet, beneath these classic topsides is a modern underbody with fin keel and spade rudder, a thoroughly modern arrangement which gives this as well as Alerion Express models their surprising turn of speed.

The cockpit is the heart and soul of the Alerion 41, maintaining the format of her smaller Alerion Express sisters. The command center is aft; sheets and control lines lead here, islands mount the electric winches and there's room for a big steering wheel on the pedestal. The forward end of the cockpit has snooze-length settees on both sides with room enough between for a cockpit table. The ergonomics for sailing as well as for relaxing at anchor match those which have garnered such praise for Alerion Express models.

Below, the accommodations plan places a voluminous master stateroom forward and guest stateroom aft to starboard. Of the facing settees in the forward end of the main saloon, both are long enough to serve us single berths with a navigation area located on the aft end of the starboard settee. Included throughout are shelves, lockers, drawers and bins in excess of what an overnight or weekend daysailer/cruiser rationally needs.

The signature Alerion oval portlights can be opened along with cabin top, foredeck and cockpit side hatches to deliver a bright, airy interior. Owners can choose American cherry or traditional teak for interior furniture and trim to contrast with the Herreshoff-classic white bulkheads. All doors are raised panel style with matching chair rail and teak paneling on the lower half of the bulkheads. Detailing proves that deep sailing knowledge and experience have been brought to bear on every feature in the Alerion 41.

The inventory of standard features is intended to deliver a yacht ready to sail away with just the owner's choice of electronics and personal belongings added. Pearson Marine Group recognizes that owners of Alerion 41s may also have special individual requirements and is prepared to provide such personal attention during the building process.

The immediate interest in and orders for the Alerion 41 are part of the successful year the brand is now enjoying. Scott Bryant commented, 'Alerion Yachts is already having a banner year but the launch of the Alerion 41 will be a true highlight for our team and Alerion Yachts website