Alerion Express Review

Alerion Express is an established daysailer manufacturer that has been producing elegant sailing vessels since 1912. Their beautiful yachts handle responsively and move quickly, and within the sailing community Alerion has come to stand for quality and tradition. Alerion boats are known for being simple to operate, meaning that owners can take them out whenever without serious preparation. By all industry accounts, Alerion has set the standard for solo sailing. The company wants to create sailing boats that allow their owners to sail how and when they want to, without waiting on perfect weather or a crew.

Alerion Express began when, in 1912, Nathanial Hershoff built his own 26‘ sloop, “Alerion.” His design caught on and is imitated in the design of numerous sloops since. Alerion 28, one of the company‘s recent and most popular designs, seeks to evoke the classic look of the original Alerion as well as make use of modern technology and research regarding boat design. The marriage of these two concepts creates a beautifully classic but thoroughly cutting edge and functional craft.

Pricing

A used 2002 Alerion Express averages $79,000-$80,000. As you might expect for boats of this quality, new Alerions run $100,000 and up.

Pros

• Many of their designs improves on their original, solid 1912 design.
• Alerion‘s goal is to lead the competition in designing the best day sailors.
• Alerion crafts have a reputation as well balanced ships.
• The official manufacturer site states that Alerion sailers come with Dacron sails.

Cons

• Alerion Express designs its crafts more for day pleasure sailing rather than for overnight trips, a possible drawback for some people.
• Lifelines do not come with the crafts and must be bought separately.
• Some feel the Alerion 38 is small for the cost.

Featured Products

Daysailer : AE 20. Cruising Sailboat: AE 28, AE 33, AE 38.

Alerion 20 and 28 were the first Alerion models. They have the most classic lines and live up to Alerion Express’s standards of craftsmanship. However, their smaller size makes it impossible for them to contain some of the modern improvements present in other models.

Alerion 33 and 38, the larger models, have a carbon fiber mast, elliptical mainsail, electric winches and a separate helm station.

Conclusion

Alerion Express crafts may be the ideal boats for the pleasure day sailor. Indeed, Nathanial Hershoff designed his first Alerion for such a day sailor. In 1912, day sailing was the norm; long voyages were unusual. Sailing was a hobby, a pleasurable pastime, perhaps not as much of an adventurous passion as it is to some enthusiasts today. Beautiful day crafts were coveted by most sailors. Alerion Express continues to follow Hershoff‘s vision, designing for the pleasure sailor and creating perhaps the most beautiful crafts available. However, Alerion crafts were not designed for long trips, although many of the larger models do contain certain amenities such as a sleeping area and food storage. However, despite these additions to the Alerion design, the crafts are still intended primarily for day sailors, and they are definitely a luxury brand for passionate enthusiasts.