June 2010 - Alerion Yachts

Alerion Sport 33 Launch

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Peter Johnstone

Hull number 1 makes a splash! On Friday at noon we launched “Monitor” the first Alerion Sport 33! Her sleek black topsides, red boot stripe and black bottom gave her a sophisticated attitude. We are looking forward to sailing her over the next two weeks before delivering her to her owner in Greenwich, CT. Please contact us if you ‘d like to make an appointment to take a closer look; she will be around until the last weekend in June.

The cockpit on this boat needs to be seen to be believed. It can sit over 8 people easily while maintaining the Alerion aesthetic. The convertible cockpit seating concept has turned out great; set it up for racing or daysailing with friends. The removable seats store easily in the cockpit lockers making room for extra daysailing passengers guests. The interior of the AS33 is noticeably open and airy. There is plenty of storage behind the cushions as well as under the companionway. The oversized opening into the head makes moving around down below a snap; the oversized storage area in the head for your “foulies” is easily accessed. Stay tuned for more news and sailing photos!

Custom AE38

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Peter Johnstone

Earlier this month we launched a truly exquisite Alerion Express 38. Thanks to an imaginative client and his seasoned broker, this yacht had several unique features that were new to the AE38. The most noticeable feature was the custom carbon fiber V-boom manufactured by Hall Spars.

This highly finished boom makes sail handling and stowing a snap. The sail stores “inside” the boom with an integrated cover that prolongs the life of the sail. Besides the function of this boom, it beautifully matches the Alerion asthetic . The teak deck on this boat was also a beautiful addition.

Down below, the settee area converted from two single berths to two flip-up pilot berths and a modest “double” berth on the port side. This satisfied the owners desire to do some gunkholing with his growing family. The installation of a hybrid electric stove and microwave with inverter were also nice additions to this boat. This was also the first AE38 to receive our own “corian” countertops. Both the head and galley countertops were molded and machined using a specialized phenolic resin formulated by our in house R & D team.

First Electric–Powered Alerion Express Launched!

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Peter Johnstone

After months of engineering and design work, we were able to test an Alerion Express 33 with a Mastervolt Lithium-Ion electric saildrive system. The application of this technologically advanced propulsion system was spurred by a customer who did not want to spoil the quietness of the intimate, nature-filled waters he prefers for sailing near his home in Vancouver, Canada. His query whether the diesel saildrive, which is standard in this model of Alerion, could be replaced with electric propulsion resulted in this launching. The experience of motoring this boat has been described as “Astonishing” by boat reviewers, dealers and sailors of all stripes.

Underway, even at full speed, the only noise on board is the rustle of wind, the slap of crossing another boat’s wake or crew conversations. Said one reviewer, “I didn’t realize we were under power until I noticed our wake and saw moored boats passing us! It took time to adjust my behavior, throttling back when underway – because there is no spooling up noise of a diesel.” A marine electronics writer, measuring dB readings on deck and below with a sophisticated sound meter, could detect no motor noise. The electric-drive mated with Mastervolt’s 7.5 kW saildrive system, their MLI 24/160 Li-Ion battery on a single charge gives the AE33 approximately 20 nautical mile range – which can be greater or less depending on speed, number of crew, wind and weather conditions. Installing additional MLI 24/160 packs, which are relatively small and lightweight, permits those who might face longer motoring situations to still use this system.

Check out this short video to learn more.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh-zNZ_M7Dw]

Alerion Express 38 on TV

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Peter Johnstone

HIlton Head, SC

On Sunday, April 18th, Alerion Express 38 # 12 was featured as part of the back drop of the Harbor Town PGA golf tournament.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1vwUoeSZFo]

Alerion Sport 33 unveiled at Annual Factory Rendezvous!

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Peter Johnstone

Warren, Rhode Island

On Saturday, March 13th over 160 Alerion Express customers gathered at the factory to not only learn more about sailing their Alerion but also to see the newest Alerion Family member, The Alerion Sport 33. Launching in June, the AS33 is off to a good start. With the first 3 hulls sold, the excitement continues to build!

Pearson Marine Group Employees, participating vendors and others taught seminars at this event , performed boat building demonstrations while mixing it up with the press and our state Senator! This was a great event for everyone to get together and think about the good sailing days that are just a few weeks away.

After eating breakfast, all participants could choose from a list of seminars to attend. Alerion 28 Owner and sailing guru, Ralf Morgan impressed his audience with all of his sailing knowledge and know how. Ben Hall shared about the finer points of tuning a rig while Mastervolt talked about our latest project; The lithium Ion powered AE33. Customer Service covered everything you should know about servicing your boat and Cay electronics talked about the latest in marine electronics. Enjoy the following pictures!