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Sailboat Specifications

Alerion

Fractional Sloop · Keel/Cbrd.

Designed by Nathanael Herreshoff · Built by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (Usa) · First built 1912

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LOA 26.00 ft  ·  Beam 7.58 ft  ·  Displacement 6,050.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 422.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Keel/Cbrd.
About the Alerion Sailboat

Designed by legendary naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912, this classic wooden sloop represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century yacht design from the renowned Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. At 26 feet overall with a traditional keel and centerboard configuration, the Alerion embodies the elegant proportions and seaworthy characteristics that made Herreshoff designs legendary among sailing enthusiasts. The fractional sloop rig and moderate sail area of 422 square feet provide excellent balance and manageable sail handling, making this boat well-suited for coastal cruising and club racing. With a substantial displacement of 6,050 pounds and ballast of 3,800 pounds, the design offers impressive stability and a comfortable motion in choppy conditions. The deep draft of 5.5 feet and narrow beam of 7.58 feet contribute to excellent windward performance and tracking ability. The low comfort ratio of 27.33 indicates a relatively quick motion more suited to day sailing and weekend cruising rather than extended offshore passages. However, the favorable capsize screening ratio of 1.67 demonstrates inherent stability. Modern Alerion reproductions have maintained Herreshoff's original design principles while incorporating contemporary construction techniques, making these boats highly sought after by sailors who appreciate classic yacht design combined with proven performance characteristics.

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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.75 ft / 6.63 m
Beam 7.58 ft / 2.31 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Min Draft 2.42 ft / 0.74 m
Displacement 6,050.00 lb / 2,744 kg
Ballast 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 422.00 ft² / 39.21 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer Nathanael Herreshoff
Builder Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (USA)
First Built 1912
Associations Herreshoff Marine Museum
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alerion's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Alerion has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.4. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Alerion's comfort ratio?

The Alerion has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.33. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Alerion safe for offshore sailing?

The Alerion has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.67. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Alerion?

The theoretical hull speed of the Alerion is 6.25 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Alerion weigh?

The Alerion has a displacement of 6,050.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.00 ft.

Who designed the Alerion?

The Alerion was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff, first built in 1912.