HERRESHOFF ALERION 26

The original Alerion was designed by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff for his own use in 1912 and built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company in Bristol, Rhode Island. The new boat evolved directly from this magnificent design with a change in scale and contemporary selective refinements by Captain Nat's son, A. Sidney DeWolfe Herreshoff and his grandson, Halsey C. Herreshoff. Today, the Alerion is again being built by Proper Yachts with meticulous care and attention to detail by New England craftsmen following the Herreshoff tradition.

Alerion combines the best of the old and the new. Halsey Herreshoff took the hull lines directly and with precision from Captain Nat's own adjustments of the Alerion's lines. For simplicity, low maintenance, and good sailing, the full keel configuration was adapted over a centerboard. The classically beautiful hull shape is produced in strong, light, easily maintained fiberglass with deck, trunk cabin and topsides cored for greater strength. Beautifully crafted mahogany coamings, seats, and toerails and a solid teak cockpit sole replicate the charm, warmth and classic good looks of Captain Nat's original personal boat.

Halsey Herreshoff's demanding eye required that the details be "right", from the carefully sculpted turn of the cockpit coaming to the bronze hardware cast from the original patterns of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. True Herreshoff chocks and cleats are used throughout the boat. Coaming knees are cast 'and installed with meticulous attention to detail. The resulting boat evokes the beauty and style of an era when art was equal to science in the design and construction of sailboats. Although the Alerion would be right at home in a berth at the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island, she is intended to be sailed every day.

The rig is manufactured by Hall Spars of Bristol, arguably the finest mast builder in the world. Tall, light and completely self tending, the aluminum mast and boom provide reliability, control and remarkable sailing performance. Since both main and jib sheets lead to roller bearing travelers, turning the helm is all that is required to tack. An optional roller furling jibstay makes it even easier to singlehand this beautiful yacht. In specifying equipment for the boat, Halsey chose to use the best of modern materials from costly high strength, blister resistant vinylester resin normally found only in racing yachts, to modern Schaefer blocks, Harken furler, and stainless steel Anderson winches. When confronted with the seeming contradiction between classic form and modern equipment, he is adamant, "Nathaniel Herreshoff always used the best modern equipment and materials available. If he were specifying equipment for the boat today, he would use this same gear."

The interior of the new Alerion has been carefully developed and refined from the experience of several knowledgeable owners working with Halsey. There is a double V–berth bunk 6' 8" long with 4,' thick foam cushions. On the port side, a single seat faces a compact galley with cooler, sink, water pump and optional stove. The head is tucked away under the V-berth, out of sight until needed. Primarily a daysailer, the Alerion can overnight a couple in "comfortable camping conditions" in its snug cabin or provide shelter from a passing thundershower. All the interior surfaces are carefully finished. Generous use of teak trim and paneling adds a proper touch of warmth to a functional interior.

Owners will mostly appreciate the pure sailing pleasure of the Alerion, but feel good about the convenience and security of the diesel engine -- a realiable 9hp Yanmar that powers the Alerion home on windless evenings. The 55 amp alternator will keep the batteries charged for navigation and interior lighting. A folding propeller is available for minimum drag when under sail. The installation is clean and compact, not intruding on the beauty or sailing capabiliteies of the boat.

The Alerion is perhaps the most cherished Herreshoff yacht built in the world today. It is the intention of Proper Yachts to produce as fine and complete a small yacht as can be done by combining the superb design heritage of ther Alerion with the best of comtemporary materials and skilled craftsmanship.

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