The new Alerion-Express 45.
The exciting new Alerion-Express 45 is currently under development by Pearson’s talented staff of designer’s and engineers. The hull master pattern will be robotically machined by Pearson Precision Tooling beginning in May of this year with the debut of hull #1.
The design brief for the stunning new 45 was clearly defined right from the outset
* Maintain strong family resemblance and performance heritage of the 33 and 38.
* Maintain the philosophy of single Handed Ease and Alerion Sailing with low force level of operation for which the marque is renowned.
* Provide the purchaser with endless sailing enjoyment and stress free ownership.
Derived from DNA of Alerion-Express
The profile shows the natural development from the 33 and 38 with an elegant sheer, low coachroof, elliptical port lights (to be opening in this model). The bow and stern profiles use the same geometry and family of curves that are derived from the very DNA of Alerion-Express.
The cockpit (or funpit) is the heart and sole of the 45. Maintaining the format of her smaller sisters with comfortable settees port and starboard and command center aft.
However, the 45 has room for a fixed pedestal table with a built in foot brace and winch island that accommodate powerful Lewmar 54 self tailing electric winches. The Alerion Express 45 sets a new low in the force level required to sail a 45 footer.
Aft the helmsperson can feel every nuance of the pulse of this thoroughbred through the pedestal mounted composite steering wheel. Control of all the sailing functions are close at hand. Push button winch controls, manual hydraulic vang and traveler adjustments, auto pilot or auxiliary, mainsheet or furler. The 45 takes Alerion Sailing to the next logical exciting plateau.
Removable helm coaming bolster.
The uncluttered deck layout afforded by under deck control line leads has allowed the design team to add such innovative features as a below decks stowing anchor chute and anchor windlass which allows an uninterrupted sweep of the sheer while underway. While aft is the main traveler with below deck hydraulic control and the “piece de résistance”: The water access system (see rendering).
Convertable transom allows easy water access. Illustration by Steve Davis.
This option enables the transom to be converted to a marvelous boarding area either from swimming or from a dinghy. The convertibility aspect of the water access feature, as with the anchor chute forward, allows the clean lines of the hull to be unspoiled while underway or taking pride of place at any anchorage.
Below Decks
Below decks the Alerion Express 45’s interior is second to none. The hand-finished paneled bulkheads and doors are masterpieces of modern day production yacht construction with more than an acknowledging nod to the days of Vanderbilt and Sopwith. The 45 interior can be bespoke (as the British like to say) that is finished in the owner’s choice of American Cherry, exotic Teak or a combination of wood furniture and white painted bulkheads.
The main cabin features wonderfully comfortable settee berths forward with the starboard seat section pulling out as required to form a comfortable double should the occasion arise when extra berths are needed. The spacious lockers outboard of the settees are accessed via beautifully crafted, solid wood, raised panel doors.
In these days of electronic navigation a formal chart table has been replaced by a desk large enough for a lap top computer. Stowage for an assortment of necessities and sundry items is provided in the desk along with room for the laptop.
Outboard of the desk is the back-lit main electrical panel mounted in a locker face. There is has plenty of space forward of the panel to add the additional electronics that are desired.
The galley to starboard provides all the necessities for onboard meal preparation. Hot and cold pressure water, deep stainless steel sink, vacuum panel insulated refrigerated ice box and two burner LPG stove with an oven.
As with everything in life this arrangement may not suit all owners and their crews. Alerion-Express is always prepared to work with individual clients to customize the 45 to suit their needs.
Accommodations
Aft of the galley is the entry door to a second sleeping cabin that provides privacy for a second couple not always found on other yachts of this class. This light airy cabin can be a haven for those wanting to grab a quick nap while the fun continues either on deck or below.
The spacious head compartment with ready access to the companionway and interior accommodations features a sizeable circular shower area and electric head.
Light and ventilation are provided by an overhead Lewmar hatch and a Stainless steel opening port in the house side. Light and ventilation in general is provided by 7 opening ports and 6 skylights plus the companionway.
Completing the interior ensemble is the remarkably spacious forward cabin, accessed via double opening paneled doors in the main bulkhead. These doors can be secured in the open position to open the interior to its full extent for those times when privacy is not required.
Passage Yachts Blog By now you will understand why the Alerion Express 45 will be such an exceptional yacht, and such an exceptional experience.
Other Features
* Big powerful rig with carbon spars and North 3DL sails for exceptional performance
* Thoroughbred hull lines coupled with rudder and keel designs that are all Alerion Express
* A wonderful cockpit design that is ergonomically perfect for daysailing enjoyment and single hand ease
* Low force level of operation with energy saving race-tuned equipment and systems
* A powerful 75hp diesel auxiliary
* An elegance of design that instills a pride of ownership without peer
For more information, visit the Alerion website.