Aira 22 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the renowned firm Simonis Voogd, the Aira 22 embodies a philosophy of blending modern aesthetics with ergonomic practicality, making it a social boat ideally suited for friends and family to enjoy together on the water.

History and Design

The genesis of the Aira 22 traces back to Aira Boats' founding in 2018, although the concept began to take shape earlier, driven by founder Jos Snijders Blok's vision for open boats offering enhanced comfort and sailing performance compared to previous generations. A pivotal collaboration in 2017 with Simonis Voogd, specifically Maarten Voogd, brought the Aira 22 to life. The design brief emphasized creating a boat equally adept for sailing schools and families.

The Aira 22 began production in 2018 and is offered in several styles to cater to different sailing preferences. The "Clubsailer" is suggested for clubs and sailing schools, often featuring a rubrail and rubber nose for durability. The "Daysailer" targets families and private sailors, typically equipped with an electric motor and cushions for comfort. For those seeking exhilarating performance, the "Matchracer" variant includes a gennaker and hiking straps. Owners can choose between a lead bulb keel with a maximum draft of 3.94 feet or a fixed shallow keel option with a draft of 3.28 feet, allowing for adaptability to various sailing grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Aira 22, with its modern hull lines and long waterline, delivers commendable sailing characteristics, designed to be both pleasant and easy to sail. Its fractional sloop rig features an all-round square top, loose-footed, fully battened mainsail, contributing to its performance and contemporary aesthetic. The boat is noted for its ability to sail close-hauled effectively due to its inwardly-lined hull, promising good upwind performance.

Sailors describe the Aira 22 as responsive and sporting, reacting well to wind and sea. Reviewers have consistently praised its sailing qualities, noting that it exceeds expectations for a day-sailing experience. The boat's design, including a transom-hung rudder, contributes to its agile handling. An optional retractable electric motor provides convenient maneuvering in port and facilitates easy deployment or retraction in just seven seconds.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated daysailer, the Aira 22 focuses its accommodations on a comfortable and ergonomic cockpit suitable for leisure use. The design prioritizes ample seating on the deck and within the cockpit, ensuring a dry ride even in chop thanks to a high freeboard that prevents water from coming over the side. While the interior is described as a small, windowless cuddy, it primarily serves for storage rather than extensive living space. The emphasis is on facilitating a social sailing experience, with comfortable benches and potentially a table for on-water enjoyment. The overall layout is crafted to be practical and comfortable for a diverse crew, from two to six people.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Aira 22 for its combination of modern design, comfort, and excellent sailing performance. It has been recognized for its versatility, allowing it to function effectively as a family cruiser, a training boat for sailing schools, or a competitive racer. Many appreciate the boat's ease of use and solid build quality, especially considering its accessible price point. Owners consistently highlight the comfortable cushions and the ability to handle significant wind with reefed sails, underscoring its stability and forgiving nature. The boat was even named 'HISWA Boat of the Year' in the sailing boat category, a testament to its innovative design and appeal within the market. The social aspect of the Aira 22 is often mentioned, with its design fostering enjoyable shared experiences on the water.