Alerion 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Bristol Alerion 38 begins in 1969, a period when Bristol Yachts, founded by Clint Pearson in the mid-1960s, was rapidly establishing itself as a leader in fiberglass sailboat manufacturing, 3]. While the name "Alerion" harks back to Nathanael G. Herreshoff's iconic 1912 design, the Bristol Alerion 38 is a distinct model penned by Halsey Herreshoff, rather than a direct replication. This collaboration aligned with Bristol's philosophy of working with esteemed naval architects to create capable and enduring yachts.

Bristol Yachts embraced fiberglass as a revolutionary material, allowing for consistent quality and efficient production. The Alerion 38, built on a semi-custom basis with at least one unit produced, exemplifies this approach. While specific details about Halsey Herreshoff's design philosophy for this particular model are scarce, the broader "Alerion" concept is rooted in creating fast, responsive, and easily single-handed yachts that maintain a classic, graceful appearance. Evidence suggests there were variations within its limited production, with references to an "Alerion 38-2" having significant differences beyond the rig.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alerion 38's design principles translate into a capable and responsive sailing experience. With a length overall of 38 feet and a waterline length of 29.5 feet, she possesses the lines of a vessel intended for comfortable cruising without sacrificing agility. Her substantial displacement of 17,000 lbs and a ballast of 7,250 lbs result in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 42.6%, indicating a stiff and stable platform capable of handling various wind conditions.

The sail area of 627 square feet provides a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 15.04. While this suggests a solid all-around performer, perhaps not a blistering light-air specialist, it points to a boat that will move well in moderate to strong breezes. The displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 295.6 categorizes the Alerion 38 as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing seaworthiness and a comfortable motion. Owners and reviewers of similar "Alerion" styled vessels often praise their "thrilling sailing experience" and "very good performance," noting they are "easy to single-hand" and offer good balance, allowing sailors to take their hands off the helm for extended periods. The hull speed is calculated at 7.28 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its limited and semi-custom production nature, detailed standardized interior layouts for the Bristol Alerion 38 are not widely documented in public sources. However, drawing from Bristol Yachts' reputation, it can be inferred that the interior would reflect the company's commitment to quality construction and functional design. Bristol boats of this era were known for their robust build and often featured traditional, well-crafted joinery, typically in hardwoods. While specific headroom figures are not available, it is reasonable to expect comfortable living spaces typical of a 38-foot cruiser from that period, likely accommodating a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head. The focus would have been on practical cruising comfort, ample storage, and adequate ventilation for coastal or extended voyages.