Alerion Express 19 Information, Review, Specs

The Alerion Express 19 began production in 1998, conceived by designer Garry Hoyt with the goal of creating a quick and lively daysailer with easy handling. Hoyt's philosophy was to modernize the traditional catboat, embracing the "stayless revolution of the 1980s" to offer a simplified yet engaging sailing experience. The design prioritizes fun and simplicity, embodying the idea that sailboats don't need to be complicated to be enjoyable.

The builder, TPI Composites (formerly Tillotson-Pearson, Inc.), brought their pioneering expertise in advanced composite construction to the Alerion Express 19. TPI was renowned for its mastery of the Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP), a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding technique that produced high-quality, consistent, and lighter laminates. This advanced manufacturing method would have contributed to the Alerion Express 19's reputation for strong, durable, and relatively lightweight construction, allowing the designer's vision for performance and efficiency to be fully realized. The Alerion Express 19 is characterized by its cat-rig design, featuring an unstayed mast and a single large mainsail, a defining element of its easy-handling systems. While the exact number built is not extensively documented, it is known to have been a limited production run, with at least 38 hulls produced.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to Garry Hoyt's design intentions, the Alerion Express 19 is regarded as a quick and lively sailer. Its cat-rig (unstayed) design with easy-handling sail systems contributes to its straightforward and enjoyable performance on the water. Owners and reviewers often describe it as a boat that offers a modernized approach to the traditional catboat, providing responsive handling and an engaging sailing experience. For a boat of its size, its design emphasizes maneuverability and a sprightly feel, making it well-suited for daysailing and recreational cruising in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated daysailer, the Alerion Express 19 features a straightforward and open interior layout, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use over extensive cruising amenities. While specific details on the full interior arrangement are limited in published specifications, the design allows for ample natural lighting, facilitated by four elliptical ports and a 19-inch by 19-inch smoked hatch. The absence of a stated maximum headroom suggests an interior optimized for sitting comfort rather than full standing headroom, typical for a sailboat of this size. The emphasis is on a clean, uncluttered space, providing shelter and basic amenities for day trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Alerion Express 19 generally appreciate its simplicity and ease of handling, reflecting the designer's initial goals. Anecdotally, the boat's uncomplicated rigging is highlighted, with one owner noting the ease of raising the UK Sailmakers main by hand. The vessel's modern interpretation of a classic catboat design is often a point of praise, appealing to those who desire a fun and responsive daysailer without the complexities of larger, more systems-heavy yachts. While extensive owner forums and detailed reviews specific to the Alerion Express 19 are less prevalent compared to its larger siblings, the consistent theme revolves around its accessible performance and classic, elegant lines, making it a beloved choice for casual sailing.