2003 Alerion 26 Sold Boat in Solomons Island, MD US
26
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26 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Other Alerion boats for sale in Maryland, United States
This is not your typical Alerion. Stunning example with recent new diesel, grand prix faired bottom and finish is "showboat".
"Feather" started life in 2003 as built by US Watercraft of 100% vinylester resin and marketed by Proper Yachts.
In 2009 she was acquired by Peter Johnstone, the noted sailor and boatbuilder of state of the art Gunboat Catamarans. He had a major refit/upgrade performed by Guck in 2009-2010. If you Google Guck/Newport/Projects/Johnstone you can view photos of the refit as it progressed.
The refit included: mast and boom painted, all paint removed from toerail to the bottom of the keel. Entire vessel was faired -including the transom. Topsides were painted Pearlescent Gray. The bottom was painted Petit White. The fairing job was so perfect that there is almost no distortion in reflections on the topsides. As the angle of the sun changes the pearlescent nature of the paint comes alive and is mesmerizing. The toe rails, cockpit coaming, hatch slide and forward cockpit bulkhead along with the louvered entry doors were stripped and sanded and 10 coats of varnish were applied.
Self tacking jib track was removed along with bow and stern cleats. The cleats were replaced with no snag collapsing cleats.
Prior to painting, the boom was converted to a "head knocker". With this set up the mainsheet leaves the boom via a Ronstan roller/clicker cam cleat just forward of the tiller. The outhaul control is in the boom with multiplication. The outhaul exits just forward of the tiller. The traveler control and back stay adjuster are under the deck with multiplication. Both lead to a custom weldment to just forward of the tiller.
This boat is perfectly set up for single handed sailing. When one sits at the tiller, all sail control lines are easily reached...backstay, traveler, outhaul, mainsheet, boom-vang, and jib sheets at aft end of cabintop.
Sail inventory includes two mainsails & three jibs: One Dacron mainsail CD sail in good condition with one reef row. And One Quantum loose footed Kevlar/Mylar mainsail in excellent condition with 2 reef rows.
The jibs are: One Dacron and 2 Kevlar/Mylar.
Peter Johnstone raced the boat very successfully in local Jamestown and Newport area races.
The current owner purchased her in 2012- Sight Unseen. He made the following changes:
Installed Harken MKIII roller furler. Recut one Kevlar jib for roller furler. Recut Dacron jib for roller furler. Had luff tape installed in Kevlar jib for racing. Added 2 reef rows to mainsail. A Strong track was installed on mast and polished Stainless Steel Slides replaced the bolt rope and now a child can raise Mainsail.
Installed Jabsco run dry bilge pump and 2 AGM batteries in August 2015.
Rod Rigging was installed to reduce weight aloft.
The 9 hp Yanmar one lunger was replaced with a 2 cylinder Nanni 14 Hp. Still noisy, still vibrates but much less than before and with 55% more power she is faster and can punch into anything.
The boat includes a new mainsail cover, a boom tent to protect the gorgeous brightwork and a full canvas winter cover.
The 2010 double axle Triad galvanized trailer with electric brakes is included.
The present owner owned and operated a well known boat yard in Solomons until his retirement in 2010. The boat has been maintained by his yard without regard to cost during his period of ownership.
This is not your typical Alerion. Stunning example with recent new diesel, grand prix faired bottom and finish is "showboat".
"Feather" started life in 2003 as built by US Watercraft of 100% vinylester resin and marketed by Proper Yachts.
In 2009 she was acquired by Peter Johnstone, the noted sailor and boatbuilder of state of the art Gunboat Catamarans. He had a major refit/upgrade performed by Guck in 2009-2010. If you Google Guck/Newport/Projects/Johnstone you can view photos of the refit as it progressed.
The refit included: mast and boom painted, all paint removed from toerail to the bottom of the keel. Entire vessel was faired -including the transom. Topsides were painted Pearlescent Gray. The bottom was painted Petit White. The fairing job was so perfect that there is almost no distortion in reflections on the topsides. As the angle of the sun changes the pearlescent nature of the paint comes alive and is mesmerizing. The toe rails, cockpit coaming, hatch slide and forward cockpit bulkhead along with the louvered entry doors were stripped and sanded and 10 coats of varnish were applied.
Self tacking jib track was removed along with bow and stern cleats. The cleats were replaced with no snag collapsing cleats.
Prior to painting, the boom was converted to a "head knocker". With this set up the mainsheet leaves the boom via a Ronstan roller/clicker cam cleat just forward of the tiller. The outhaul control is in the boom with multiplication. The outhaul exits just forward of the tiller. The traveler control and back stay adjuster are under the deck with multiplication. Both lead to a custom weldment to just forward of the tiller.
This boat is perfectly set up for single handed sailing. When one sits at the tiller, all sail control lines are easily reached...backstay, traveler, outhaul, mainsheet, boom-vang, and jib sheets at aft end of cabintop.
Sail inventory includes two mainsails & three jibs: One Dacron mainsail CD sail in good condition with one reef row. And One Quantum loose footed Kevlar/Mylar mainsail in excellent condition with 2 reef rows.
The jibs are: One Dacron and 2 Kevlar/Mylar.
Peter Johnstone raced the boat very successfully in local Jamestown and Newport area races.
The current owner purchased her in 2012- Sight Unseen. He made the following changes:
Installed Harken MKIII roller furler. Recut one Kevlar jib for roller furler. Recut Dacron jib for roller furler. Had luff tape installed in Kevlar jib for racing. Added 2 reef rows to mainsail. A Strong track was installed on mast and polished Stainless Steel Slides replaced the bolt rope and now a child can raise Mainsail.
Installed Jabsco run dry bilge pump and 2 AGM batteries in August 2015.
Rod Rigging was installed to reduce weight aloft.
The 9 hp Yanmar one lunger was replaced with a 2 cylinder Nanni 14 Hp. Still noisy, still vibrates but much less than before and with 55% more power she is faster and can punch into anything.
The boat includes a new mainsail cover, a boom tent to protect the gorgeous brightwork and a full canvas winter cover.
The 2010 double axle Triad galvanized trailer with electric brakes is included.
The present owner owned and operated a well known boat yard in Solomons until his retirement in 2010. The boat has been maintained by his yard without regard to cost during his period of ownership.
Overview from around the web 2003 Alerion 26
Customers consistently praise the 2003 Alerion 26 for its classic design combined with modern sailing performance
Many highlight its elegant lines, quality craftsmanship, and solid construction that make it both a beautiful and reliable day sailor. Owners appreciate the spacious cockpit and comfortable layout, which provide an enjoyable experience whether cruising or racing. The boat’s responsive handling and balanced sail plan receive frequent compliments, making it a favorite among sailors who value both style and functionality. Overall, the 2003 Alerion 26 is celebrated for delivering timeless appeal with excellent sailing capabilities.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2003 Alerion 26 is a well-regarded daysailer and pocket cruiser known for its classic design and solid performance. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Classic Styling: The Alerion 26 features timeless lines and traditional aesthetics that appeal to sailors who appreciate classic yacht design.
Quality Construction: Built with attention to detail, it offers a sturdy fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship.
Easy Handling: With a manageable sail plan and responsive tiller steering, it’s well-suited for single-handed sailing or small crews.
Comfortable Cockpit: The cockpit is spacious for a 26-foot boat, providing comfortable seating for day sailing.
Trailerable: Its size and weight make it trailerable, allowing for easy transport and storage.
Versatile: Suitable for day sailing, weekend cruising, and casual racing.
Cons
Limited Interior Space: As a daysailer with some cruising features, the cabin is compact and may feel tight for extended overnight stays.
Performance: While solid and stable, it is not designed as a high-performance racer, so it may be slower compared to modern designs.
Outboard Engine: Typically equipped with a small outboard motor which may be less convenient than an inboard engine for some sailors.
Older Design: The 2003 model reflects design trends from that period; some sailors may prefer more contemporary features available on newer boats.
Made For
The 2003 Alerion 26 is perfect for sailors who appreciate classic design combined with modern performance. It's ideal for those seeking a versatile day sailor that offers both comfortable cruising and responsive handling. Whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a nimble coastal cruiser or a weekend adventurer wanting a stylish and easy-to-manage boat, the Alerion 26 delivers a blend of elegance, practicality, and enjoyable sailing experience.
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Solomons Island, MD




















