has encompassed board boats, one-design’s, offshore racing and cruising boats, and even an antique sailboat. A friend owned an Alerion 20 and was about to sell it as he was unable to use it on a regular basis. I suggested a partnership, whereby I took part ownership including all maintenance, insurance, replacements and slip rentals. It turned out to be a perfect fit. Te boat is trail- erable, but requires a hoist to launch as she draws 3'6". So, she is not a beach cruiser, but a boat that gives you the feel of a much larger vessel. Her non self-bailing cockpit provides great legroom with no


shin and knee issues, a real plus for older sailors. A full set of fitted cushions contribute greatly to sailing comfort. Generous cockpit coamings run the length of the cockpit giving great back support. Tis is a boat you sit in, not on. Te boom height means no ducking while coming about and the Hoyt jib boom tacks the jib with no trimming required when tacking, a real blessing for singlehanded sailors. Before sailing the Alerion 20 I did not appreciate the looks of the Hoyt jib boom but aſter sailing with one they look very attractive. She is at her best in a breeze, although her easily driven hull


will not disappoint in lighter air as her helm is perfectly balanced in all conditions—a virtue of her rather deep spade rudder. Even when sailing through a series of wakes from passing power-cruis- ers, of which there are no shortage in my home waters of Sarasota Bay, she rarely pounds or gets dropped from a steep chop. With a sensitive hand on the mainsheet, there is never a reason to con- sider such a thing as hiking out. She leans into her sail plan and delivers one of the smoothest rides I have ever experienced on a sailboat of any size. Once the main is raised, there is no sensation of work until it's time to lower it into its lazy jacks and tie her off in the slip. For sailing in Florida from June through October a Bimini would be great, but impossible on a small daysailer. Best bring a floppy hat. She has just enough brightwork to support the yachting


appearance without requiring a great deal of maintenance. Although she doesn’t share the long overhangs of the larger models, she still looks sleek and properly proportioned. As she is not self-bailing, it is helpful to have cockpit cover and, if leſt untended, an automatic electric bilge pump. Recently neither John or I, because of other commitments


(and old age) have not been able to use her on a regular basis. After considering the pros and cons of selling and no longer owning a boat, we decided to donate her to Bird Key Yacht Club where we have both been members for many years. Te board accepted her as a giſt and she is now available for use by any of the 300-plus members who are qualified. She is managed by the Sailing committee who gives lessons to new members who want to learn to sail. Once again, the simplicity and the stability of this boat is perfect for the assignment. By the way, we insisted her name , Te Goose, be maintained in


honor of her namesake, one of John’s delightful granddaughters. A fitting name for a multi-generational boat. Given her heritage, her quality, her comfort and her adapta-


tion for a variety of sailing assignments, I think it safe to say the Alerion 20 is a boat for all seasons of life. •SCA•


Bill has been racing and cruising for 50 years and writing about boats for the last ten. He currently sails a Cape Dory Typhoon in Baileys Harbor, WI and spends winters in Sarasota, FL sailing a 55 year-old wooden Luzier 27.


SMALL CRAFT ADVISOR 25


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