They were the eye-catcher among the small boats in Hall 15 at the trade fair in Düsseldorf, where the new Aira Boats brand was represented with two boats, attractively presented in bright colours. The price tag attracted particular attention: 14,500 euros for the complete boat in the basic version, including sails and 19 per cent VAT. This means that Aira Boats is setting new price standards for small keelboats; you can hardly get any cheaper than this.
However, it is not only the price that is interesting, but also the concept. The Aira 22 is intended to be a modern, attractive reinterpretation of the classic Dutch travelling dinghy, i.e. fresh competition for the thousands of boats built in Holland in classes such as Polyvalk or Randmeer. And the Aira concept pursues similar goals. In the basic "Club Sailer" version, the boat comes with only a main and jib and is therefore primarily intended for training in sailing schools. In the "Daysailer" version, the Aira 22 is also equipped with cockpit cushions and an electric motor in the shaft; the surcharge is just over 3,000 euros. For the "Match Racer" version, the boat is equipped with a gennaker and an extendable bowsprit, this option costs an additional 1300 euros. Of course, all extras can also be combined, as was the case with our test boat.
The design of the 6.50 metre long open keelboat comes from the Simonis/Voogd office. The little Dutchwoman is built with either a short fixed keel or a T-shaped lifting keel that can be raised. This means that the Aira 22 can simply be slipped over the ramp and easily transported on the trailer.
YACHT has already tested the little Dutchwoman, the detailed test report will follow. Below are the first photos of the test run in the picture gallery.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
