Pearson Countess (sloop rig)

Description

The Pearson Countess 44 Sloop is an elegant fiberglass offshore cruiser, sharing the iconic John Alden-inspired hull of its ketch sibling but with a single-mast sloop rig for streamlined upwind performance and simpler rigging. This configuration emphasizes efficiency in light-to-moderate winds while retaining the model's heavy-displacement stability, luxurious accommodations, and motor-sailer versatility. With a full keel and skeg-hung rudder, it offers predictable handling for long passages, appealing to traditional sailors who prefer a unified sail plan over the ketch's divided rig—perfect for coastal or transocean voyages with a small crew. Designed by the John G. Alden office (design #989) and introduced in 1965 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Countess 44 was positioned as a "luxury motor-sailor" with plush interiors and robust seaworthiness. Production continued until 1970, totaling 59 units across sloop and ketch rigs (sloop less common, comprising ~20-30% of builds). The sloop variant catered to performance enthusiasts, featuring a taller mast for better sail-carrying power. Standard power was the Gray 6-109 gasoline engine (109 HP V-drive), with optional Ford Lehman diesel. Tank-tested for offshore capability, the sloop influenced later Alden-style sloops. Pearson's 1991 closure shifted support to owner groups, where sloops are prized for racing potential.