best westerly yacht

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Westerly Ocean 37 review: from the archive

• Matthew Sheahan
• June 2, 2021

Matthew Sheahan gets behind the wheel of the Westerly Ocean 37 to find out what she's made of and see how she stacks up against her closest rival from Jeanneau

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Matthew Sheahan investigates a new mid-range cruiser, the Westerly Ocean 37, to find out what you get for your money

There’s one thing that needs clearing up from the start. Whether Westerly intended her parentage to be common knowledge or not, the cat’s now out of the bag.

The new Westerly Ocean 37 has the hull of the early 1990s Dubois-designed Westerly Typhoon.

I’ve a hunch that some may criticise her for this, but not me. Typhoons were popular boats, with the kind of good manners and reputation that gets them into all the best households.

And makes them difficult to find on the second-hand market.

Most are snatched up quickly for the same money as when they were new, something that certainly can’t be said for many of today’s plastic fantasties.

In my book, the Westerly Ocean 37 starts on even points for looks when set against the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 .

She may have a more mature appearance in parts, with her slightly more pronounced overhangs and the square section teak rubbing strake.

But the bottom line is that she’s one of those boats that just looks right and for some buyers that could be all that’s required to tip the balance.

Elsewhere she’s been tweaked to improve her performance, with a larger mainsail and taller mast, along with new keel and rudder foils.

When you compare her with the Jeanneau she sets more sail (33 per cent upwind) and is stiffer which makes her a more potent yacht all round.

But despite turning up the power, she doesn’t feel over­powered. In fact, quite the opposite, thanks partly to the ease with which you can handle her.

A big factor here is the conventional block and tackle mainsheet system in the cockpit which allows quick, simple and safe control by the crew or the helmsman.

Her deep narrow cockpit is good news. It feels very secure when you’re moving about or trimming, especially when heeled.

Under these conditions, and especially when you go to put in a reef, the long trough-like companionway, (a popular detail on the 33 and deliberately included aboard this boat), provides a very safe area from which to operate the reef lines.

Elsewhere her deck layout is similar to the Jeanneau’s although I’d give the Westerly Ocean 37 the edge when it comes to overall quality.

Where she might lose out, however, is in her on-deck stowage-she lacks an anchor locker in the foredeck and a few smaller rope lockers would be useful.

Accommodation and construction

You’d be hard pushed to find a bigger difference between two similar-sized production boats than there is between these two clown below.

Where the Jeanncau is open, spacious and seems more living room than saloon, the Westerly feels small, narrow and traditional.

Rich, deep-coloured teak joinery emphasises the cramped feeling and the steep companionway doesn’t help.

There is no getting away from it, this is a boat with old fashioned values – but don’t write her off just yet.

Within minutes my attention had been drawn away from her chunky looks and solid feel. Lift a few cushions, open a few lockers and you’ll find everywhere behind the scenes has been finished to a high standard.

There’s not a hint or Velcro, nor a single plastic retaining catch to wrestle with at the bottom of a door. Instead, simple pop studs hold cushions in place and brass hooks stop the doors from swinging at sea.

This is a boat that has been built to last, whatever you do with her.

The layout is pretty conventional and broadly mirrors the Jeanncau’s with two double cabins, U-shaped saloon seating with a bench type saloon seat opposite and a galley and navigation station either side of the companionway.

When it comes to the basic construction of hull and deck, she’s built with a solid laminate hull with the additional stiffening laminated into the structure in the normal way.

Even though the Westerly is undoubtedly better finished, there is little to choose between the two if you were looking to base your decision on layout and construction alone. But where they do differ is in their proportions.

The Westerly’s wider side decks make it very much easier to move about on deck but this does cramp her style down below.

In addition to this, more space is given to the dedicated navigation station, where decent provision is made for instruments, charts and general stowage.

The Westerly Ocean 37 has two heads, further reducing available space and, although she has similar saloon seating to the Jeanneau, the Westerly’s feels tighter, more up­right and awkward to access.

Add to this the smaller galley worktop space, a considerably smaller fridge and fewer deck hatches, making her interior darker, the overall feel is one of a much smaller boat.

Westerly Ocean 37 under way

The Westerly has a simple bottlescrew on the backstay and pin stop genoa cars. The Westerly strains at the leash to show you just what she can do. But don’t get me wrong; she’s not a handful – quite the opposite.

The Westerly Ocean 37 is silky smooth, easily driven and quicker on all points of sail, easily slipping along at 6 to 6.2 knots in the same breeze.

There are some boats that just feel like they want to sail all day and night for as long as you like and the Ocean 37 is one of them. Present her with a few waves or a steep wash and she’ll simply slice through them.

She may only be 37ft but the Westerly Ocean 37 is a competent go-anywhere cruiser which is as happy pottering around sheltered waters as she is driving on when the going gets messy offshore.

It is at this point that her tighter-fitting accommoda­tion comes into its own-she’s a far easier boat to move about in underway when pushed than its rival the more spacious Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37.

But not everyone wants to pay for a boat with the kind of off-road capabilities that come as standard with the Westerly.

Indeed, many production builders have seen the opportunity to produce a cruiser that reflects the popular kind of cruising where overnight passages are an exception rather than the rule.

First published in the June 2000 issue of YW.

Westerly Centaur – the best small yacht in the world – probably

The Westerly Centaur is the finest small yacht in the world.  At 26 feet and four tonnes it is small enough to be easy to single hand and big enough to take the rough stuff.  I am confident that a Centaur could handle almost anything the British Climate can throw at it apart from the truly bonkers day when only an arse would be out in a 26 footer .  The space below is genius. A miraculously large bog is  provided and  five good berths. . Five adults  lived on mine for for two weeks - it was bloody crowded but feasible as long as the weather behaved. These boats sail brilliantly on all points of sail.

Of course all boats go well down or across the wind and given the blow a Centaur can really get a good chat going. . Upwind, admittedly,  they are not the same as a single keeler but if treated properly they go well upwind.  Centaurs like to be sailed just slightly over from upright. Then those canted and slighlt toed in twin keels  start to suck you up towards where the wind is coming from. But if you let her heel too much then that uphill keel stops working so well - you can feel it misbehave long before you see it cavitate -  The rudder tells you when the flows are not right.

Upwind sailing in a Centaur

The boat demands slightly more of you than than the fin or long keeler. When the gust come for those lazy wallahs they just brace their feet against a handy bit of cockpit, take one more suck on their pipe and let the physics do the rest as the boat heels to the wind and stays on track. With twin keels a bit of dinghy experience help. When the gust comes s -  either ease the main through the puff, or if you can't be arsed tto trim the main then just stuff her into the gusts a bit. When you look at my son came aboard the fist thing he did was to length the tiller exrension. In the film below you can see him sailing her like a laser dinghy he played the main - in and out that cleat  all the time. It was good to see.

The first centaur , Harmony the one I bought for £1,  was built in 1979 - the year after Westerly revamped the design of the keels and added a skeg.  She also had a lovely mainsail - a real driving force . Harmony felt good on the tiller - upwind you could steer her by feel alone. The £1 was really a sort of loan agreement. I did her up, sailed her for a year and then split the final price with the previous owner - three months of hard graft though.

The second boat - Lily M  - which cost me £5,500 was a different kettle  of fish. She was built before they change. With good old dependable, easy to reef,  flat as a pancake small mainsail Lily M felt like stirring jam. But trim her right and keep an eye on where she thinks she is pointing as opposed to where she really is pointing and she would go along rather nicely.

When I put the big blue ghoster on her - she was a real pleasure to sail though

They were both excellent boats but felt entirely different. How much was the main and how much the changed  keels and rudder I cannot say.

Bloody good boats

What the Centaurs gave me was the freedom to know that if the weather turned  bad and, as long as the engine would run, then by switching on the engine and shoving that big powerful bow into the teeth of the crap weather she will probably take you safely to wherever you want to go.  The prop with 20 hp going through it  is not half hidden behind a keel - it is running in clear flow  - it grabs water from between the keels and shoves it backwards. That negative pressure between the keels makes her hunker down like a six tonner - she feels bigger under power.

With lots of yachts they feel smaller, somehow less certain about themselves  under power than under sail.  Centaurs handle bloody brilliantly under engine. They are also s also great in marinas. Bugger prop kick I reckon - it hardly exists.r. She is completely under control going forwards at almost any speed so coming into and out of marinas is a piece of cake. In reverse things are less certain unless you get some way under - then you have pretty good control and you can stop her on a sixpence with enough engine revs - she onl;y weight four tonnes after all.

However, reversing around marinas at high speed in reverse and doing what look like emergency stops is frowned upon. So steady and forwards is the name of the game. if you do clonk anything she only weighs four tonnes so aim for the pontoon and not the Beneteau. The pontoon will survive unscathed the Centaur will have just one more ding of many. Any boat 40 years old will have been owned by idiots or got too close to idiots who own other boats.

Centaurs  deliver all this and bugger me they don't fall over when the tide goes out.

I am from East Anglia - flat scenery and 20 feet of tide. They do not need boatyard cradles either which can be a great saving.  You can ground her so easily that antifoul paint is no needed.

I shall miss  sailing a Centaur. Fekkin brilliant little yachts.

22 Responses to “Westerly Centaur – the best small yacht in the world – probably”

A mere speed hump for the adventure – you’ll be back up in bonny scotland in no time :)

Noticed that you mentioned the next 12 films would be west coast ones – are you going to do the Forth, Tay and Moray ones after that?

I confess that it is a bloody big hump Paul N – I have been forced to sell the filming platform and both cameras are knackered, corroded and out of date

Humps for a filming sailor don’t come much bigger than that and finding a way back into the position I was in this time last year will be tough – really tough. Both Eleanor and I think it is likely to be impossible -0 but I am up for tryimg. Ten years into this thing. I get defeated but I seldom quit.

THE BOSS has told me to focus completely on the west coast – sadly no-one cares about the east coast – her words not mine

The solent films did well for hits (but not taps) because people have sailed there. Hopefully the west coast ones will get lots of hits – my job, says THE BOSS is to try to turn as many of those hits into taps as I can.

No-one dreams about sailing up to Perth but they do dream about the west coast of scotland, the outer hebrides and st Kilda

priorities – set by her I should say – and she is “THE BOSS”

this might turn out to be a bump I damn I hope that is all it is – or it could be the end. I have no idea which it will be at this stage of the game. I aim to go down waving at the very least.

On the bright side, So far everything she has told me to do has worked to one degree or other. I have met her targets. The strategy set by me s ended with me selling the boat – her strategy seems to be a good one.

You will know what happened when I start blogging about sailing again rather than blogging about making films about sailing. I am sure you know what I would rather be doing – sailing.

Back to the editing desk to make what may well be the 12th to last film

Your probably right about the interest in the West coast, especially places like st kilda but on the other hand part of the KTL charm/USP was going to places well off the beaten track and unglamorous sailing areas as well as watching you work the tides to get up rivers that nobody else would bother with.

Does seem a shame to not use the footage you got in 2015 – how about launching a KTLTV2 channel on YouTube where you could stick up rougher/shorter clips and keep the full fat ones on the main KTL channel? Could also be a good home for some of your vlogs that you used to do.

Quite a few other youtubers do that and it means you can keep the interest high which might drive more visitors to here to keep tabs on things and hopefully be persuaded to chip in a bit….

I will only do that if eleanor says to do it. I have a feeling she will tell me to concentrate on the 12,000 non tappers. There are some lovely films there, and the cornwall stuff as well. I have gone broke. I have to swim to the nearest shore – if I can mix metaphors that way. I have to dance to youtube’s tune until I drop dead from exhaustion. You are the first person to ask about that material N – what does that tell you. besides – KTL is unique – there is nothing like it on the web. A sailing series without tits – who would have thought it.

i’m sure you (and Eleanor) are right – work the numbers so you can get the bish bosh to carry on must be the priority, i guess you can always come back and use the other stuff. Just thought that smaller, more regular bits might drive the youtube traffic – seems to be what other (non sailing) channels do these days.

Dylan – I now spend fourteen quid going to the cinema in Colchester, and that’s not including the parking and popcorn. Say £14 for a 90 minute film, therefore I’m happy to chip in the odd £7 for 45 minutes of your hilarious commentary and cinematic-quality photography. So make your movies and the “taps will come”. Best, -Jason

your wonderful taps may come – but I no longer believe in good fairies

the fact is that 4,000 people a day go to the KTL cinema and around 3,990 people walk out without paying – most days it is worse than that. It has been averaging ten taps a day since I put the reminder up and people realised that I have sold the boat – before then it was about ten a week.

I have been making these films for google to give away free for the past two years. The wet smelly stuff hit the fan with the selling of the filming platform – the cameras are rusty and out of date.. To get back in the game is a massive hill to climb. I have 12 chances to prevent the demise of KTL. The project is on life support at the moment. Eleanor and I are trying to pull something out of the ashes. I am hopeful but not optimistic. She is neither.

If I can get just a tiny percentage of those 12,000 regular users to tap in then then I can start again. But to start again looks like a big pile of money to earn from 12 good films none of which have tits in.

Two bits of advice – buy google shares and start downloading the films before they disappear.

Raise the maximum tap amounts listed some more. Yes, I did see the suggestion somewhere to buy two taps, but it’s not obvious enough. There will be some people who micro payments, e.g. paetroen, works for, and others, like me, who would rather buy the occasional round.

http://dartmouth.boatshed.com/fisher_freeward_25-boat-231107.html

Is this any good? £10 grand cheaper, new (ish) engine, hard top (sort of) and will sail better.

I am sure that you can see past the fact that she’s a bit in need of a scrub up. You can do a lot with £10 grand.

Just a suggestion.

Didn’t realise you had film of the East Coast & Cornwall in the can. I would be a real shame not to see this material. I believe your original concept of sailing as close to the coast and up each river to be a sound aim. Who else has done that and rewarded us with great footage and tales of how people lived in these less well known places. Although a little reluctant at first to accept that you need a more suitable & expensive boat for Scotland, I am with you on that decision. We got into sailing because of you and the idea it was something we could do on a limited budget in retirement (having not sailed before). Like you have significant costs traveling from Yorkshire to the IoW to sail, so we go for longer to compensate. One downside is we can’t just go for short breaks when the weather suits. The heated & dry cabin makes good sense particularly for two on board. It’s no fun being cold & damp, we might have put up with this when younger, but you have worked all you life for a bit of comfort! I do love your positive commentary while wearing 6 jumpers, a real pro! The next film must be drawing closer, looking forward to that. Your bank balance should improve by not forking out marine fees so that’s a positive. Oh and it would be interested in the issues with cameras on board, how you decide what to replace them with etc. Scotland 2018 and those islands will happen

Dylan, okay the Scottish west coast.. I’ll probably won’t ever sail there myself. Instead I still hope to do some sailing on the east and south coast of Britain in the near future. So those earlier films were an inspiration in themselves. I’m obsessed by visiting Wainfleet, for instance, get up the creek and on my bike to Wainfleet after that, to visit the local Brewery (Bateman’s) But I already was wondering whether it was time again to show some appriciation. So let’s see those 12 films and surely I will “bestride the foothills of niceness like a colossus among men” (your words!)

You might resume writing and editing film for Small Boat Advisor and other publications or video outlets in the U.S. to raise awareness of your journeys. That might help, but you really need a significant long term sponsor. International liquor, beer, wine conglomerates might be likely targets. You would have to sell your personality–not difficult. You would have to be filmed downing shots or pints or whatever of their products in pubs, bars–not difficult. We Yanks, who don’t know a firth from a forth, or anything, really, about the west coast of Scotland–or care much–respond to colorful personalities. So this tuppence worth from someone who began watching in the time of the Slug and the Beast but who has lost his way in the intricacies of Centaurs and such.

I have bought several books (on fishing) from a company where the author does not publish until the required amount of people have committed to buy. It seems to work well with books on a variety of subjects only get published once they are a financially viable proposition. If, as said in a previous post, you publish a tickler on youtube but hold back on the full length film until the required cash is committed I am sure that the’freeloaders’ will feel more inclined to tap the button. Good luck young fellah ! (I will log on and give another tap or two for luck !).

I did column on small craft advisor – and PBO – they pay terrible money – $100 a thousand. There is also no real movement from magazines to the web – THE BOSS says that print media is on such a slide that it counts for very little.

the problem is that the youtubers would soon learn that all you get from KTL is a teaser – so they don’t click on it. I think that putting the witty reminders in the films seems to work – well it did for round 1 anyway. If they object they can come to this website and watch it with no reminders in but they might have to catch a glimpse of a pay pal button

THE BOSS says trailers do not work – bloody hell – working under a dictatorship here. You will also note when the films are re-posted about a third of them will have my jowly ugly fizzog on them – as per instructed by herself

another move that another youtuber i subscribe to does is release films a month early to subscribers – could you do that maybe? Upload them to a private link and email that to folk that tap a wee while before the go live on youtube. Not sure i agree with the boss about teasers – again, other subscribers i watch do teasers for their paid content and it’s certainly worked for me.

Hang on a minute! I dream of sailing up to Perth. It’s part of my 2017 plan. I was waiting for you to post the instructional video :-)

we got to the bridge of earn as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJwVgra0a2o

Dylan, I was about to pay you “because I think it would help you to take a future boat to a future place”. Instead, as you suggest, I will watch the next 12 films and pay on a film by film basis. I am so sure that the films will not disappoint us that this should be a good deal for me and many of us. Probably not for most of the freeloaders. So, if for a moment you forget about them, what do we non-freeloaders need to tap per film to get your project going again? I’m sure you can do some math with expected tap numbers. I suggest this because I cannot believe that all of us MOBs will stand by, just watching your project go down the drain. Btw cheer up about your age. I am your age, I know you can’t count on it and you must do things while you can and while you don’t know how long it will last, but I just met a guy who sailed solo across the Atlantic twice at 61 and he’s still sailing at 74.

Thanks Peter,

well not all films are equal. Not all films hit the right note with everyone – some love the marina tours – some say they make them feel sick. Some day they loved it most when I was sailing solo in the slug – other said it is much better with jill, jake, Danie and Eleanor around. Some even want to know about the dog. So pay according to how much you enjoyed each film. If it was a pile of crap and a waste of your time then pay not a penny. If, on the other hand, it was as good as your last trip to the cinema or box set you downloaded then that gives you an upper limit.

I think the film by film blokes average $5

I very rarely get a $1 tap – but that is better than nowt and I do not know the man’s circumstances

I do get bigger taps but those are generally from blokes who hav downloaded them all to their hard drives so some of them chip in the value of a complete set of 8 seasons/double DVD sets.

I used to get paid $25 per four hour DVD, That was ten cents a minute, Now on the films, more people are watching them, but with the past low tap rate I was averaging 0.004 cents per minute watched.

which is why I ran out of money. things are very different.

Now then, if you have read any of the previous discussions THE BOSS says that you have to get into the mindset that you are paying not for a future uncertain supply of films but on the pleasure what you have just watched brought to you – and how much you would have paid for that as a game of thrones box set or netflix.

pay a price for the entertainment you have just had – were you there with me, did it make you feel more relaxed about Trump and American Democracy.

When you watch and maybe enjoy and pay for need for speed 6 you are not paying in the hope that a bloke in england will buy another boat.

That is what she says – what I say is….. fek I will blow every penny on sailing and cameras – you know I will.

But right now there is no way of guaranteeing that I will ever raise the cash to buy that fisher.

So whatever you decide to pay please pay for what you have just seen – not for what you hope to see,

That way if you go back and start watching the old films and you find one that you go – bloody hell that was good then send me $5 and a note saying why you liked it.

It will make me feel good, you feel good and I will do my best to make films in the style you really enjoyed.

you are an exceptionally good man for asking.

I am learning a lot about the difference between the Americans and the Europeans

for us Europeans money is embarrassing – the yanks are much more relaxed around the stuff for some reason. This is a first for me. never done it this way…. made a film, got people to watch it and then say – pay me what it is worth to you.

For about 5,000 old blokes who watch everything I make on youtube it is not worth anything other than the time they “donated” watching the films. Lots of them are old sailors who would not know a paypal button if hit them in the face. But who could resent an old now shorebound old sailor sailor coming for a sail down the west coast of scotland with an “agreeable old englishman in an unexceptional boat”” – not my words

Anything you pay will be greatly appreciated

My plan is to do the dutch side of the north sea when I am 72

Very well Dylan. These are good indications for tapping for all of us. If you have seen a film that you like, new or old: the average bloke taps $5.

And finallly, you name a date for going over to the dutch side. You’ll love the Wadden Sea. Gives both of us an incentive to keep sailing at least until we’re 72.

Incredible! Harmony was our childhood boat! Sad to see how neglected she got but fantastic to see you bring her back to life. Where is she now out of interest? Would love to see her again. So many things still on her that we put on. Lovely memories of the boat and completely agree with your comments.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Westerly Storm 33

• Dick Durham
• November 30, 2010

Dick Durham tests a rugged offshore cruiser that lives up to her name

Product Overview

Overall rating:, manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

When she was launched, Westerly hoped it had created a boat to suit both the conservative cruising man and the performance-hungry sailor. This tough, no-nonsense boat almost delivered. She’s not great fun in light airs, but a family man looking for an offshore yacht with the ability to take some stick would be hard pushed to find a better second-hand buy at the price.

All Westerly Boats For Sale

Westerly yachts.

Westerly yachts are still are extremely popular, despite Westerly closing its doors for the last time in the late 1980s. You will still find many westerly yachts in most British marinas and boatyards, and they are a familiar brand name among all sailors. 

Commander D Rainer was the founding owner of Westerly yachts, which was back in 1963. Since then, they peaked in the late ’70s and early ’80s and dominated the UK leisure yachting industry.   

Westerly yachts are best remembered for their well built and rugged construction. There is a superb selection of eye-catching and stylish Westerly boats in current circulation, including the Fulmar, Tempest, Oceanlord and Storm models.

If you are an owner, you can get involved with the Westerly Owners Association. Founded in 1966, the owners club has grown to become the largest yacht owners group globally and has over 3,000 members. 

There are many benefits to be enjoyed here with advice, information, camaraderie and great technical support available to each member. On top of this, regular functions are organised, and a free copy of ‘The Westerly Story’ is given to each member upon enrolling.

Manufacturers Contact Details

Westerly Yachts are no longer manufactured. Trafalgar Yachts were a fantastic source of historical information when I checked 

TRAFALGAR YACHT SERVICES

Specialise in yachts built by Westerly from 1963 until 2000. Trafalgar Yacht Services say, "having both worked for that company and run our own business since 1994." They specialise in the sale of Westerly Yacht spares supplied on-site or by mail order. Trafalgar Yacht Services

also provide free technical information to the best of our knowledge. Most impressive was the free service offered when searching for VAT status. As custodians of Westerly's documentation's remains can often help with a particular boat's history, including VAT status. Our general chandlery stocks a wide range of products for refurbishing all types of craft.

Trafalgar Yachts link to the  site for historical info 

Owners Association:     westerly-owners.co.uk

Update by  Network Yacht Brokers Barcelona  Jan 2121

Westerly boats previously for sale

Oceanlord 40' 5"

Westerly O... 38' 0"

Oceanlord 41 40' 6"

Westerly O... 34' 6"

Ocean Ranger 38' 0"

Westerly O... 40' 6"

Westerly O... 34' 7"

Oceanrange... 38' 0"

Westerly 3... 35' 5"

Oceanrange... 37' 9"

Westerly S... 33' 9"

Westerly R... 34' 7"

Oceanquest 35 34' 4"

Westerly S... 39' 0"

Westerly C... 35' 9"

Westerly D... 33' 3"

Westerly O... 35' 0"

Westerly F... 31' 11"

Westerly S... 33' "

Corsair 36 36' 0"

Westerly S... 34' 7"

Westerly S... 33' 2"

Westerly F... 32' "

Conway CY 249 35' 10"

Conway 36' 0"

Westerly K... 28' 10"

Westerly 3... 33' 3"

Westerly F... 31' 9"

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New and used Westerly boats for sale

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Find your perfect Westerly today. We have Westerly brokers and sellers from around the world at great prices.

History of Westerly

Westerly Marine Construction Ltd., commonly known as Westerly Yachts, was founded in 1963 by Commander Denys Rayner in England. The company quickly gained a reputation for building robust and seaworthy sailing yachts, catering primarily to the cruising market. Westerly's early models, such as the Westerly 22 and Centaur, solidified their standing among sailing enthusiasts due to their innovative design and high standard of construction. The company's production peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, making it one of the leading yacht builders in the UK. Notable designers like Laurent Giles and Ed Dubois contributed to the iconic reputation of Westerly Yachts during this period.While Westerly experienced success through the late 20th century, the company struggled financially in the 1990s due to market fluctuations and increased competition. These economic challenges led to the company's liquidation in 2000. Despite ceasing production, the legacy of Westerly yachts endures due to their durability and the strong community of owners who continue to sail and maintain these classic vessels. The boats remain highly sought after in the used yacht market, and dedicated associations and forums provide support and resources for Westerly yacht owners.Westerly Yachts is no longer an active manufacturer, and the original facilities have since been repurposed. However, the influence and legacy of Westerly’s designs remain impactful within the sailing community. The craftsmanship and design principles established by Westerly continue to be celebrated, and their yachts are viewed as a testament to British marine engineering and design prowess.

Which models do Westerly produce?

Westerly produce a range of boats including the Westerly Konsort , Westerly Centaur , Westerly Corsair 36 , Westerly Fulmar and Westerly Fulmar 32 . For the full list of Westerly models currently listed on TheYachtMarket.com, see the model list in the search options on this page.

What types of boats do Westerly build?

Westerly manufactures a range of different types of boats. The ones listed on TheYachtMarket include Sloop , Cruiser , Ketch , Aft cockpit and Racing boat .

How much does a boat from Westerly cost?

Used boats from Westerly on TheYachtMarket.com range in price from £500 GBP to £150,000 GBP with an average price of £24,400 GBP . A wide range of factors can affect the price of used boats from Westerly, for example the model, age and condition.

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Westerly Yachts

Westerly yachts are a very common yacht in most British marinas and boat yards. Over the decades, Westerly in its various incarnations dominated the UK leisure yachting industry employing some of the best designers of the day.

Westerly Yacht History

The company made many sailing yachts during the mid-1960s, 1970s and 1980s before it ceased trading in the late 1990s. Although the company went through turbulent times, Westerly yachts are renowned for their well-built and rugged construction and were one of Europe’s leading production builder of fibreglass composite sailboats.

In 1963 Commander Denys Rayner, a popular yacht designer designed ‘The Westerly’ – a 22ft yacht at the request of Hilary Scott who wished to set up a new company. Commander Rayner became the managing director of the new company and Scott became one of its non-executive directors.

The company was founded in March 1963 and started production in a clean modern factory unit on a new estate in Waterlooville, 7 miles inland from Portsmouth.

Over the next fifteen years they won several acclaimed Queens Awards for Export in 1969, 1970 and 1977. By the 1990, Edwin Paul took over as MD of Westerly Yachts Limited and the parent company changed its name from Centreway Industries plc to Westerly plc. At the end of 1990, due to the recession, the parent company ran into financial trouble.

The company became Westerly Group Limited in the year 1993 and the yachts were presented as three ranges of Westerly, “the Oceans, the Regattas, and the Victorias”.

In 1995, Westerly Group was acquired by Tony Davies Bowman Group, the parent company of rival Bowman and Starlight Yachts. But in 1998, Bowman hit financial problems and as a result, the Westerly Group Limited was sold to Marigot Group. In the year 2000, the plant and machinery were sold to US Hunter, who had just started up in the UK as Legend.

Westerly yachts are easily identifiable as they are a timeless classic and are amazing cruisers with high standards of craftsmanship, performance and style.

Westerly Sailboat Range & Popular Models

The Westerly Yachts Range consists of three main models:

• Westerly Ocean
• Westerly Regatta
• Westerly Victoria

Popular Westerly models include

• Oceanquest 33
• Oceanlord 41
• Regatta 370
• Regatta 260
• Regatta 330
• Griffon 26 yacht
• Merlin 29 Yacht
• Storm Cruiser 33
• Victoria 34

Drag reducing Propellers for Westerly Sailboats

Darglow have supplied drag reducing props for many of the models in the Westerly range. We keep an expanding database of technical information on many of our installations along with feedback from our customers.

Check our full list of Westerly boats we have supplied propellers to here.

Rope Cutters for Westerly Yachts

We have supplied rope cutters for various boats in the Westerly yacht range. We keep an expanding database of technical information on many of our installations along with feedback from our customers.

Check our full list of Westerly boats we have supplied rope cutters for here.

Westerly Owners website

Given the popularity of Westerly yachts over the years there is a strong network of owners and loyal followers. The Westerly Owners Association is the largest yacht owner’s association in the UK with over 2700 members.

https://westerly-owners.co.uk/

Posted on Monday, November 16th, 2020

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best 30 foot boats: Seaworthy British cruisers available for under £30k

• Peter Poland
• June 15, 2022

Peter Poland shares his expertise on British-built second-hand yachts costing less than £30,000, which are comfortable and seaworthy...

You might think £30,000 sounds like a lot of money for a ‘starter boat’. But tracking down a comfortable and seaworthy yacht that’s 30 foot long, less than around 40 years old and capable of taking a crew on coastal cruising trips costing less than £30,000 on the second-hand market can be a challenging project.

It’s stating the obvious, but sailors who are happy with smaller yachts have far more to choose from. In the days before the ‘smallest’ new starter boat became a costly 30-plus footer, many builders used to offer popular ranges stretching from 20ft to 32ft.

But if you are looking for the best 30 foot boats within a £30,000 budget, you will have to start delving into the realms of older yachts.

14 of the best 30 foot boats

The Westerly Centaur White Lady

Westerly Centaur

Those looking for smaller GRP starter boats – myself included – often settled on the ground-breaking 26ft Westerly Centaur. Between 1969 and the early 1980s, 2,444 were built; outselling any other British production cruiser.

To a large degree its success stemmed from the exceptional space, headroom and comfort that it offered in its day. Three layout options were available and – more by luck than judgement – I bought the most popular.

It had a twin berth forepeak, enclosed heads compartment, L-shaped saloon settee with drop-down table, linear galley to starboard and twin quarter berths aft. Thanks to designer Laurent Giles’s thorough tank testing, the Centaur’s twin keels also broke new ground.

The Westerly Centaur Viento Seco

These tests showed a substantial loss in efficiency when keels were aligned exactly fore and aft. So the LG team settled on splayed and identical (as opposed to asymmetric) keels with a 2° toe-in.

I bought my second-hand Centaur as a floating cottage from which to follow and photograph the successes of our Hunter Sonata and Impala 28 One Design classes in the late 1970s.

The Centaur did a great job. It sailed adequately, motored well and provided excellent overnight accommodation. And it still will today; especially if you find a tidy example with refurbished headlining panels and a recent engine.

A Nicholson 32 beating through the Sound of Mull, Inner Hebrides. Photo: Genevieve Leaper/Alamy

Nicholson 32

Going back to 1963, the evergreen Nicholson 32 is another candidate for a seaworthy and comfortable cruiser that just keeps going. Peter Nicholson sketched out his ideas for an all GRP Camper & Nicholsons fast cruiser that he hoped would become the new ‘people’s boat’.

He envisaged a quick and seaworthy hull, a distinctive two level coachroof (featuring a raised doghouse aft) and a spacious and nicely fitted out interior.

His father, CE Nicholson, drew the lines and Halmatic was signed up to mould the boat. Peter Nicholson planned the marketing and prepared the brochure: which was probably the first GRP yacht brochure produced in the UK. Jeremy Lines took on the day to day running of the project and the Nicholson 32 hit the sailing scene in 1963.

Success was instant. The Mark 1 version sold at £4,900. This may not sound much, but apply about 60 years worth of inflation and this comes to around £109,000 (+VAT) in today’s money. Which was a lot for a 32-footer.

Article continues below…

Coming of age: the 1970s yacht designs that have stood the test of time

Sailing in the 1970s was characterised by innovation, enthusiasm, mass participation and home boatbuilding. Rupert Holmes reports

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?

Cruising boats of around 30ft can often become a ‘boat for life’. Having graduated from dinghies to small cruisers, many…

But it’s as one would expect for a high quality yacht with a lead keel. Interestingly, the LWL had been fixed at 24ft – the holy grail for offshore racers – because this was the minimum permitted length for RORC events.

The first 32 produced, aptly named Forerunner, did well in Solent racing with Charles and Peter Nicholson on board. Then the young Claire Francis made the headlines by sailing her Nicholson 32 Gulliver single-handed across the Atlantic .

And the success story just ran and ran. Jeremy Lines continued to mastermind sales, control changes and liaise with Halmatic until the final couple of years, when Halmatic took over the whole project with the Mark X and Xl versions.

From 1963 to 1981, the 32 was in continuous production and including a few built under licence in Australia, around 400 were built. Peter Nicholson summed up the 32’s success by saying: “I think the most important thing about the 32 was that owners felt very safe in her in really bad weather.

“We had numerous letters and comments about this from people who had been caught out.”

Nicholson 32 Mark X and Mark XI

Over the years no fewer than eleven new ‘Marks’ of the 32 were introduced, incorporating numerous changes. Many of these related to small details but some were more significant, such as scrapping the pilot berth and pushing the saloon settees further out to make space for an occasional double berth.

The Mark X (introduced in 1972) and Mark Xl featured an all-new deck moulding and raised hull topsides, resulting in major changes and a completely new look. With extra headroom and space provided by the raised topsides, the ‘dog-house’ part of the coachroof became longer and lower.

At the same time the cockpit changed dramatically (it could now accommodate a wheel) and the companionway moved from its unusual but practical offset position to the centreline.

Down below, the galley and chart table changed sides, the chart table changed orientation, the saloon became more spacious and the amidships heads area got a bit bigger. While many liked the new Mark X look, others preferred the more traditional profile of earlier models. You pays your money (usually more for a Mark X or XI) and you takes your choice.

‘The evergreen Nicholson 32 is a seaworthy and comfortable cruiser that just keeps going’

From a personal perspective, I like the Raymond Wall designed deck and coachroof on the Mark X and Xl. But I’ve always admired Wall’s designs, especially such beauties as the Nicholson 35, 43 and 55. And after an enjoyable test aboard a 1969 Mark 8 version, I concluded that: “A ‘classic’ such as a Nicholson 32 will not suit everyone.

But if you want a boat with character, a boat that will look after you, a boat that just feels so good (whether sailing or relaxing down below) and a boat that will turn heads wherever she goes, then take a look. A Nicholson 32 is not just a boat; it is more a love affair and a way of life.”

To give an idea of prices today, I came across a couple of Mk 8 versions (1971 and 1972) asking £9,000 and £9,500 and two Mk Xs (1972 and 1974) asking £12,950 and £24,500.

Prices vary a lot depending on condition, spec and engine age etc, and a professional survey is advisable – as is the case when considering the purchase of any elderly boat. A visit to the Nicholson 32 website and becoming an associate member (£15) also gives access to a prodigious amount of information.

The restored Contessa 32 Bugler of Hor (PBO, December 2018)

Contessa 32

As the 1960s slid into the 70s, a new British-designed and built 32ft contender – the Contessa 32 – hit the market in 1972. And, like the Nicholson, it has become a popular classic.

However, having been launched eight years later, several new design features gave this 32-footer a very different look. The 1970s ushered in a new generation of yacht design.

The most obvious changes are beneath the waterline. Instead of a traditional long keel, the Contessa followed the new trend of fin keel (albeit a long one by modern standards) and separate skeg-hung rudder.

From a performance point of view, drag is reduced and manoeuvrability increases. But the Contessa’s vital statistics are surprisingly similar to the Nicholson’s, with the same LWL (that magical RORC minimum of 24ft again) and 5ft 6in draught. And her beam is only 3in more.

But when it comes to weight, there’s a substantial drop from the Nicholson’s hefty 6,198kg to 4,309kg. Yet the ballast ratio remains around 50%.

The Contessa’s finer ends and reduced underwater body explain the overall reduction in weight and mean that she is smaller down below – and quicker that the Nicholson. The 1972-designed Contessa 32 soon became a top seller with a reputation for seaworthiness, performance and classic good looks.

‘Synonymous with the word “safe”, many Contessa 32s have girdled the globe’

Around 700 Contessa 32s were built and she’s still in demand today. Photo: Carolyn Jenkins/Alamy

Around 700 were built and she’s still in demand today. Prices range from £14,000 (a 1972 example with original engine) to £27,000 (with newer engine) to £36,000 (a later example with newer engine) to ‘six figures’ for a recent boat. Jeremy Rogers Ltd still builds new 32s.

The word ‘safe’ has become synonymous with the Contessa 32. Many have girdled the globe. Others have raced across the Atlantic, a recent example being Amelie of Dart built by Jeremy Rogers’s new company.

Stephen Gratton entered her in the 2005 Amateur Single Handed Transatlantic race and raised over £50,000 for an MS charity. Jeremy Rogers told me: “He took 30 days to do the crossing, which was an extremely rough and testing one.”

But perhaps the most famous Contessa 32 is Willy Ker’s Assent . She shot to fame as the smallest yacht to complete the storm-tossed 1979 Fastnet Race , when many larger yachts had to retire.

Then Ker took to the ice and Assent completed successful cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. Contessa 32s, it seems, can take their crews anywhere.

The Contessa 32’s layout is similar to the earlier Nicholson 32 design, albeit slightly less voluminous. In the saloon, the main U-shaped settee converts into a double berth, thanks to a slide out panel.

The chart table is full sized and forward facing, with a secure quarter berth aft. The galley is a seagoing wrap-around U-shape that provides plenty of work-surface.

Contessa 32 Class racing during Cowes Week in the Solent, off the Isle of Wight. Photo: Peter Titmuss/Alamy

“Cooking and navigating at sea are safe and simple”, one owner told me; “You don’t get thrown around too much if it gets rough. She has a gentle motion at sea. She doesn’t bounce around and catch you off balance.”

Like the Nicholson 32 and other cruisers of this era, the Contessa’s heads compartment is amidships, between the saloon and the forepeak.

This isn’t as palatial as the aft heads compartments on beamy contemporary cruisers but when the heads are forward, valuable saloon space aft at the widest part of the yacht is not sacrificed.

Andrew Gardener’s Rival 32’s comfortable cockpit, wide side decks and moderate width bow and stern. Photo: Andrew Gardener

Rival 32 and Rival 34

At much the same time, the Rival 32 (1971: 200 built) and Rival 34 (1972: 174 built) hit the scene and also made their names as reliable and capable offshore cruisers. Designed By Peter Brett, the Rival 34 was an extended version of the already successful Rival 32, having a slightly deeper afterbody and longer overhangs to give steadiness in a seaway.

There were two basic hull versions, one with a deep keel at 5ft 10in and a shallow one with 4ft 8in draught. The Rival 34’s prowess in offshore sailing was soon put to the test. Four Rivals (a 31, two 32s and the first 34) entered the inaugural AZAB race (Azores and back – around 2,500 miles).

Then Brett lent his own deep keel Rival 34 Wild Rival to a young naval officer, Geoff Hales, to enter the 1976 OSTAR (Observer single-handed transatlantic race). Hales told me that it was one of the roughest OSTARs ever. “Out of 126 entries, only 76 finished. Wild Rival took it all in her stride and we finished 23rd… and we won overall on handicap.”

Rival 34 Wild Rival competing in a Round the Île de Bréhat Race in the Classic Channel Regatta. Photo: Peter Poland

Hales said that the 34 was so well balanced that she often sailed herself (with the Aries self-steering disconnected) and that the high bow proved its worth in the heavy head seas.

The only damage was a split mainsail, caused by a knock down when Wild Rival was hit by a rogue wave during a storm when winds touched 60 knots. “Needless to say,” Hales added, “ Wild Rival was straight back on her feet!” What’s more Wild Rival is still racing today and a regular competitor in The Classic Channel Regatta.

I’ve crewed on a Twister twice in this splendid event and admired Wild Rival racing round the Île de Bréhat … and she’s already entered for 2022. To get a professional opinion on how the Rival 34 has stood the test of time, I contacted Scottish yacht designer and surveyor Ian Nicolson.

When I heard he’d changed his championship winning Sigma 33 for a Rival 34, I was keen to hear his opinions on his latest and less sporty steed.

Ian said: “Restoration of my Rival 34 was a middle of the road job. I worked on her over three and a half winters and now she’s more comfortable, but these boats tend to be basically safe and not a lot was needed structurally. I’m pleased with the new book-case which has a traditional teak grating front!”

‘The most obvious changes of the 1970s’ new era of yacht design are beneath the waterline’

And what about her handling and performance? Ian added: “When I get our Rival into a tight marina berth with half a gale on the beam, I wish she had the short keel of the Sigma 3 for swift, tight turning.

“But when I am out alone and have not linked up the autohelm, the Rival’s steady plod in one predetermined direction is an asset. In squally conditions the Sigma needed firm handling and we won races by keeping the boat on its feet, while others were broaching.

“There is none of this problem with the Rival. If I had a choice for Scotland I would go for the deep draught version.”

Many other Rivals have gone on to cruise long distances. The design has a distinctive sheerline, and the interior, although smaller than some modern 34-footers, is particularly well fitted out for serious seagoing. On the second-hand market, I found 1978 and 1979 32s on offer at £16,000 and £17,500 (with a replacement Beta 25) and a 34 at £29,000.

The more modern Sadler profile is perhaps more functional than the Contessa’s classic look. But the Sadler 32 will be a dryer boat to sail as a result of this. Photo: Tim Woodcock/Alamy

The Sadler 32 is also worth considering. Designed by David Sadler, around 300 were built between 1979 and 1989. It’s interesting to compare dimensions with Sadler’s previous Contessa 32 design. At 31ft 6in overall the Sadler 32 is slightly shorter.

But her LWL is the same: namely the old RORC minimum 24ft for offshore races. Fin keel draught is also the same at 5ft 6in (shoal draught and twin keels were also offered), but beam is a foot broader at 10ft 6in.

Displacement is similar at 4,309kg but the ballast ratio is a slightly lower 44.2%. However the Sadler’s extra beam and form stability compensate for this. The Sadler’s masthead rig is also a similar size to the Contessa’s.

The Sadler 32 is a more spacious boat than the Contessa 32. Photo: Adrian Muttitt/Alamy

So what does this all add up to? Being a more modern design, the Sadler’s increased beam, higher freeboard, cambered side decks and straightened sheer definitely pay dividends down below.

The Sadler is a more spacious boat than the Contessa. Her fin keel is also a bit shorter, so there’s a small saving on wetted surface. This was borne out by early successes on the IOR racing scene.

I recall Cowes Week dices in our Impala 28 against the Sadler 32. We tended to edge ahead when off the wind (especially in a blow) but were hard pressed to hang on to the Sadler beating to windward in a stiff breeze.

Martin Sadler also sailed a 32 in the 1979 Fastnet and came through it with flying colours. Unlike the Contessa 32 Assent that completed the course, Martin decided to rest his crew and retire to Cork after surviving the ferocious front unscathed.

When it comes to looks, you enter the realms of personal taste. The more modern Sadler profile is perhaps marginally more functional than the Contessa’s sweeping and classic look.

But the Sadler 32 will be a dryer boat to sail as a result of this. Typical asking prices vary from £15,000 to £24,000 subject to boat and engine age.

Westerly Longbow and Westerly Renown

In 1972, Westerly asked Laurent Giles for a new 31-footer. And in its various guises, this makes a very popular first cruiser. It started life with a fin keel, as opposed to the ubiquitous and successful twin keels that had helped establish the Westerly brand.

The Westerly Longbow is a powerful performer, especially in a breeze. Photo: SailingScenes.com

So in 1972 the Westerly Longbow hit the scene, to be followed a year later by its ketch rigged centre cockpit sister, the Westerly Renown.

These two models have the Centaur’s signature knuckle in the bow and small ‘step’ in the roof line; but the extra five feet in length gives a generally sleeker appearance. They also took performance to a higher level.

The Longbow in particular is a powerful performer. She can surprise more modern cruisers in club handicap races – especially in a breeze – after which her crew can lie back and relax in traditional Westerly comfort.

The Longbow’s accommodation is spacious, featuring an L-shaped saloon settee arranged around a table to port. Two alternative galley positions were offered; one forward in the saloon and one aft. And a decent sized heads is amidships.

All in all, it’s an extremely practical and pleasing sea-going interior with plenty of wood to enhance the ambience. The centre cockpit, with wheel steering and optional ketch rig, Renown added a separate twin berth stern cabin to the equation.

Of course this is small compared to the palatial pads found in the wide sterns of many of today’s broad beam cruisers, but it is genuinely ‘separate’ and accessed via its own companionway at the back of the cockpit.

The Renown’s saloon is slightly shorter than in the aft cockpit Longbow, but remains a cosy and welcoming lair, with the galley aft to starboard and chart table to port.

Sales of these two fin keel cruisers level pegged, with the Longbow chalking up 265 compared to the Renown’s 273.

The centre-cockpit Westerly Pentland. Photo: SailingScenes.com

Westerly Berwick and Westerly Pentland

But customer demand for twin keels won out in the end, and a couple of years later Westerly launched the Berwick (aft cockpit) and the Pentland (centre cockpit) sisters.

Their efficient twin keels reduced the draught by around a foot – enabling upwardly mobile Centaur owners to retain their drying moorings and to continue creek crawling as they graduated from 26 to 31ft.

And, like their fin keel sisters, the Berwick and Pentland had sensible seagoing interiors. Sales between aft cockpit and central cockpit versions were also similar, with the aft cockpit Berwick winning at 309 to 241.

As sales continued to boom, the interior layouts of these successful 31-footers were occasionally tweaked. And towards the end of the run – as with other Westerly models nearing their sell by date – the fibreglass furniture mouldings gave way to an attractive (and more costly to build) all wood look.

Interestingly, the final total of these 31-footers built is evenly split between fin and twin keelers at around 540 of each. And that’s a lot of 31-footers. Today’s second-hand prices vary between around £10,000 to £18,000; depending on age and condition of boat and engine.

Excellent Westerly build quality as found in the 33ft Discus. Photo:

Westerly 33/Discus

One of the last classic Laurent Giles cruising yachts designed for the Westerly range was the Westerly 33/Discus, produced between 1977 and 1984.

Many regard this 33ft hull – with its well-proportioned keel (giving a 40% ballast ratio), generous displacement (6,848kg), and sensible beam (providing ample comfortable space below) – to be the best of the lot.

As usual, there are choices of keel (fin or twin), rig (sloop or ketch) and cockpit position (central or aft).

But it is the accumulated experience of thousands of Giles-designed Westerlys that makes these 33-footers a cut above the norm – with desirable small details such as backrests that move to become solid lee cloths for sleeping at sea.

Around 300 were built and asking prices vary from around £20,000 to £25,000.

Westerly Fulmar 32

In 1979, perhaps influenced by the success of racier cruisers imported from France, Westerly decided to step up a gear in the performance stakes and go for a new look and a new designer.

Out went Laurent Giles and in came the young Ed Dubois. It was a bold move, but Westerly pushed ahead in 1980 with a replacement for the popular 31ft Longbow family.

Excellent performance and handling qualities in both fin and twin keel formats from the Westerly Fulmar. Photo: SailingScenes.com

The result was one of Westerly’s most popular and enduring models; the Fulmar 32 (1979 to 1992: 437 built). Like her 26ft sister the Griffon Mk I and Mk ll (1979-1989, 329 built), Dubois’s Fulmar 32 enjoys excellent performance and handling qualities in both fin and twin keel formats.

And, being 6ft longer than the Griffon, she has classier and more elegant lines. Westerly gambled that extra performance would not deter its existing customer base, but rather boost existing brand loyalty while attracting new converts to the marque.

With fin or twin keels, the Fulmar took off. She also became a favourite with sailing schools requiring a spacious, seaworthy and stable floating classroom. The Fulmar’s seagoing interior layout, long cockpit and ability to take heavy weather in her stride make her the ideal workhorse.

With a sail area of around 560ft2, beam of 10ft 11in and ballast ratio of around 42% she offers a fine balance between cruising comfort and good performance.

Despite her long cockpit, the Fulmar’s interior volume is extensive. Her traditional layout – with twin berth forepeak, amidships heads, straight-sided saloon settees, big galley, sensible chart table and aft quarter berth – works well at sea.

It is not dissimilar to the Contessa 32’s accommodation, but more spacious. And many reckon that a well-sailed Fulmar will see off a Contessa 32 under sail in many conditions.

An impressive 437 were built and current prices vary between around £21,000 and £35,000 depending on age, condition and whether they have a replacement engine.

A Moody 27 in Plymouth Sound. Photo: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Best 30 foot Moody boats

Many Moodys can also fit under the £30,000 ceiling, including earlier Primrose designs (Moody 33, 30, 36, 33S, 29, 333) and early Dixon designs (Moody 27, 31, 28). Most of these were offered with fin or twin keels.

There are far too many to go into detail here, but the excellent Moody Owners Association (moodyowners.org) contains information galore.

Best 30 foot boats: Yacht broker favourites

To get an experienced yacht broker’s view, I asked Andy Cunningham of Michael Schmidt and Partner (based at Hamble Point) for his favourite boats selling at under £30,000.

He listed the Westerly Konsort , Sadler 29 , Vancouver 27, as well as the Hunter Channel 27 and Ranger 245 twin-keelers.

He also mentioned the Victoria 30, Westerly Fulmar and Hunter Channel 32 twin-keeler – with the proviso that the last three can sell for more than £30,000 when in top condition.

Sharing Andy’s bias towards David Thomas twin keel designs, I would also mention the Hunter Horizon 232 twin-keeler as owned by 82-year-old Murdoch McGregor who won the British Yachting Awards 2021 Sailor of the Year accolade for his epic solo round Britain trip.

And its later, larger sister the Ranger 245 found almost unprecedented approval from the testers at PBO. David Harding wrote: ‘There was a lot to like about this spirited little ship back in 1996 when she had just been launched as the Ranger 245.’

Andrew Simpson, PBO’s associate editor at the time and not one to lavish praise on a boat unless it was well earned, concluded his test in 1997 with the words ‘a cracking little winner if ever I saw one’. The choice is far wider when looking for a small yacht priced under £30,000. So it’s impossible to list all the likely candidates.

Buying a 30 foot boat: Top tips

As a rule of thumb, it’s important to seek out a model with the backing of an active owners association. Rallies and social gatherings are fun and of course there’s extensive valuable information available.

A pre-purchase survey is also important; as are any recent invoices for major items such as engine and standing rigging replacement to show insurers.

Regarding standing rigging some insurers stipulate inspections on change of ownership, further inspections thereafter and rectification of faults found. So it’s sensible to check this with your insurer first.

Navigators & General, which has been insuring yachts since 1921, states on its website: ‘We will generally require surveys on boats greater than 23ft which are over 20 years in age. Once satisfactorily completed we will not ask for another for at least five years.’

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Ever dream of running away from it all and living on a vineyard compound in California ’s Santa Ynez Valley ?

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The 20,000-square-foot Tuscan-inspired villa is surrounded by 82 acres of vineyards, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and olive groves. There’s also a two-acre lake stocked with bass and extensive equestrian facilities, including a barn that currently houses the family’s three horses. 

The McGinleys, who also own property in Illinois and Massachusetts, shelled out a cool $24.2 million for the compound back in 2006,  The Wall Street Journal  reported. At the time, one celebrity resident in particular drew them to the area. “I told Jack that if  Oprah  picked Montecito as a place to live, I think we should be going out to look,” Julie told the newspaper. 

RELATED: This Tranquil Estate in Santa Barbara’s Hope Ranch Can Be Yours for $13 Million 

The couple dropped an extra $10 million on renovating the estate, including installing a new swimming pool, HVAC systems, an infrared spa, and a pickleball court. The main villa comprises three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Plus, there are five additional bedrooms split between the guest wings and a stable apartment.

Some of the abode’s standout perks include its 10 wood-burning fireplaces, a wine cellar, and an interior central courtyard with 40-foot ceilings. The billiards room doubles as a formal office and library and is decked out with a 19th-century Ver de Mer mantel, antique lighting, glass-front bookcases, and a coffered ceiling. 

According to the  Journal , the McGinleys originally planned on retiring at Westerly, but in actuality, they only spend about five months of the year here, so they have decided to sell the property and downsize.

The couple’s Illinois home is in Lake Forest, and they also maintain a shingle-style dwelling in Dartmouth, Mass., which they reportedly snagged after it was featured on the cover of a magazine. “I’m a house junkie; I just love real estate and homes,” Julie added. “But I can’t keep them all.”

Riskin Partners Estate Group and Carey Kendall, both of Village Properties/Forbes Global Properties, hold the listing. 

Click here to see more photos of Westerly Estate. 

Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…

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What is RI's best beach? Vote in Round 2 of our bracket to determine the top spot

With thousands of votes cast in the first round , we're on our way to finding Rhode Island's best beach.

While some matchups were blowouts, including East Matunuck topping Gooseberry Beach by an 80% to 20% margin and Narragansett Town Beach wiping out Fred Benson Town Beach by a 76% to 24% difference there, were also some close results.

Mackerel Cove in Jamestown beat out Little Compton's South Shore Beach by just 18 votes, while the Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island topped Westerly's East Beach by 34 votes.

Now, with the weather heating up this week and a potential day off on Wednesday for the Juneteenth holiday, there's a chance to test some of these places out and cast your vote.

Second round voting will be open until 7 a.m. on Thursday, June 20.

Misquamicut State Beach vs. Salty Brine State Beach

Misquamicut state beach  .

Hours:  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Gates close at sunset.  

Amenities: restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot, playground, food and gift concessions, composting toilets, lifeguard tower and shade gazebos.  

Parking rate:  Click here for full information  

Salty Brine State Beach 

Narragansett 

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Gates close at sunset. 

Amenities: lifeguard tower, coin-operated hot showers powered by solar hot water panels, public restrooms, wheelchair accessibility, food concessions, and a boardwalk along the jetty with overlook platforms, picnic tables and shade gazebo. 

Parking rates:  Click here for full information

Second Beach vs. Mohegan Bluffs

Second beach .

Middletown 

Hours: Beach is open dawn to dusk 

Amenities: Concession stand, bathrooms, changing area, showers, grills, picnic tables, and shade structures located at the main building. Port-a-johns are located at the base of each pathway. Surfboard rentals and lessons are available during the season as well as a Del's Lemonade truck. Showers can be found at Surfer's End (on the west end). 

Mohegan Bluffs  

New Shoreham 

Hours: None 

Amenities: None 

Parking rates: Free 

Scarborough State Beach vs. Narragansett Town Beach

Scarborough state beach .

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday - Friday and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Gates close at sunset. 

Amenities: restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot with overflow lot, food and gift concessions, lifeguard tower, and several shade gazebos 

Parking rates:  Click here for full information  

Narragansett Town Beach 

Hours: 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. weekends and holidays (lifeguards will be on duty until 6 p.m.), unless otherwise noted by beach management, due to weather or other conditions.  Restrooms only will be available until 6 p.m. 

Amenities: food concessions, restrooms, first-aid office, surfing area 

Parking and admission rates:  Click here for full information  

Mackerel Cove vs. East Matunuck State Beach

Mackerel cove .

Hours: Service available 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amenities: Lifeguard, restrooms 

Parking rates: Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at a rate of $15 per car, per day. 

East Matunuck State Beach 

South Kingstown  

Parking: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday - Friday and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Gates close at sunset. 

Amenities: restrooms, outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility, large parking lot, food and gift concessions, composting toilets, lifeguard tower, and shade gazebos. 

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

13 Best Boat Shoes for Summery Style on Land or Sea

Boat shoes get a bad rap. We can fix that.

Here's the thing about boat shoes , though: They are damn stylish. In canvas or leather , the nautical-inspired kicks are an elevated alternative to flip-flops , a more approachable version of loafers , and a cooler, better (most of the time) option than sneakers . It all comes down to which boat shoes you wear, and how you wear them. Lucky for you, we've gathered 13 infallible options below.

best iconic boat shoes

Sperry authentic original 2-eye boat shoes.

best elevated boat shoes

Mango split leather nautical shoes.

best comfortable boat shoes

Allbirds tree skippers.

Take the classic Sperrys , for example. What's not to love? They're comfortable and chic and pair wonderfully with a summer barbecue. Or, if you're actually getting on a boat, go for Dockers—they're water resistant, so you can splish and splash as you please. If you want to emulate the air of wealth that boat shoes seem to inherently have, reach for Loro Piana's suede option—but do not get those wet. There's a style below for everyone. Long live Boat Shoe Summer.

When I think of boat shoes, these are the very first pair that comes to mind. I mean, they're classics. Sperry's iconic two-eye design is an easy, stylish way to encapsulate summer elegance, whether or not you're actually on a boat.

Mango does boat shoes as it does all things—with real European style. These are minimalist yet tasteful, with a leather upper and backstitched details. Pair with denim, white pants, or khakis for a classy look.

These are a boat shoe/sneaker hybrid, but we're counting them, because the comfort and cushion provided by Allbirds is so worth it. If you're planning on doing a lot of walking this summer—say, on vacation while playing tourist—this is the chic, comfy shoe you need to have in your rotation.

Dockers Beacon Boat Shoes

For an affordable boat shoe that's as durable as it is comfortable, go for Dockers. This hard-wearing style emulates the classic, timeless design, and when you have these on your feet, you'll love the water- and stain-repellent coating that allows you to roam freely.

Todd Snyder x Sperry Top-Sider Suede Boat Shoes

What could be chicer for summer than a Todd Snyder and Sperry collab? This boat shoe exudes everything a boat shoe should: refined style, a bit of preppiness, and infallible coolness. With cork insoles for all-day comfort and a suede upper that looks as good as it feels.

OluKai Moku Pae Boat Shoes

With a breathable mesh upper and grippy wet soles, this is a boat shoe you can—and should—actually wear on a boat. And, for that matter, anywhere else you go this summer.

Loro Piana Sea-Sail Walk Suede Boat Shoes

If you want to invest in a truly luxurious boat shoe, well, there's no higher luxury than Loro Piana. This style is crafted with a suede upper and a durable rubber sole, with an apron toe that looks good on or off the docks.

J.Crew x Rancourt & Co. Read Boat Shoes

It doesn't get much cooler than these classic boat shoes. Dress them up, dress them down, wear them on land or at sea—point is, you're going to get a lot of use out of 'em.

Sebago Endeavor Boat Shoes

If you've tried Sebago's shoes before, you know the brand is unparalleled when it comes to comfort and style. These boat shoes are cut from the same cloth—they're endlessly cushiony, timelessly cool, and under 200 bucks.

L.L. Bean Casco Bay Boat Mocs

For only $100, L.L. Bean has a timeless, versatile pair of boat shoes. Pair them with anything from a linen button-down to a cotton polo, and be merrily on your way to wherever the season takes you.

Timberland Classic 2-Eye Boat Shoes

If you love your Timberland boots (who doesn't?), you'll definitely love your Timberland boat shoes. These pack the same durable, comfortable construction that the brand's boots are known for, with some serious style points, too.

Polo Ralph Lauren Merton Leather Boat Shoes

PRL does all things with class, preppiness, and grace, and these boat shoes are no different. With white contrast stitching at the toe and a two-eye design, this is what timelessness is all about.

Mr P. Caspian Suede Boat Shoes

And for something with a modern flair, Mr P. has you covered. On a chunky platform sole, these suede boat shoes are a summer statement piece that adds some flair to your dressed-up looks and some refinement to your streetwear fits.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We won't say something is great unless it’s actually great. Our fashion and e-commerce teams carefully choose every product in Esquire’s roundups.

Every pick on this list—and all our other lists—has been selected through testing and trying it ourselves. We won't tell you to buy something that we wouldn't spend our own money on. We're telling you to buy things we know you'd love, because of how much we love 'em, too.

No two tastes are the same, because no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

Other Options We Love

There are plenty of great boat shoes out there—the 13 we listed above just so happen to be the best of the best. But if those still aren't doing it for you, we have a few more selects you might like.

• If you're a details guy, Frescobol Carioca has a tasseled style we can't get enough of.
• Or maybe you prefer a rugged, pre-worn, vintage look. If that's the case, here's a handsome leather boat shoe you'll love.
• If you want something clean, classic, and sophisticated, check out Rodd & Gunn's burnished leather style .

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COS x Tabata Shibori Is Tye-Die, Elevated

Our travel writer shares his New England summertime favorites, from the best beach to the perfect miniature golf course

Tell us your favorites in the comments..

B URLINGTON, Vt. — I knew I had found the ideal bike trail when I pedaled past a sign that read, “Today! Maple Creemees.”

Any bike trail near an ice cream stand selling decadent maple creemees already has a huge advantage over all others. But even without the ice cream stand, the Island Line Trail is stellar. The 14-mile bike path, which was once the route of the Island Line Railroad, hugs the shore of Lake Champlain and, for three miles, offers a unique experience of biking over the lake. There’s a gap in the trail to let boat traffic through, but fear not, a bike ferry takes cyclists from one side of the trail to the other.

The trail is primarily flat, so you don’t need to train on a Peloton or worry about your fitness level. I biked the Island Line round trip earlier this month and didn’t break a sweat. Keep in mind that my normal exercise routine is raising an arm to signal a server that I’m ready for another glass of wine, and even I could complete the ride. Near the start of the trail, you’ll find Local Motion Bike Rentals , which rents standard or electric bikes. I recommend reserving online in advance to sidestep disappointment. On a warm, breezy day, the Island Line Trail is perfection.

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It may sound brazen, but I’m declaring Island Line the best bike trail in New England. And that’s just the start. After years of disagreeing with best-of lists, I decided to create my own. I’ve lived in New England my entire life, and for the past decade, I’ve enjoyed exploring it further for work. I’ve seen influencers with far less experience and acumen declare themselves experts. Why not me?

I carefully pondered categories, leafed through old notebooks, and consulted with fellow New Englanders. So, my friends, here it is, the inaugural edition of Christopher Muther’s Completely Random and Highly Personal List of New England Summertime Favorites.

Best Beach: Misquamicut State Beach

Declaring any beach superior to another is a sure way to upset New Englanders. They’re either angry you didn’t mention their favorite beach, or they’re angry you did. I’m calling Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, R.I., the best because it has more facilities than most (playground, concessions, outdoor showers, and wheelchair accessibility), plus, the ocean water will not give you frostbite. I love Ogunquit Beach in Maine, but I’m just not a cold plunge kind of guy. When you’re done at Misquamicut, grab a drink on the Verandah at the Ocean House , which is just 10 minutes away. 257 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, R.I., riparks.ri.gov/beaches .

Best Miniature Golf Course: Putters Paradise & Ice Cream

This is one of the most challenging categories to narrow down. New England has so many old-school miniature golf courses with amazingly kitschy obstacles that I felt guilty choosing one. My first inclination was to give the win to the delightfully bizarre Miniature Golf on the Village Green in Natick. The 60-year-old course is focused on the American Revolution, and kids are always begging to play American Revolution-themed miniature golf. With apologies to the Founding Fathers and Natick, I think the best course can be found at Putters Paradise Mini Golf & Ice Cream in West Yarmouth. It’s filled with memorable obstacles (A pink octopus named Princess Tina! A maniacally happy dolphin!), and the course is well-maintained and challenging enough for all ages. 119 MA-28, West Yarmouth, 508-771-7394, www.puttersparadise.net .

Best Boston Roof Deck: Long Bar, Raffles Boston

Boston’s rooftop eating and drinking scene has experienced a growth spurt over the past decade, which made choosing a favorite city roof deck harder than I anticipated. I was ready to give this category to Deck 12 at the Yotel in the Seaport (and I still recommend it), but the patio at the Long Bar elevates al fresco imbibing, and not simply because it’s located on the 17th floor of a posh hotel. There are some drawbacks to the terrace at the Long Bar. It’s a hard place to score a table, and the menu isn’t necessarily wallet-friendly. But the views of the Back Bay and the innovative cocktails make up for its shortcomings. Pick a special occasion, or make one up, as an excuse to experience it. 40 Trinity Place, Boston, 617-351-8888, www.raffles.com/boston .

Best Glamping: Huttopia White Mountains

Huttopia, a French-owned chain of glampgrounds, has found the magic formula between old-school camping and modern comfort. Their tents (particularly the Trappeur tent) actually feels like camping. It’s still a canvas tent, but it also has a bathroom, comfy beds, and a basic kitchen inside. You can opt for a more rustic experience (the tiny Bonaventure tent), or go full glam in the modern and chic Vista tiny house. Either way, make s’mores by the fire at night and pretend you’re roughing it. The New Hampshire location is situated on 50 acres of lakefront forest and is in the heart of the White Mountains. There’s also Huttopia in Sanford, Maine . Prices generally range from $125 to $350 depending on the season and availability. Pine Knoll Road, Albany, N.H., 603-447-3131, canada-usa.huttopia.com .

Best Way to Beat Summer Traffic: CapeFlyer

I’m here to deliver good news, and, of course, bad news. The good news (in case you missed it, and a lot of people have) is that there’s train service between Boston and Cape Cod. The CapeFlyer has been around for 11 years and runs from South Station to Hyannis with stops in Braintree, Middleborough, Wareham Village, and Buzzards Bay. It’s 2 hours and 20 minutes of watching scenery instead of taillights. The bad news is that the CapeFlyer’s schedule is incredibly limited. The train runs one round trip per day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On Saturday and Sunday, trains depart South Station for Hyannis at 7:45 a.m., and depart Hyannis back to Boston at 6:10 p.m. On Fridays, the train runs in the evening. Boston-to-Hyannis round trip tickets are $40 ($20 for seniors). You can bring your bike on the train at no charge, or, when you get to Hyannis, you can take the free trolley service around the town and to the beach. capeflyer.com .

Best Hike: Flying Mountain Loop, Southwest Harbor

Flying Mountain Loop in Acadia National Park isn’t a well-guarded secret trail only used by locals and in-the-know hikers. It’s quite popular. Despite this, I’ve never encountered crowds when I hike Flying Mountain. That could also be because I steer clear on weekends, or perhaps vacationers are more intent on tackling better-known hikes. Their loss is our gain. Flying Mountain is the shortest labeled peak in Acadia, but despite the limited height, it offers sweeping views. It’s a quick, mile-and-a-half round trip hike. The trail is labeled moderate, so it’s better for kids who are a little older and active adults. But it’s a limited physical investment with a big payoff. In less than an hour, you see Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains stretched all around you. The entire hike usually takes less than two hours, but it can go much longer depending on how often you stop to gaze at the scenery. 96 Fernald Point Road, Southwest Harbor, Maine, www.nps.gov .

Best Maple Creemee: Canteen Creemee Company

I’m brazenly declaring a lot of superlatives in this list, but even I’m not foolish enough to think I could possibly choose the best place to get ice cream in New England. It’s like trying to choose which one of your cats (or, for most people, children) you love most. But, I’ve eaten more maple creemees than anyone should be legally allowed to consume in a lifetime, and can hands-down say that the Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield, Vt., has perfected the creamier-than-soft-serve creemee. It’s rich, smooth, and the maple tastes fresh. Canteen Creemee gets inventive with chocolate, cinnamon, and ginger creemees, and by all means, you should try them. But their best offering remains the original maple. 5123 Main St., Waitsfield, Vt., 802-496-6003, www.canteencreemee.com .

Best Beachfront Bargain Lodging: The Surfside Hotel

Escaping to a seaside hotel at the height of summer in New England is not for the faint of heart. Both procuring a reservation and paying the nightly rate can be daunting. However, there’s a dreamy retro hotel on Long Island Sound in Connecticut that was recently renovated, sits on the beach, and is priced around $250 a night through most of July and August (price always changes with demand and availability). The Surfside Hotel in Stratford opened just after the pandemic with rooms that look like a breezy mashup between the Hamptons and Southern California. I’m highlighting the Surfside in an effort to get you to check out the beaches in this part of New England, and also so you’ll explore the rest of Stratford. The town has 18 miles of shore, plus a museum dedicated to railroad and model railroading ( Boothe Memorial Park and Museum ), the National Helicopter Museum , the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum , and even a museum dedicated to the Merritt Parkway. You laugh now, but on a rainy day when you can’t go to the beach, you’ll be thanking me for the Merritt Parkway Museum recommendation. 10 Washington Parkway, Stratford, Conn., 475-476-7873, www.thesurfside.com .

Best Fried Clams: Bob’s Clam Hut

New Englanders are obsessed with lobster rolls. We debate what temperature they should be served at, if they should be dressed with mayonnaise or butter, and if the roll should be grilled or not. While all of that crustacean controversy is happening, I’m content to sit in the corner, away from the cross fire, and devour a basket of fried clams. Unlike the lobster fracas, there’s no bickering over what constitutes a perfect batch of fried clams. They should be meaty, but not rubbery. Hot, but not just-out-of-the-fryer scalding. Battered, but not lost in breading, and just a touch over-salted. We are blessed to live amongst so many clam shacks, but there’s one that makes them best. Bob’s Clam Hut has been perfecting the art of frying clams since 1956. I’m not the kind of person who takes pictures of their food, but everytime I’m at Bob’s, I take a photo of my fried clams and text it to my mom to make her jealous. She does the same. Strangely, I never tire of seeing those pictures. 315 US-1, Kittery, Maine, 207-439-4233, bobsclamhut.com .

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.