West Channel Class Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Work on the West Channel One Design, as it was also known, commenced at the Morgan Giles shipyard in 1946, with the first vessels beginning production around 1948 or 1949. The initial design for the class, penned by F.C. Morgan-Giles himself, was the result of extensive collaboration, reportedly involving representatives from numerous yacht and sailing clubs to ensure its broad appeal and suitability for a variety of sailing conditions. This collaborative approach was characteristic of Morgan-Giles Ltd.'s commitment to producing high-quality, elegant, and practical boats, a standard upheld by their skilled shipwrights, engineers, and joiners. The company, which resumed pleasure boat construction after its significant contributions during World War II, seamlessly transitioned its meticulous guidance and superior workmanship to models like the West Channel Class.

During its production run, which continued until Morgan-Giles Ltd. ceased operations in 1969, the West Channel Class saw some variations. Notably, vessels were built with or without a doghouse, offering different options for cabin structure and interior light. Furthermore, the class encompasses at least two main variants: a 2.5-ton version, sometimes referred to as 'Quay Punts,' and the more prominent 5-ton version which is the focus of the broader West Channel Class designation. The differing tonnages suggest adaptations in size or displacement to cater to varying performance or accommodation preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan-Giles West Channel Class, with a displacement of 11,550 pounds and a waterline length of 25.9 feet, is characterized as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, indicated by its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 297. This suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway and good momentum, prioritizing stability and load-carrying capacity over extreme light-air speed.

Further reinforcing its reputation for stability is a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.54. This significant amount of ballast relative to its overall weight contributes to the boat's stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to strong winds and maintain a more upright attitude under sail. While precise total sail area figures for the 5-ton variant can be difficult to ascertain from available historical data, the design's overall characteristics point to a vessel that performs reliably in a range of conditions, particularly when the wind builds. With a calculated hull speed of approximately 6.82 knots, the West Channel Class is designed for steady progress rather than outright racing, providing a secure and predictable platform for coastal and offshore cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the precise interior layouts of the Morgan-Giles West Channel Class varies, largely due to the boat's age and the likelihood of numerous individual refits over the decades. Many examples have undergone partial or full interior overhauls by successive owners, making a "standard" layout difficult to pinpoint. However, typical for a vessel of its era and size, one would expect a functional cruising interior. This would likely include a V-berth or similar forward sleeping area, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a compact galley area for basic cooking, and a dedicated marine head. Given the boat's wooden construction, interiors would traditionally feature warm wood finishes, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship associated with Morgan-Giles Ltd. Practical considerations such as storage for provisions and gear would be integrated, though often tailored by individual owners. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, common in designs of the mid-20th century.