Holliwell 22 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Holliwell 22 begins in 1960, emerging from the boatyards of Stebbings & Sons in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. Stebbings & Sons, with roots tracing back to the late 19th century, had long established itself as a reputable builder known for its dedication to quality and traditional methods, primarily focusing on wooden yachts and boats. During this period, the yard's ethos centered on constructing bespoke and production yachts built to endure the demands of coastal and offshore sailing, a philosophy clearly reflected in the Holliwell 22.

While a specific designer for the Holliwell 22 is not readily documented, its design, hailing from a British yard of this era, likely aimed at providing a capable and comfortable small cruiser. A key design feature differentiating the Holliwell 22 is its swing keel, a pivoting lifting keel that allows for exceptional versatility. This design choice enables the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waterways, and notably, to access shallow marinas with a minimum draft of just 2.3 feet, extending to 3.94 feet with the keel fully deployed. This capability suggests a focus on gunkholing and exploring varied cruising grounds, a common desire for small yacht owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a masthead sloop with an overall length of 21.65 feet and a waterline length of 18.7 feet, the Holliwell 22 is designed to be an engaging sailboat for its size. Its wooden hull and deck, coupled with a displacement of 2906 pounds and 750 pounds of lead ballast, contribute to a solid and stable feel on the water. The choice of a swing keel, while enhancing shallow-water access, also means that the boat is designed for a balance of performance and versatility. When the keel is down, it offers sufficient lateral resistance for upwind performance, while its retractable nature allows for exploring areas inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels.

The Holliwell 22 is often described using "rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics," suggesting a predictable and manageable boat for its class. Its construction and design parameters imply a vessel capable of handling typical coastal conditions with a comfortable motion, a characteristic often associated with traditionally built wooden boats. With a hull speed of 5.79 knots, it can deliver a respectable pace for cruising or day sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length overall of 21.65 feet, the Holliwell 22 offers a functional, albeit modest, interior designed to provide essential comforts for short cruises or day trips. As a small cruiser of the 1960s, the emphasis would have been on practical use of space, sturdy construction, and a traditional finish.

While specific interior layouts or photos for the Holliwell 22 are not widely available, one can infer a typical arrangement for a boat of this size and era. This would likely include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a compact salon area with settees that may double as additional berths, and a basic galley provision, possibly with a sink and a small stove. A dedicated marine head, if present, would be compact. The interior would most likely feature the warm aesthetics of timber, reflecting Stebbings & Sons' renowned wooden boatbuilding heritage. Storage would be cleverly integrated into lockers and under berths, maximizing the usable space within its 7.55-foot beam.