Sterling 28 Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the Sterling 28 begins with its conception in the early 1960s, emerging from the drawing board of Kim Holman, a prolific and world-renowned English yacht designer. Holman, who began designing yachts in the 1950s, was known for his long-keeled designs, including the popular Twister. He was often afforded complete freedom in his design work, focusing on creating weatherly and well-balanced yachts. The Sterling 28 was specifically designed as a cruiser for Upham to build, aligning with the yard's long-standing tradition of crafting durable timber vessels.

Upham's Yard, operating from 1817 until 1984, was a cornerstone of Brixham's maritime industry, celebrated for its robust wooden boat construction, particularly for fishing trawlers. Their ethos emphasized strength, seaworthiness, and practicality, typically featuring elm planks on sturdy oak frames. This commitment to traditional, quality craftsmanship would have been integral to the construction of each Sterling 28, ensuring its longevity and solid feel. While some boat designs see variations throughout their production run, there is no widely documented evidence of significant Mark I or Mark II distinctions or different rig options for the Sterling 28 during its limited production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sterling 28, with its long keel and transom-hung rudder, offers a sailing experience characterized by stability and a comfortable motion. Its design ratios provide insight into its on-water behavior:

• Ballast to Displacement Ratio: At approximately 36.36%, the Sterling 28 demonstrates a moderate level of stiffness. This suggests a boat that will stand up well to a breeze but might benefit from earlier reefing than vessels with higher ballast ratios, providing a balanced feel at the helm across a range of conditions.
• Displacement to Length Ratio: With a high ratio of 461.19, the Sterling 28 is categorized as a heavy displacement vessel for its 22-foot waterline. This translates to a solid, sea-kindly motion, capable of handling rougher waters with comfort, though it will not be a light-air speedster. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.29 knots.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests the Sterling 28 is a "well balanced sailing" yacht, described as a "weatherly cruising yacht" suitable for solo sailing and offshore passages. Despite its heavy displacement, its designer opted for a "significantly more speedy hull design" for its type, being "slimmer than 76% of all other designs" of its era, indicating a thoughtful balance between speed and traditional robustness.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Sterling 28 is not extensively detailed in available records. However, as a 28-foot traditional wooden cruiser of its vintage, one can infer a practical and functional arrangement. Typically, such vessels would feature a V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a small galley area, and a basic marine head. Given the era and the builder's focus on robust construction, the interior finish would likely have emphasized durable wood trim and joinery. The modest beam of 8.5 feet and the traditional hull shape would lead to a cozy interior space, designed for utility over expansive luxury. The mention of owner modifications in some reviews suggests that individual boats may have seen various customizations over time, adapting the original layout to suit different cruising preferences.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sterling 28 frequently praise its solid construction and dependable performance, often highlighting its suitability for extended cruising and its comfortable motion in a seaway, a direct benefit of its heavy, long-keeled design. The boat is often regarded as a weatherly vessel, capable of handling challenging conditions with assurance. Discussions among owners, particularly concerning aspects like ballast trim, underscore a community dedicated to optimizing the sailing performance of these classic yachts. Its reputation as a yacht suitable for solo sailing and offshore passages further solidifies its standing as a capable and trusted cruiser among its enthusiasts.