Centaur 26 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Centaur 26 begins in 1969 with its introduction by Westerly Marine Construction Ltd., a prominent British fiberglass sailboat builder founded in March 1963. The company's ethos during this period was centered on producing high-quality, robust fiberglass yachts for a broad market. The Centaur was a development from Laurent Giles' previous designs for Westerly, aiming to create an even more successful and adaptable small cruiser. Its production run was extensive, lasting over a decade until 1980, during which time an impressive 2,444 units were built. This longevity and high production volume are testaments to its popular appeal and sound design.

While primarily built as a masthead sloop, a small number of Centaurs were also delivered with a ketch rig, offering slightly different sail-handling characteristics. The model was distinguished by its twin keel configuration, allowing the boat to take the ground safely in tidal areas, a significant advantage for many European sailors. Westerly Marine Construction also introduced a center cockpit/aft cabin version, the Chieftain, in 1972, based on the Centaur hull. Throughout its production, Westerly offered at least three different interior layouts, often referred to as A, B, and C, providing buyers with options to suit their preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Centaur 26, with a length overall of 26 feet and a waterline length of 21.33 feet, is characterized by its stable and forgiving sailing performance rather than outright speed. Its design ratios reflect this cruising-oriented philosophy. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 42% (2,800 lbs of ballast in a 6,700 lb displacement), the Centaur demonstrates good inherent stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a fair amount of wind and providing a comfortable, stable motion in a seaway.

The sail area-to-displacement ratio, calculated at around 14.57, suggests that the Centaur is not a light-air flyer. It typically performs best with a decent breeze, where its robust displacement can power through waves rather than being easily slowed. Its displacement-to-length ratio, around 309, firmly places it in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing comfort and stability over high-performance racing characteristics. Owners frequently describe the Centaur as a solid and safe boat that handles predictably, making it an excellent choice for those new to sailing or looking for an easily managed vessel. Its twin keels, while providing shallow draft capabilities, also contribute to its steady tracking, though some might find it less agile than a fin-keel counterpart.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest 26-foot length, the Westerly Centaur is renowned for its exceptional interior roominess, a feature that distinguishes it from many contemporary boats of its size. The interior layout was a key selling point, designed to maximize living space and comfort. Over its production run, Westerly offered at least three distinct interior configurations (A, B, and C layouts), providing variations in saloon arrangement and galley placement.

Typically, the Centaur features accommodation for up to six, with four comfortable 6-foot 6-inch berths. Common arrangements include a V-berth forward, a main saloon with opposing settees (or an L-shaped settee on one side in some layouts), a small galley, and a separate head compartment. The finish quality generally features extensive use of teak trim and other practical materials, contributing to a classic marine ambiance. Storage is often praised for its adequacy given the boat's size, and ventilation is provided through deck hatches and portlights. The generous beam of 8.42 feet further contributes to the feeling of spaciousness below decks. While maximum headroom details are not always precisely documented, the Centaur is widely regarded as offering competitive headroom for a boat of its era and size, enhancing liveability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Centaur consistently praise its robust, heavy-duty construction and a remarkably comfortable motion, especially in choppy conditions. Many highlight its forgiving nature and ease of handling, making it a popular choice for single-handing or family cruising. The twin keel configuration is frequently cited as a major advantage, allowing the boat to dry out on tidal moorings or explore shallow anchorages inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. The interior volume for a 26-foot boat is also a recurrent theme in positive feedback, with owners appreciating the ample living space and storage.

However, like any vessel of its age, the Centaur has common areas that warrant attention. Recurring issues mentioned by owners often include the degradation of original headlining, which can become "droopy" over time, and the layout of the galley in some earlier versions, which some find less than ideal. Given the age of most Centaurs, osmosis treatment can be a concern for some vessels, though this is a common issue for many GRP boats from that era. Furthermore, owners of twin-keel boats often advise careful inspection of keel bolts due to potential corrosion or integrity issues over decades of use. Replacing cockpit drains with more modern, durable materials is also a noted maintenance item. Despite these considerations, the strong and active owner community often shares solutions and support, underscoring the enduring appeal and practicality of the Westerly Centaur.