Excel 53 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Excel 53's story begins in 1993, marking the sole instance of this ambitious model's construction. Designed by Alan Andrews, a naval architect renowned for his focus on high-performance racing and cruising yachts, the Excel 53 embodies a design philosophy centered on speed, sleek lines, and graceful performance under sail. Westerly Marine Inc., established in Santa Ana, California, was the ideal partner for such a project. This American builder had carved out a reputation for crafting custom, advanced composite vessels, often utilizing materials like carbon fiber to achieve lightweight yet robust structures. Their manufacturing ethos during this era emphasized tailored solutions and cutting-edge design, perfectly aligning with the vision for the Excel 53. Given that only one Excel 53 was ever built, there were no significant variations or production run changes for this unique model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 53.0 feet and a waterline length of 46.5 feet, coupled with a generous beam of 14.0 feet, the Excel 53 was designed to be a formidable presence on the water. Her monohull form, constructed from solid fiberglass, is complemented by a bulb keel and a spade rudder, indicating a design geared for efficiency and responsiveness. The calculated hull speed of approximately 9.14 knots suggests a vessel capable of impressive speeds for her size. While specific ballast and sail area figures for the Excel 53 are not publicly available, Alan Andrews' consistent design philosophy of creating high-performance yachts strongly suggests that this vessel would have been engineered for excellent upwind ability and a lively sailing experience. Her masthead sloop rig would provide ample sail area for varying conditions, and the combination of a bulb keel and spade rudder typically translates to precise steering and good control, even in demanding seas. Without the full suite of performance ratios, a definitive qualitative description is challenging, but the design choices point to a cruiser with a distinct performance edge.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to the custom nature of the Excel 53 and its singular construction, detailed public records of its interior accommodations and layout are exceptionally rare. As a vessel of over 50 feet, it would undoubtedly feature a comprehensive interior designed for extended cruising comfort. Typically, yachts of this size and caliber would include multiple private cabins, a spacious main salon for dining and relaxation, a well-appointed galley, and adequate head and shower facilities. Given Westerly Marine Inc.'s reputation for bespoke builds using advanced composites, the interior would likely have featured high-quality finishes, potentially incorporating a blend of traditional marine joinery and modern, lightweight materials. Storage would be extensive, and ventilation systems would be crucial for comfort in various climates, although specific details remain elusive for this unique yacht.

Owner's Perspectives

As only one Westerly Marine Excel 53 was ever built, collecting a broad spectrum of owner's perspectives or identifying common strengths and weaknesses is not feasible. The experience of owning such a unique, custom-built yacht would be highly individualized. While general feedback on Alan Andrews' designs often highlights their strong sailing performance and robust construction, and Westerly Marine Inc.'s work is noted for its advanced composite methods, any specific owner insights for the Excel 53 would be limited to the single owner of this exceptional vessel.