Griffon 26 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

With its various keel configurations, including a twin keel option, the Griffon 26 offers flexibility for diverse sailing grounds, appealing to both seasoned sailors and those seeking a reliable entry into yacht ownership. Her reputation is built on providing a safe, stable, and surprisingly spacious platform for her length.

History and Design

The Westerly Griffon 26 entered production in 1979, continuing until 1981, with an upgraded Mark II version introduced in 1982. This model marked a significant collaboration for Westerly Marine Ltd. (UK), being the first design commissioned from the talented Ed Dubois. Westerly Yachts, established in 1963, built a strong reputation for producing durable, family-friendly cruising sailboats from their modern factory in Waterlooville. Their ethos centered on quality construction, evidenced by each Griffon being issued with a Lloyds Hull Construction Certificate as standard.

Dubois's design philosophy for the Griffon was to create an upgrade and remodeling of the highly successful Centaur, offering a family cruiser that would also deliver respectable performance. Throughout its production run, the Griffon was offered with several keel options to suit different sailing needs. While the twin keel was a popular choice, a fin keel version with a 4.75-foot draft was available for enhanced performance, alongside a hydraulically operated lifting keel for ultimate shallow-water access, allowing the draft to vary from 2.25 feet to 5.50 feet. A notable evolution occurred with the introduction of the Mark II in 1982, which featured an upgraded and better-appointed interior. Later, a "Griffon Club" variant was produced between 1985 and 1989, offering a less expensive option with the same hull but a simpler interior finish and fewer windows.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Griffon 26 is widely recognized for delivering a "steady and reasonably brisk performance for a 26-footer". With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.68, she is designed more as a comfortable cruiser than a light-air speedster. This ratio indicates that while she may not excel in the lightest breezes, she is well-powered for general cruising conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio, a healthy 0.46, points to significant stability and stiffness, enabling her to stand up well to a blow and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Her displacement to length ratio of around 262 categorizes her as a medium-heavy cruiser, emphasizing her robust build and stable ride over outright speed. Owners and reviewers often describe her as a well-balanced boat that handles predictably. While not a "speed machine," she is praised for her ability to "potter along" efficiently and is considered capable of offshore sailing, offering a secure feeling even in stronger winds. The thoughtful deck layout further enhances ease of handling, ensuring safe movement when working on deck.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact length overall of 26 feet, the Westerly Griffon 26 is notable for her "remarkable spaciousness and comfort relative to its size". Reviewers often comment on how "commodious" she can be, comfortably accommodating four adults overnight. The typical layout includes six berths across two cabins. The interior is predominantly constructed from GRP, which contributes to its durability and ease of maintenance.

The design generally features a forward V-berth, a main salon with opposing settees that can convert to berths, a galley area, and a separate head compartment. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the overall impression is one of generous volume for a boat of her size. The Mark II version, in particular, benefited from an "upgraded interior" with a "better appointed quality" finish, enhancing the living spaces. The layout is often described as simple yet practical, maximizing the use of space for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Griffon 26 consistently praise her solid construction and the comfortable motion she provides in a seaway. Many appreciate the boat's inherent stability and its capacity for safe, extended cruising, even considering its moderate size. The surprising amount of interior space for a 26-footer is a frequently highlighted strength, making her a viable option for families or two couples.

While generally well-regarded, some common points of discussion among owners of older Westerly models, which may apply to the Griffon, include the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, necessitating re-bedding. Additionally, like many boats of her era, issues with original headlinings are occasionally noted. However, these are often seen as typical maintenance considerations for a well-aged vessel, rather than fundamental design flaws, and do not detract significantly from the Griffon's reputation as a dependable and beloved cruiser.