Kendal 23 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Kendal 23 spanned from 1970 to 1979, with Westerly Marine Construction Ltd. building only seven examples of this particular model, making it a notably scarce vessel within the broader Westerly fleet. The design emerged from a period when Westerly Yachts, a prominent force in the UK leisure yachting industry, was expanding its range of popular cruising sailboats. Following the success of larger models like the Centaur, designer Jack Laurent Giles was commissioned to create a series of smaller yachts, which included the Pageant and its fin-keeled counterpart, the Kendal.

Laurent Giles, one of the most influential English yacht designers of the 20th century, was known for his practical and seaworthy designs, often featuring the distinctive "cod's head bow" that became a hallmark of early Westerly yachts. His philosophy for these smaller cruisers focused on maximizing comfort and utility within a modest footprint. The Kendal 23, being fundamentally a Pageant with a deeper fin keel, represented an option for those seeking slightly enhanced upwind performance and reduced wetted surface compared to the Pageant's twin keels, while retaining the proven hull form.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring 23.67 feet in length overall and displacing 4100 pounds, the Westerly Kendal 23 is a sturdy boat for its size, designed to provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a reported sail area of 235 square feet, she is configured as a masthead sloop, a common and efficient rig for cruisers of her era. The fin keel, providing a maximum draft of 4.0 feet, contributes to her upwind efficiency and responsiveness, distinguishing her from the shallower draft twin-keel Pageant.

Anecdotal reports from owners of the closely related Pageant suggest a boat that handles predictably and offers good cruising comfort. Her balance and behavior in various sea states are generally considered suitable for coastal day sailing and extended weekend trips. The Kendal 23 would likely share these amiable handling characteristics, with the fin keel potentially offering a slightly more direct helm and better pointing ability. Power is provided by a single 13 hp Volvo Penta MDA 7 diesel engine, offering reliable auxiliary propulsion.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Westerly Kendal 23, like its sister Pageant, was designed to maximize interior volume for cruising comfort. While specific headroom figures are not widely available, her layout is characterized by a separate forecabin, which typically offers two berths. This forward area can often be sectioned off from the main cabin by a door leading to the marine head, providing a degree of privacy.

The main salon usually features opposing settees that can serve as additional berths, centered around a table. A compact galley area is typically situated towards the aft of the main cabin, often incorporating a sink and a cooking solution. Storage is generally well-thought-out for a boat of this size, with lockers and shelving integrated into the fiberglass moldings and wood trim. Owners frequently praise the Pageant's (and by extension the Kendal's) interior accommodations as being remarkably spacious and functional for a 23-foot sailboat, offering "compact, multi-functional on-board living." The interior finish typically reflects the robust and practical approach of Westerly Yachts from that period, with durable materials chosen for longevity and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Westerly yachts, including the Pageant and its rare Kendal variant, often highlight the solid construction and dependable nature of these vessels. The boats are frequently lauded for their seaworthy qualities and comfortable motion, instilling confidence in their crews even in challenging conditions. The spaciousness and well-considered layout of the accommodations for a vessel under 24 feet are also consistently praised, making them popular choices for first-time boat buyers or those seeking an easily managed cruiser.

Common maintenance considerations, typical of boats of this vintage, often revolve around original systems that may require updating, such as engines, electronics, or rigging. While specific issues for the Kendal 23 are less documented due to its extreme rarity, its close kinship with the Pageant suggests a generally robust and maintainable vessel that rewards consistent care. The Westerly Owners Association provides a valuable resource for owners, fostering a community that shares knowledge and support for these classic British cruisers.