Kestrel 35 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

The Kestrel 35 emerged during a period of transition in yacht design, benefiting from the expertise of Ed Dubois, a designer celebrated for creating balanced and capable cruising yachts. The Kestrel 35 is noted as an aft-cockpit version of the Oceandream 35 and bears strong similarities to the Falcon 35, essentially being a rebranded and slightly modified Falcon 35, sharing its hull design with the earlier Falcon 34 and later Oceanquest 35. This lineage suggests a design philosophy centered on comfortable, seaworthy performance for extended cruising.

If one considers the construction through the perspective of Westerly Marine Inc., the Santa Ana, California-based builder, the Kestrel 35 would represent a unique application of their manufacturing ethos. Established in 1970, Westerly Marine Inc. distinguished itself by embracing advanced composite materials, particularly carbon fiber, for custom and semi-custom projects ranging from 30 to 100 feet. Their focus was on tailored solutions, emphasizing performance and cutting-edge design, resulting in boats known for their speed, sleek lines, and graceful performance. Even if the Kestrel 35's design originated from a more traditional cruising brief, a build by Westerly Marine Inc. would imply a meticulous approach to construction, potentially integrating their advanced composite techniques to enhance structural integrity while keeping weight in check, aligning with their reputation for high-quality, specialized craftsmanship. No significant variations in rig or hull beyond its core design as an aft-cockpit cruiser have been widely documented, likely due to its extremely limited production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kestrel 35, with a length overall of just under 34.6 feet and a waterline length of 27 feet, is characterized by its substantial displacement of 14,110 lbs. This places it firmly in the heavy displacement category, indicated by a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 320. This higher D/L suggests a vessel designed for comfort and stability in a seaway, prioritizing a smooth motion over outright speed. Its sail area of 560 sq ft, relative to its displacement, yields a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 15.42. This moderate SA/D further reinforces its identity as a cruising yacht, suggesting manageable performance in lighter winds and a comfortable, less demanding sail plan as conditions build.

A significant aspect of the Kestrel 35's design for stability is its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 40.5% (5,710 lbs of ballast in a 14,110 lbs displacement). This healthy ballast ratio contributes significantly to the boat's stiffness, allowing it to stand up to its canvas and maintain a more upright stance in stronger winds, thereby enhancing comfort and reducing heeling. Anecdotal descriptions praise the Westerly Kestrel 35 as a "well-balanced and stable sailboat that can handle various sea conditions," noting its "good performance upwind and downwind". Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Kestrel 35 offers responsive handling, a characteristic that makes it both enjoyable to sail and capable of navigating diverse marine environments.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Westerly Kestrel 35, based on its lineage to the Falcon 35 and Oceandream 35, typically offers a comfortable and practical layout designed for extended cruising. With a generous beam of 12.25 feet, the Kestrel 35 would provide ample interior volume. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, reviews and general knowledge of Ed Dubois's designs for Westerly suggest a thoughtful use of space, prioritizing liveability.

Commonly, such cruisers feature a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that can convert into additional berths, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Some layouts in this hull series were noted for having "two heads in 35 feet," indicating a potentially intricate and private arrangement for a boat of its size. Interior finishes would traditionally blend fiberglass liners with warm wood trim, creating a classic nautical ambiance. Storage is typically abundant, catering to the needs of cruisers carrying provisions and gear for longer voyages. Ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and opening ports, ensuring comfort in various climates. Information regarding the exact interior configuration relies heavily on individual boat surveys and available listings, but the emphasis is consistently on practical, comfortable living spaces suitable for a cruising couple or family.