Medway 36 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

The Medway 36 emerged from the drawing boards of the renowned naval architects Laurent Giles and Partners Ltd.. Its production run spanned from 1976 to 1982, during which time Westerly Marine Construction Ltd. established itself as a significant player in the UK's leisure yachting industry, noted for producing numerous sailing yachts and collaborating with leading designers. The Medway 36 shares its hull with several other Westerly models, including the Conway, Solway, and Galway. It is specifically recognized as the aft cockpit, fin keel variant of the Conway 36, and was later rebranded as the Westerly W35 in 1979. This design philosophy emphasized a robust build capable of handling various sea conditions, characteristic of Westerly's ethos for creating practical and resilient cruising yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 36 feet and a waterline length of 30.42 feet, the Medway 36 is classified as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 256 indicates a solid, sea-kindly vessel, designed for stability over outright speed. The boat carries a substantial amount of ballast, with a ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.444. This high ratio contributes significantly to its stiffness and stability, providing excellent righting capability and a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Despite its robust build, the Medway 36's sail area to displacement ratio, around 12.58, suggests it is a moderately powered sailboat, favoring heavier winds and stability rather than excelling in light air conditions. However, its fin keel is noted for providing splendid maneuverability, enhancing its handling characteristics. Owners generally describe the Medway 36 as a sturdy and seaworthy boat, capable of offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Westerly Medway 36 is designed for extended cruising comfort. Typically featuring a three-cabin layout, it offers ample space and can accommodate up to six berths. A notable feature is the reported 6 feet 3 inches of headroom, which provides a comfortable living environment below deck. The aft cockpit configuration allows for a generous interior volume forward. While specific details on the finish quality and materials often vary between individual boats due to owner customizations over the decades, Westerly yachts of this era generally featured practical, well-finished interiors with a blend of fiberglass and wood trim. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Some versions, being an aft-cockpit derivative of the Conway 36, would offer a passage leading to an aft cabin from the main saloon.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Medway 36 consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting its ability to handle challenging conditions with confidence. The ketch rig is appreciated for its versatility in sail handling, allowing for easy reefing and trim adjustments. While the Medway 36 is not designed to be a racing yacht, owners value its comfortable motion and stability on longer voyages.

Common maintenance points, as with many boats of its vintage, often revolve around the aging of original equipment, such as seacocks and rigging, which may require updating or replacement over time. Some general comments regarding Westerly's quality control have been noted on similar models, though specific design flaws for the Medway 36 are not frequently cited. Overall, the Medway 36 is regarded as a dependable and comfortable cruising yacht, offering good value for those seeking a well-built vessel for coastal or offshore adventures.