Pembroke 26 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

The Westerly Pembroke 26 emerged during a prolific period for Westerly Marine Ltd., a British company that established itself as a leading builder of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) yachts throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Westerly yachts of this era are often instantly recognizable, reflecting a consistent design philosophy focused on producing sturdy and practical cruising boats. The Pembroke 26, with 97 units built, was produced between 1976 and 1979. Its creation directly addressed the demand for a fin-keel alternative to the immensely popular Westerly Centaur 26, a twin-keel cruiser.

Designed by Jack Laurent Giles, a naval architect known for his robust and seaworthy designs, the Pembroke 26 aimed to offer improved sailing performance, particularly upwind, for those who favored a fin keel. While specific variations during its production run are not extensively documented, it is known that Westerly often offered different interior layouts for its models, and variations are noted for the Pembroke 26 as well.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its relatively compact size at 26 feet overall, the Westerly Pembroke 26 is characterized as a heavy sailboat, which contributes to its reputation for stability. Owners generally find it to be a stable and stiff vessel, possessing excellent righting capability, making it a reassuring boat in challenging conditions. Compared to its twin-keel sibling, the Centaur, the Pembroke's fin keel configuration was intended to provide a definite performance advantage, particularly when sailing to windward. While generally considered "underpowered" by some, its design prioritizes seaworthiness and a comfortable motion over outright speed. This combination of stability and a fin keel makes the Pembroke 26 a capable boat for coastal cruising and offers improved sailing performance for family adventures.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Westerly Pembroke 26 is designed to maximize living space within its nearly 26-foot length, typically offering five berths across two cabins. While detailed specifications on maximum headroom are not consistently available, the layout is generally considered practical for its size. The typical interior arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a main saloon with settee berths, and usually a quarter berth, alongside a compact galley and a head compartment.

Information regarding specific interior finish quality for the Pembroke 26 is limited; however, general observations for Westerly yachts of the era suggest a focus on functional, albeit sometimes basic, construction. Owners of the closely related Centaur have noted issues such as "droopy headlining" and sometimes less-than-optimal galley layouts, which might also be relevant to the Pembroke. Known to have interior layout variations, such as the "B" layout, the accommodations were tailored to provide essential comforts for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Pembroke 26 consistently praise its solid construction and the comfortable motion it exhibits in a seaway, attributes often associated with Westerly yachts. The boat's inherent stability and stiffness are frequently highlighted as significant strengths, instilling confidence in various sailing conditions. Many appreciate its suitability as an ideal family cruiser, offering improved sailing performance over its twin-keel counterparts.

Regarding common weaknesses or maintenance issues, observations often align with those of its sister model, the Centaur. Some owners have noted that areas such as the bilge should be carefully inspected for signs of problems. Furthermore, the original deck fittings on boats of this vintage may require re-bedding to prevent leaks, a common maintenance task for older fiberglass vessels. While specific issues can vary between individual boats, the overall consensus points to a reliable and seaworthy small cruiser that offers good value for its age.