Renown 32 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Westerly Renown 32's story begins in 1972, following the design principles of the renowned English naval architect, Jack Laurent Giles. Westerly Marine Ltd., founded in March 1963, established a reputation for producing durable, family-friendly fiberglass sailboats throughout the mid-1960s, 70s, and 80s. Their ethos focused on creating "comfortably competitive" vessels, a philosophy clearly embodied by the Renown. Laurent Giles, known for his ability to craft speedy hulls even for cruisers, imbued the Renown with a design that balanced performance with seaworthiness. The Renown 32 shares its foundational hull design with other successful Westerly models of the period, including the Berwick, Longbow, and Pentland. During its eight-year production span, 241 units of the Renown 32 were built. Owners had the option of either a ketch rig, as specified in the vessel's detailed records, or a sloop rig.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 32.5 feet and a waterline length of 25.0 feet, the Westerly Renown 32 is a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, as indicated by a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 288. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly motion rather than outright speed. Her Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 14.3 indicates that while she may not excel in very light airs, she is designed to be well-mannered and controllable as the wind picks up. A significant Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.416 contributes to her excellent initial stability and stiffness, enabling her to stand up to a good breeze and offer a comfortable ride in a seaway. Owners often report that her sailing performance is surprisingly better than one might expect from a family cruiser of her type. With a theoretical hull speed of 6.7 knots, the Renown 32 delivers reliable progress under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The Westerly Renown 32 features a practical and spacious center-cockpit layout, a design choice that typically enhances interior volume and provides a secure, elevated helming position. Boasting a maximum headroom of 6.25 feet, the interior feels notably open for a boat of her size. The accommodations are generally arranged to offer comfortable living for extended cruising, commonly providing five berths. The interior finish often features teak, a durable and classic material that contributes to a warm and traditional yachting ambiance. A typical layout for a vessel of this era and configuration would include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees and a central table, a functional galley, a dedicated navigation station, a separate head compartment, and a private aft cabin, often a double, accessible either through a walkthrough or a separate companionway. Storage is usually ample, and ventilation is typically achieved through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Westerly Renown 32 for its robust construction, which contributes to its solid feel and comfortable motion at sea. Many regard it as a good cruising yacht, appreciating its reliability and seaworthiness. However, as with any vessel of its vintage, prospective buyers should be aware of common age-related issues. Owners frequently note the potential for tired engines and worn sails, which are typical maintenance considerations for a boat produced between 1972 and 1980. A recurring issue mentioned across various Westerly models is the degradation of foam-backed cabin linings, which may require attention over time. Despite these potential points of maintenance, the Westerly Renown 32 benefits from an active and supportive community, notably the Westerly Owners Association, which serves as a valuable resource for information, advice, and camaraderie among owners.