Westerly 22 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Westerly Marine Construction Ltd. in the UK, the Westerly 22 represents a significant chapter in the history of fiberglass yacht production, being one of the company's pioneering fiberglass cruisers.

The Westerly 22 emerged from the drawing board of Denys A. Rayner, an established yacht designer, and entered production in 1963. Its design was a natural evolution, derived from Rayner's earlier plywood West Coaster 20. The production run lasted until 1967, during which 332 units were built, establishing its popularity in the burgeoning fiberglass boat market.

Westerly Marine Construction Ltd., founded in March 1963, quickly became a leading production builder of fiberglass composite sailboats in Europe. Their ethos, particularly in the 1960s, focused on creating affordable, seaworthy, and practical cruisers from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), making yacht ownership accessible to a wider audience. The Westerly 22 was their very first GRP cruiser, symbolizing the company's commitment to this new era of boat building. Rayner's specific design goals for the Westerly 22 included maximizing interior space and ensuring stability and seaworthiness, with the twin keel arrangement being central to its functionality for tidal areas.

Initially, the Westerly 22 was predominantly fitted with a Gunter rig, known for its ease of handling, especially for single-handed sailing, as it could be managed without backstays. However, the boat was also offered with an optional Bermudan sloop rig. Many owners later converted their Gunter-rigged boats to a sloop configuration, often citing improved sailing performance, particularly to windward.

Sailing Performance and Handling

For a 22-foot vessel, the Westerly 22 is generally regarded as a stable and seaworthy boat, earning its reputation as a "little ship." With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.6, she demonstrates moderate performance, suggesting she will respond adequately in light airs but is not designed as a dedicated light-wind flyer. Her ballast to displacement ratio of about 33.3% indicates a design leaning towards comfort and stability rather than ultimate stiffness, meaning she will heel in a breeze but maintain a forgiving motion. The displacement to length ratio of around 228 positions her as a medium-heavy displacement cruiser for her waterline length, contributing to her solid feel in a seaway.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Westerly 22 for its reliable handling and forgiving nature. The twin keels, a hallmark of the design, allow the boat to take the ground upright, a significant advantage for exploring shallow anchorages and negotiating tidal moorings. While the Gunter rig offers simplicity and ease of single-handed operation, some owners noted that a Bermudan sloop rig generally enhances upwind performance and overall speed. Despite its cruising orientation, the Westerly 22 has proven its robust capabilities, with at least one recorded Atlantic crossing, attesting to its offshore potential. Discussions among owners sometimes touch on managing weather helm, a characteristic that can typically be mitigated through proper sail trim and weight distribution.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 22 feet, the Westerly 22 is celebrated for its surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully arranged interior. Rayner’s design emphasized an open-plan layout, providing comfortable accommodation typically for four people. Visitors are often impressed by the feeling of space and the quality of finish found within the cabin, a testament to the builder's attention to detail during that era.

The typical interior arrangement for a boat of this size and era would feature a forward V-berth, often serving as the primary sleeping area. A main salon would follow, usually comprising two settees that double as berths, surrounding a central table. While the maximum headroom is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, owners appreciate the practical use of space, including features for cooking. Storage is integrated throughout the cabin, and ventilation, while basic by modern standards, was considered adequate for coastal cruising. The finish quality, including wood trim and sturdy fiberglass surfaces, contributes to a warm and traditional marine ambiance.

Owner's Perspectives

The Westerly 22 enjoys a dedicated following, supported by an active Westerly Owners Association, where enthusiasts share insights and advice. Owners consistently highlight several key strengths of the vessel. Its solid fiberglass construction is frequently praised, contributing to its reputation for durability and longevity. The boat's inherent stability and seaworthiness are recurring themes, with many owners appreciating its comfortable motion even in choppy conditions. The ability to dry out on its twin keels is a highly valued feature, opening up many cruising grounds inaccessible to fin-keeled boats. Furthermore, the interior's surprising spaciousness and "charming" quality for a 22-foot boat are often mentioned as significant advantages.

However, common discussions among owners also touch on a few areas. The performance of the original Gunter rig, particularly upwind, is occasionally a point of comparison with sloop-rigged variants, with some owners preferring the latter for enhanced sailing efficiency. Some older boats may experience issues with original deck fittings developing leaks, a common maintenance concern for vessels of this vintage that typically requires re-bedding. While generally easy to handle, some owners have discussed strategies to optimize trim and balance to mitigate weather helm under certain conditions. Overall, the consensus remains that the Westerly 22 is a well-built, capable, and rewarding small cruiser.