Sailing Performance & Handling
Sailing a Westerly 22 is an exercise in stability and predictability rather than raw speed. With a high displacement and a relatively wide beam for its length, the boat feels significantly more substantial than its 22-foot length suggests. Early models were equipped with a gunter rig—a configuration featuring a shorter mast supplemented by a gaff-like yard—which was later replaced by a standard Bermudan rig for better windward efficiency.
As noted by the Westerly Owners Association, the boat's handling is characterized by a "stiff" feel, meaning it does not heel excessively even in fresh breezes. However, the twin-keel design introduces significant drag and leeway when sailing close-hauled. It will not point as high as a modern fin-keel equivalent, but it excels at tracking steadily on a reach. The boat's heavy-weather capability is surprisingly robust for its size; it is known for a "dry" ride compared to other 1960s-era small cruisers, thanks to its high freeboard and flared bow.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Westerly 22 was considered revolutionary in the early 1960s. By utilizing a "fat" hull shape, Denys Rayner managed to provide nearly 5 feet 10 inches of headroom, a figure unheard of in 22-foot boats of that era. The layout typically accommodates four adults in two separate cabins: a V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settee berths in the main saloon.
The sibling model, the Westerly Nomad (introduced in 1967), utilized the same hull but featured a "flush deck" or raised topsides. This modification further increased the interior volume and removed the narrow side decks in favor of a massive, open-plan cabin. In both the 22 and the Nomad, the use of wood trim and simple, rugged fiberglass moldings created a functional environment that prioritized durability over luxury. Most units featured a basic galley with a two-burner stove and a sink, along with a dedicated space for a chemical or marine toilet beneath the forward berths.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Westerly 22 earned its legendary status through the voyages of David Blagden. In 1972, Blagden successfully completed the Observer Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR) in a Westerly 22 named Willing Griffin. His journey across the Atlantic in a small, twin-keeled family cruiser was a watershed moment for the sailing community, proving that Rayner’s design was capable of extreme offshore endurance. This feat is chronicled in Blagden’s book, Very Willing Griffin, which remains a core piece of maritime literature for small-boat enthusiasts.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Westerly 22 should be prepared for the maintenance required on a 60-year-old GRP vessel. While the hulls are famously "overbuilt" and thick, they are susceptible to several common age-related issues.
- The "Westerly Droop": This is the most common interior issue, where the foam-backed vinyl headlining degrades over time, causing the fabric to sag or fall away from the coachroof.
- Keel Bolt Inspection: Although the bilge keels are robust, the bolts and the internal reinforcement of the hull where the keels attach should be checked for signs of stress or water ingress.
- Window Leaks: The original aluminum-framed windows often suffer from perished seals, leading to leaks that can damage the interior woodwork.
- Deck Core: While much of the boat is solid glass, some areas may have a balsa or marine plywood core that can rot if deck fittings were not properly bedded over the decades.
Community & Resources
The primary resource for this model is the Westerly Owners Association, which is one of the largest and most active owner groups in the world. They maintain an extensive technical library, including original brochures and maintenance guides specifically for the Rayner-era boats.
The Verdict
The Westerly 22 is a historic "pocket cruiser" that offers an accessible entry point into coastal sailing. It is not a performance yacht, but it is a nearly indestructible platform for exploring shallow waters and tidal creeks.
Pros:
- Remarkable interior headroom for a 22-foot vessel.
- The ability to dry out on its bilge keels, saving on mooring costs.
- Proven offshore pedigree despite its small size.
- Thick, durable fiberglass construction.
Cons:
- Poor windward performance and significant leeway.
- Aesthetic is dated (the "chunky" look).
- Maintenance-intensive headliners and window seals.
- Early gunter-rigged versions are less efficient than Bermudan-rigged siblings.
