Sailing Performance & Handling
The Kestrel 35 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes "sea-kindliness" and predictable tracking. Its hull design features a moderate fin keel and a substantial skeg-protected rudder, which provides excellent directional stability when sailing off the wind. Because it was often delivered with a ketch rig—a rarity for a boat of this length in the 1980s—the sail plan is highly versatile. This "split rig" allows for a variety of sail combinations, such as the "jib and jigger" configuration (headsail and mizzen), which keeps the boat balanced and manageable in heavy weather.
In light air, the Kestrel can feel somewhat sluggish due to its conservative Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio and the aerodynamic drag of the second mast. However, as noted in various retrospective reviews by Yachting Monthly, the hull (shared with the Falcon 34) is surprisingly capable when pressed. Owners often report that while she won't win many regattas, she provides a remarkably dry ride and maintains her momentum through a chop, making her a preferred choice for long-distance cruising rather than day-racing.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The Kestrel 35 was engineered to maximize living space, a hallmark of the Laurent Giles/Westerly collaboration. The interior is typically finished in rich teak veneers with the high-quality joinery that defined Westerly’s peak production years. The layout generally features a large aft cabin—often a "master suite" arrangement made possible by the center-cockpit or near-aft-cockpit design—providing a level of privacy rarely found in 35-footers of this vintage.
The Kestrel is a direct sibling to the Westerly Falcon 34 and the Westerly Seahawk 34. While the Falcon was the sloop-rigged version with an aft cockpit, the Kestrel was marketed to those who preferred the aesthetic and mechanical advantages of the ketch rig. The cabin headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'2" in the main saloon, and the galley is typically "U-shaped" for security while cooking at sea. The variation in cabin configurations usually centers on the forward V-berth and the arrangement of the heads (bathroom), with some later models benefiting from updated upholstery and headliner materials that addressed the "Westerly Droop" (foam backing failure) common in earlier builds.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Kestrel 35 with a specific focus on the structural and material issues common to 1980s Westerly production.
- Headlining Failure: Like almost all Westerlys of this era, the foam-backed vinyl headlining is prone to "drooping" as the foam degrades over time. Replacing this is a labor-intensive project, though many hulls on the market have already been professionally refitted with wooden slats or new foam-free liners.
- Osmosis: While Westerly hulls are notoriously thick, boats from the mid-80s are known to develop osmotic blistering if they haven't been treated with an epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter reading of the hull is essential during a survey.
- Keel Bolts and Gasket: The Kestrel uses a cast-iron fin keel. The "keel smile"—a hairline crack at the leading edge where the keel meets the stub—should be inspected. While often just a cosmetic sign of the hull flexing, it can indicate the need for re-torquing the keel bolts or replacing the bedding compound.
- Mizzen Rigging: On ketch models, the condition of the mizzen mast base and its independent rigging is often overlooked. Ensure the compression post for the mizzen mast remains structurally sound and that the chainplates are not showing signs of crevice corrosion.
Community & Resources
The Kestrel 35 benefits from one of the most robust owner support networks in the world. The Westerly Owners Association is an invaluable resource, providing a comprehensive technical wiki, historical brochures, and a community of thousands of owners who share maintenance tips and design modifications. Because the Kestrel shares so many components with the Falcon and Seahawk models, spare parts and technical advice are readily available through specialized vendors that cater specifically to the Westerly fleet.
The Verdict
The Westerly Kestrel 35 is a "proper" cruising yacht built for sailors who value safety, interior volume, and the traditional aesthetics of a ketch rig over modern planing performance. It is a sturdy, dependable platform for a couple or a small family looking to explore coastal waters in comfort.
Pros:
- Excellent interior volume and privacy, especially in the aft cabin.
- Stable, predictable handling in heavy weather thanks to the ketch rig options.
- Unrivaled community support and parts availability through the Owners Association.
- Solid GRP construction that inspires confidence in offshore conditions.
Cons:
- Slow performance in light winds compared to modern sloops.
- Interior "Westerly Droop" (headlining issues) is common unless already remediated.
- Increased maintenance costs associated with two masts and extra standing rigging.
- Cast-iron keels require diligent maintenance to prevent rust and scaling.
