Westerly Regatta 290 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Regatta 290 reflects its Laurent Giles pedigree, balancing stability with a surprisingly responsive feel for a heavy-displacement cruiser. While the original Konsort utilized a masthead rig, the Regatta 290 was updated with a more modern fractional rig, which allows for better mainsail control and easier handling for shorthanded crews. The boat was offered in both fin keel and twin (bilge) keel configurations. The bilge keel version is particularly prized in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe for its ability to dry out in tidal harbors, though it sacrifices a degree of pointing ability compared to the deeper fin keel.

Handling is characterized by a predictable, "stiff" motion, which provides confidence in heavy weather. According to technical archives from the Westerly Owners Association, the hull’s generous beam (nearly 11 feet) contributes to its high initial stability. While not a light-air flyer, the 290 tracks well and maintains momentum through chop, a trait inherited from its heavy-displacement roots. The inclusion of a transom-hung rudder on some variations was replaced by a spade rudder on the 290, which significantly lightened the helm and improved maneuverability in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Regatta 290 is where the model truly shines, often feeling much larger than its 29-foot length suggests. By utilizing the massive beam of the Konsort hull, Westerly created a layout that includes a dedicated aft cabin—a rare luxury for a boat of this era and size. This cabin typically features a double berth and a hanging locker, providing privacy for the skipper or guests. The main saloon is airy, benefiting from the updated portlight design of the Regatta series, which allowed more natural light into the cabin compared to the "slit" windows of earlier models.

The galley is positioned to starboard and is surprisingly functional, usually equipped with a two-burner stove, oven, and refrigerated cool box. Opposite the galley is a proper forward-facing chart table, a feature often omitted in modern 29-footers. The woodwork is typically finished in light ash or teak veneers, moving away from the darker, more traditional interiors of the 1980s. The forward V-berth and a convertible settee in the saloon allow the boat to sleep up to six people, though it is most comfortable as a four-person cruiser.

Westerly also produced the Regatta 310 and 330 during this period. The 310 shared much of the 290’s DNA but offered a slightly elongated hull for better speed and a larger cockpit. Buyers looking at the 290 should also be aware of the "Konsort Duo," a motor-sailer variant, though the Regatta 290 remains the preferred choice for those prioritizing sailing performance over motoring capacity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Westerly Regatta 290 should focus their inspection on several era-specific concerns common to production yachts of the 1990s.

1. Headlining Sag: Like many British boats of this period, the foam backing on the vinyl headlining tends to perish over time, leading to the "sagging ceiling" syndrome. This is a labor-intensive but manageable DIY fix.
2. Osmotic Blistering: While Westerly hulls were generally well-built, instances of osmosis are not uncommon in vessels that have spent decades in the water without a modern epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter check on the hull is essential.
3. Keel Bolts and Backing Plates: On bilge keel models, the stress points where the keels meet the hull should be inspected for "Westerly smile" (cracking at the leading edge). Ensuring the internal backing plates are secure and free of heavy corrosion is a priority.
4. Engine Maintenance: Most 290s were originally fitted with Volvo Penta or Bukh diesel engines. While reliable, owners should check for signs of "elbow" corrosion in the exhaust and ensure the saildrive seal (if equipped) has been replaced within the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe.
5. Rudder Bearings: The transition to a spade rudder on this model introduced more stress on the rudder stock bearings. Any significant "play" or knocking while underway suggests the bushings need replacement.

Community & Resources

The Regatta 290 is supported by one of the most robust owner communities in the world. The Westerly Owners Association provides an exhaustive archive of technical manuals, original brochures, and a "Defects and Remedies" database that is invaluable for maintaining the vessel. Because the 290 shares its hull with the Konsort, parts and structural advice are readily available through specialized chandleries that cater specifically to the Westerly brand.

The Verdict

The Westerly Regatta 290 is a quintessential family cruiser that prioritizes interior volume and structural integrity over raw racing speed. It represents the pinnacle of the Laurent Giles "small-big boat" philosophy.

Pros

• Exceptional interior volume with a genuine aft cabin.
• Highly stable and forgiving hull design, ideal for coastal cruising.
• Excellent build quality and strong support from a dedicated owners' association.
• Available in a bilge keel configuration for shallow-draft or tidal mooring.

Cons

• The "fractional rig" update makes it more complex to tune than the original masthead Konsort.
• Interior headlining issues are a common and frustrating maintenance task.
• The high-volume hull creates significant windage, making docking in crosswinds a challenge.