Westerly Regatta 370 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

At its core, the Regatta 370 inherits the performance-oriented DNA of the Typhoon 37, a boat frequently cited by the Westerly Owners Association as one of the finest-handling vessels the yard ever produced. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 226, it sits firmly in the category of a medium-displacement cruiser, offering a balanced motion that avoids the "skittishness" of lighter modern production boats.

The hull, characterized by a deep fin keel (6'0" draft) or an optional shoal keel, tracks exceptionally well. Ed Dubois optimized the entry and underwater profile to ensure the boat remained stiff and responsive upwind. Technical evaluations from Practical Boat Owner notes that the hull’s ability to "sail rings around" contemporary competitors was a hallmark of this specific Dubois lineage. The fractional sloop rig provides a generous sail area that allows the boat to excel in light airs, while the 36.7% ballast ratio ensures that it remains composed when the breeze freshens. Owners often describe the steering as "light on the helm," owing to the well-balanced spade rudder, which offers a degree of tactile feedback more common in racing yachts than in the heavy cruisers Westerly was historically known for.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining characteristic of the Regatta 370 is its Ken Freivokh interior, which was a stark departure from the traditional teak-heavy "gentleman's club" aesthetic of earlier Westerlys. Freivokh introduced lighter wood finishes, curved cabinetry, and a more open-plan feel intended to maximize the perception of space. This "Regatta styling" was applied across a sibling range that included the smaller Regatta 290 and 330, but it was in the 370 where the designer had the volume to truly experiment.

The layout typically features a large forward V-berth with an en-suite head, a spacious main saloon, and two symmetrical aft cabins—a configuration that was revolutionary for Westerly at the time. While the styling aimed for a modern, airy feel, it was notoriously polarizing among the traditionalist Westerly clientele, a factor often blamed for the model's low sales figures. In contrast, the later sibling model, the Ocean 37, used the exact same hull and deck moldings but reverted to a more conventional, high-quality timber interior to satisfy conservative buyers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Regatta 370 requires specialized knowledge of 1990s construction techniques. While the hull is a solid GRP laminate and generally robust, several specific areas demand inspection:

• The "Westerly Droop": Like many British yachts of this era, the foam-backed vinyl headlinings are prone to sagging as the foam adhesive degrades over time. While the Regatta 370 used slightly different materials than the 1980s models, any signs of "pillowing" in the overheads should be noted as a labor-intensive repair.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the forward and aft ends of the keel stub for the "Westerly smile"—a hairline crack that can appear if the boat has had a significant grounding or if the keel bolts require retorquing.
• Engine & Saildrive: Most 370s were fitted with the Volvo Penta MD2030. While these are reliable, Perkins-based units, the saildrive diaphragm should be checked for its replacement date (typically every 7–10 years).
• Portlight Leaks: The large, stylized windows of the Freivokh design are prone to crazing and seal failure. Because the Regatta 370 was a low-volume production run, sourcing exact replacement frames can be difficult, often requiring custom acrylic work.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Regatta 370 benefit from one of the most organized owner communities in the world. The Westerly Owners Association maintains a comprehensive technical wiki and archive of original brochures, which is essential given that only eight of these specific models exist. Because the 370 shares its hull with the Typhoon 37 and Ocean 37, technical advice regarding the rig, rudder, and underwater profile can be reliably sourced from the larger pool of Typhoon owners.

The Verdict

The Westerly Regatta 370 is a "connoisseur’s cruiser" that offers the rare combination of an Ed Dubois performance hull and a unique, modernist interior. It is ideally suited for a buyer who appreciates British build quality but desires a more contemporary aesthetic than a standard cruiser provides.

• Pros:
  • Superb upwind performance and balanced handling.
  • High ballast ratio provides excellent stability in offshore conditions.
  • Exclusivity; a rare model that stands out in any marina.
• Cons:
  • Polarizing interior design may affect future resale value.
  • Low production numbers make model-specific spare parts difficult to source.
  • Standard headlining issues typical of the era.