Westerly Riviera 35 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Riviera 35 is built upon a hull shared with the Westerly Seahawk 34 and Falcon 35, a design known for its stiffness and predictable handling in heavy weather. While the high coachroof adds windage, the hull’s deep-V entry and significant weight provide a motion that is sea-kindly and stable. According to technical insights from the Westerly Owners Association, the yacht was typically fitted with either a fin keel or twin (bilge) keels, the latter allowing the vessel to take the ground in tidal estuaries—a hallmark of Westerly's engineering.

Under sail, the Riviera 35 is surprisingly capable. It avoids the sluggishness often associated with motor sailers due to its Dubois-designed underwater profile. The boat tracks well on a reach, though its performance to windward is naturally affected by the higher profile of the deck saloon. The inclusion of an internal steering station—featuring a dedicated throttle and wheel—allows for comfortable passage-making during inclement weather, though most spirited sailing is done from the aft cockpit, where visibility over the cabin top remains functional.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Riviera 35 is its defining characteristic, centering on a raised U-shaped dinette that offers 360-degree panoramic views through large toughened-glass windows. This layout creates an exceptionally bright living space, a stark contrast to the "cave-like" cabins of traditional cruisers from the same era. The joinery typically features teak or light oak veneers, finished to a high standard that has historically aged well.

The vessel features a two-cabin, two-head layout that prioritizes privacy for cruising couples or small families. The aft cabin is particularly noteworthy, often described as an "owner's suite" with a large double berth and ensuite access. The galley is located "down" from the main saloon, providing a separation of living and working spaces while remaining open enough to benefit from the saloon's natural light. The Riviera 35 is a sibling to the Westerly Falcon 35 (the aft-cockpit version) and the Westerly Seahawk (the center-cockpit version), sharing the same 12-foot 3-inch beam which maximizes the living area.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Riviera 35, the primary focus should be on the integrity of the deck saloon windows and the condition of the hull’s laminate.

• Window Seals: The large deck saloon windows are prone to leaking if the original bedding compound has degraded. Look for "milking" at the edges of the glass and water staining on the internal woodwork.
• Headlinings: Like many British production boats of this era, the foam-backed vinyl headlinings are known to sag as the foam disintegrates over time. This is a labor-intensive cosmetic repair.
• Keel Bolts & Osmosis: While Westerlys are generally robust, earlier hulls may show signs of osmotic blistering. The twin-keel variants require specific inspection of the "stub" areas where the keels meet the hull to ensure no stress cracking has occurred from repeated drying out on uneven ground.
• Engine Maintenance: Most units were fitted with Volvo Penta engines. Prospective buyers should check the heat exchanger and exhaust elbow for calcification, as these are common failure points in engines of this vintage.

Community & Resources

The model is supported by one of the most active owner groups in the maritime world, the Westerly Owners Association, which provides extensive technical archives, original brochures, and a dedicated parts service through Trafalgar Yacht Services.

The Verdict

The Westerly Riviera 35 is a thoughtfully engineered hybrid that successfully bridges the gap between a motor yacht and a performance cruiser. It is an ideal choice for sailors in northern latitudes or those who value panoramic visibility and interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional natural light and 360-degree visibility from the saloon.
• Dual-station steering for all-weather cruising comfort.
• Robust construction with the option for bilge keels to allow tidal drying.

Cons:

• High windage can make close-quarters maneuvering challenging in a breeze.
• Aesthetic profile is polarizing compared to traditional sailing yachts.
• Common aging issues like sagging headlinings require attention.