Westerly Spirit 26 — Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Ed Dubois is immediately apparent in the Spirit 26’s handling. While many smaller Westerlys were built for stability and "ploughing" through weather, the Spirit 26 is a genuine cruiser-racer. It features a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio for its class, making it responsive in light airs where older models might languish. According to editorial testing by Yachting Monthly, the boat is notably well-balanced, with the fractional rig allowing for precise mainsail control and easier headsail handling for short-handed crews.

The boat was offered with both a deep fin keel and a twin (bilge) keel configuration. While the fin keel provides superior upwind tracking and reduced leeway, the twin keel version remains highly sought after for its ability to dry out in tidal harbors—a hallmark of the Westerly identity. Despite the compromise in lift, the Dubois-designed twin keels are more hydrodynamically efficient than those found on earlier models, ensuring the boat remains competitive on all points of sail.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel with an overall length of just under 26 feet, the interior of the Spirit 26 is remarkably sophisticated. The "killer feature" of this design is the separate aft cabin, a rarity in boats of this size during the early 90s. This layout provides a level of privacy usually reserved for 30-footers, featuring a double berth tucked under the cockpit sole. The main saloon is bright, benefiting from large windows and a relatively wide beam that carries well aft.

The materials used reflect the late-Westerly era: plenty of teak joinery combined with light-colored headlinings. While the Spirit 26 was the primary designation, the model was later rebranded as the Regatta 260 during a period of corporate restructuring. The Regatta 260 is effectively the same boat, though often found with slightly updated interior fabrics and minor cosmetic changes to the gelcoat striping. Headroom is generous for the length, reaching approximately 5'11" at the main hatch, which accommodates most sailors without a constant stoop.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Spirit 26 with a specific technical checklist common to the Westerly fleet of this era.

1. Headlining Decay: Like many Westerlys, the Spirit 26 uses foam-backed vinyl headlining. Over 20–30 years, the foam backing typically disintegrates, leading to "sagging ceilings." While this is purely aesthetic, it is a labor-intensive DIY fix or an expensive professional one.
2. Engine Maintenance: Most Spirit 26s were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta 2000 series or the MD2010. Buyers should check for the "spline wear" issue on the gearbox connection, which can be a catastrophic failure point if not addressed with a replacement drive plate or modification.
3. Rudder Bearings: Due to the boat's more performance-oriented rudder design, the bushings can wear over time, leading to a "knocking" sensation in the tiller. This should be checked while the boat is in the slings.
4. Keel Bolts: On twin-keel versions, ensure the reinforcement around the keel stubs is free of stress crazing. While Westerlys are overbuilt, a hard grounding can still compromise the seal at the keel joint.

Community & Resources

The Spirit 26 benefits from one of the most robust owner support networks in the world. The Westerly Owners Association (WOA) is an essential resource, providing a technical "Wiki," an archive of original brochures, and a massive community forum where owners share specific modification advice. Because the Spirit 26 shares many components with the Regatta 260 and the larger Ocean and Falcon ranges, parts like stanchions and specialized castings are often still sourcable through specialist chandlers like Trafalgar Yachts.

The Verdict

The Westerly Spirit 26 is a rare "best-of-both-worlds" sailboat. It retains the British "hewn from granite" feel while offering the speed and layout of a modern continental yacht.

Pros:

• Excellent cabin layout featuring a genuine separate aft cabin.
• Strong sailing performance, especially in the fin-keel version.
• Unrivaled community support and parts availability.
• Highly seaworthy for its size, capable of coastal hops and cross-channel passages.

Cons:

• Common "Westerly Sag" in the interior headlining requires maintenance.
• Older Volvo Penta engines may be nearing the end of their service life.
• Limited storage in the cockpit for large items like inflatable tenders.