Westerly Warwick 21 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Warwick 21 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable handling, driven largely by an impressive 45% ballast ratio. With a displacement of approximately 3,695 lbs and a ballast of 1,680 lbs, the boat resists heeling far better than most vessels in the 20-foot class. Its technical ratios confirm its identity as a stout cruiser; a Displacement/Length ratio of roughly 250 places it firmly in the "moderate-to-heavy" category, while its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 13.9 indicates a boat that requires a decent breeze to reach its hull speed of 5.8 knots.

Despite its somewhat "boxy" appearance, the Warwick benefits from a long waterline and a relatively tall masthead sloop rig, which provides a surprising turn of speed in a Force 4 or 5. Owners often note that the boat feels significantly larger and more stable than its 21-foot length suggests, making it a favorite for coastal exploration and tidal waters. The twin bilge keel configuration allows the boat to stand upright on drying moorings, a feature that defined the Westerly brand's popularity in the United Kingdom. Its transom-hung, semi-balanced rudder ensures the helm remains light and responsive even when the boat is pressed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a boat under 22 feet, the interior of the Warwick 21 is an engineering marvel of space management. It boasts a maximum headroom of 5'10", a rare feat for this size class. The layout provides four berths in two separate cabins: a V-berth in the forecabin and a convertible arrangement in the main saloon. To fit these amenities, the designers utilized a hybrid approach where the starboard saloon berth serves as either a quarter berth or part of a small dinette.

The boat’s siblings provide context for its development: the Westerly Jouster was the performance-oriented sibling built on a similar hull but with a fin keel and a lower-profile deck, while the Westerly Pageant offered an extra 18 inches of length for those needing a full six feet of headroom. In 1977, the model was updated as the Westerly 21, featuring revised windows, a Perspex sliding hatch, and a more modern all-wood interior to replace the original fiberglass-heavy aesthetic.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Warwick 21 with a checklist focused on the common aging signs of 1970s GRP construction.

• The "Westerly Droop": A ubiquitous issue among older Westerlys where the foam-backed vinyl headliner disintegrates, causing the fabric to sag. Replacing this is a labor-intensive DIY task or a costly professional one.
• Keel Reinforcement: While the keels are generally robust, boats that have spent decades on "half-tide" drying moorings should be inspected for stress crazing or "splaying" around the keel stubs. Reinforcing the internal floors and backing plates is a common prophylactic measure.
• Engine Ingress: Rainwater leakage around the engine hatch is a noted nuisance. This often stems from degraded gaskets or clogged drainage channels, which can lead to moisture accumulation in the bilge.
• Deck Core: The foredeck utilizes a balsa sandwich construction for stiffness. Use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" to check for soft spots, which indicate water intrusion and delamination.
• Petter Mini 6 Engine: Many original Warwicks were fitted with the Petter Mini 6 diesel. These engines are known for having an alloy head on an iron block, which can lead to galvanic corrosion if the cooling system has not been meticulously maintained.

Community & Resources

The Warwick 21 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the sailing world. The Westerly Owners Association is the primary resource for technical manuals, historical brochures, and a comprehensive "wiki" that documents every modification and repair known to the fleet. This association provides a critical lifeline for parts sourcing and technical advice for maintaining these classic hulls.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom and interior volume for its size.
• High ballast ratio provides a very stable, safe feel in heavy air.
• Bilge keels allow for drying moorings and shallow-draft cruising.
• Extremely strong construction with a Lloyd's Certificate for most units.

Cons:

• Underpowered in light winds due to high displacement and modest sail area.
• Interior aesthetic is dated and prone to the "Westerly droop" headliner failure.
• Original engines (Petter/Vire) may require replacement or high levels of maintenance.