The Westerly 28 is a popular sailing boat that was manufactured by Westerly Yachts, a British boatbuilding company. It is a small to medium-sized cruising yacht that was first introduced in the 1970s and remained in production until the early 1990s.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the Westerly 28:
1. Design: The Westerly 28 was designed by Laurent Giles, a renowned naval architect. It features a traditional, sturdy, and seaworthy design, with a moderate displacement hull and a long fin keel. The boat has a classic appearance with a raised coachroof and a spacious cockpit.
2. Dimensions: The Westerly 28 has an overall length of around 28 feet (8.53 meters) and a beam of approximately 9 feet (2.74 meters). It has a draft of around 4.5 feet (1.37 meters), which allows for good stability and performance.
3. Accommodation: The interior of the Westerly 28 is designed to provide comfortable accommodation for a small crew or family. It typically features a forward cabin with a V-berth, a saloon with a dinette that converts into a double berth, a well-equipped galley, a navigation station, and a separate head compartment.
4. Sailing Performance: The Westerly 28 is known for its good sailing performance, especially in coastal cruising and moderate offshore conditions. It has a balanced sail plan with a masthead rig, which allows for easy handling and a variety of sail configurations. The boat is often praised for its stability, responsiveness, and ability to handle various weather conditions.
5. Construction: The Westerly 28 was built using traditional fiberglass construction techniques, with a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck for added strength and insulation. The build quality of Westerly yachts is generally considered to be robust and durable.
6. Availability: As the Westerly 28 was produced for several years, it is relatively easy to find used models on the market. However, availability may vary depending on the region and the specific year of production.
Overall, the Westerly 28 is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a combination of comfort, performance, and seaworthiness. It is often favored by sailors looking for a reliable and affordable cruising yacht for coastal or offshore adventures.