The Solway 36 is a sailing boat manufactured by Westerly Yachts, a renowned British boatbuilder. It was first introduced in the late 1970s and remained in production until the early 1980s. The Solway 36 is a sturdy and well-built cruising yacht designed for offshore sailing.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the Solway 36:
1. Design: The Solway 36 was designed by Ed Dubois, a prominent naval architect known for his successful yacht designs. It features a traditional long keel with a moderate displacement hull, providing stability and good seakeeping abilities.
2. Construction: The boat is constructed using a solid fiberglass hull, making it robust and durable. The deck is also made of fiberglass, with a non-slip surface for safety.
3. Dimensions: The Solway 36 has an overall length of around 36 feet (11 meters) and a beam of approximately 11.5 feet (3.5 meters). It has a draft of about 5.5 feet (1.7 meters), which allows for deeper water sailing.
4. Accommodation: The interior of the Solway 36 is designed to provide comfortable living quarters for extended cruising. It typically features a spacious saloon with a dining area, a well-equipped galley, and multiple berths in separate cabins. The boat can accommodate around six to eight people, depending on the layout chosen.
5. Sailing Performance: The Solway 36 is known for its good sailing performance, especially in moderate to heavy weather conditions. It has a cutter rig, which means it has two headsails (a genoa and a staysail) in addition to the mainsail. This rig configuration allows for versatile sail combinations, making it easier to handle in various wind conditions.
6. Safety and Handling: The Solway 36 is designed to be easily handled by a small crew. It has a deep cockpit with high coamings, providing security and protection while sailing. The boat also has a solid bulwark around the deck, adding to the safety features.
7. Reputation: The Solway 36 has gained a good reputation among sailors for its seaworthiness, comfort, and overall build quality. It is often regarded as a reliable and capable offshore cruiser, suitable for long-distance voyages.
Overall, the Solway 36 (Westerly) is a well-regarded sailing boat known for its solid construction, comfortable interior, and good sailing performance. It is a popular choice for sailors looking for a reliable and capable cruising yacht.
