.... and the bilge keels are a feature that compromises sailing performance
and stiffness for the capability to 'take the mud' happily. If you don't
need this capability, there are boats that are better choices.

mike worrall wrote:

Does anyone have any information or experience on the older Westerly
Yachts?

Please see: http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/

There's a great book by Peter Nicols on the first solo
circumnavigation race, the Golden Globe race of 1968 (eventually won
by Robin Knox-Johnston) titled 'A Voyage for Madmen.' One of the
competitors - Capr John Ridgewy - set off on a Westerly 30 lent to him
by the company, and substantially 'beefed-up' for the onerous prospect
of the Southern Ocean. To quote from the book "But no ammount of
strengthning could compensate for the Westerly 30's inherent
unsuitability for an Atlantic crossing...let alone a solo
circumnavigation..." The boat literally fell-apart around him, and he
was forced to retire.

I mention this only becasue it's an excellent book, and it points out
the apparent deficiencies of the Westerly's 'of that era'.

Mike Worrall
Los Angeles