The Westerly Story

Publisher: Westerly Owners' Association

Publication Date: 2006

2006 was the 49th anniversary of the Westerly Owners' Association and the Vice Commodore, Brian Easteal  -aren't these naval titles so beloved of yacht clubs rather ridiculous? - and journalist/boat builder ,Peter Poland, combined to produce this rather pleasant book. It does, to use a bit of managementspeak, what it says on the tin.  First, there is a history of the Westerly marque; a portrait of the founder, Commander D.A.Rayner, interviews with some of the key figures, noteable voyages, the designers and then, most centrally, a description of every one of the 72 yacht types and subtypes produced by Westerly till it went bust finally in 2000; complete with their specifications. The whole book is illustrated with a large number of photographs, both black and white, and colour.  This book would be of interest to anyone thinking of buying a Westerly, interested in the history in probably the strongest British marque, or yachting history generally; and is pleasant to look at and read.  Do not give it as a present to anyone who has a Westerly without finding out if they are a member of the Westerly Owners' Association - each member got a free copy. For them and for anyone else, it is a pleasantly recorded and somewhat nostalgic little book about a chapter, now closed, of British yachting history. - MPB