1978 Westerly Berwick | 31ft

The 1978 Westerly Berwick 31 is a timeless British-built cruising yacht renowned for its solid construction, dependable offshore capability, and practical twin-keel design. Built by the respected Westerly Marine Construction yard and designed by legendary naval architect Laurent Giles, the Berwick has earned a reputation among sailors as a safe, stable, and comfortable cruiser capable of handling both coastal adventures and extended offshore passages with confidence.

“First Lady” is a sweet little yacht with plenty of nautical miles still ahead of her. Her unique twin-keel configuration gives her excellent stability and balance in the water, often compared to the smooth and steady motion of a dolphin. This setup not only improves comfort at sea but also allows the yacht to safely dry out upright in tidal waters, making her especially practical for cruising shallow harbors, estuaries, and coastal anchorages.

With a strong fiberglass monohull construction and classic Westerly craftsmanship throughout, the Berwick was built during an era when yachts were known for durability and seaworthiness. Her moderate displacement, solid ballast ratio, and forgiving handling characteristics make her ideal for sailors seeking a reliable cruising yacht with classic charm and proven offshore capability.

Sailing Performance

The Westerly Berwick is designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing performance. Under sail, she offers predictable handling, impressive directional stability, and a reassuring motion even in rougher sea conditions. Her masthead sloop rig is simple to manage and well suited for short-handed sailing, couples cruising, or family adventures.

“First Lady” comes with a good inventory of sails and is ready to set off immediately. With just a few finishing touches and personal upgrades, she has the potential to become a capable long-distance cruiser suitable for serious offshore passages or even circumnavigation.

Her twin-keel arrangement provides several practical advantages, including:

• Excellent stability underway
• Ability to dry out upright on tidal flats
• Access to shallower cruising grounds
• Reduced draft for coastal navigation
• Comfortable handling in varying sea conditions

Interior & Accommodation

Despite her manageable 31-foot size, the Westerly Berwick offers a warm, practical, and surprisingly spacious interior. Traditional wood finishes and classic nautical styling create a cozy atmosphere ideal for weekend getaways or extended cruising.

Accommodation includes:

• Comfortable forward guest cabin
• Spacious saloon seating area
• Dedicated galley space
• Navigation station
• One enclosed marine head
• Ample storage throughout the vessel

The layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize onboard comfort while maintaining the functionality expected from a proven cruising yacht.

Propulsion & Mechanical

Powered by a reliable Nanni 3.90 HE diesel inboard engine producing 23hp, “First Lady” delivers dependable auxiliary power for marina maneuvering, coastal cruising, and motoring in calm conditions.

Propulsion Details

• Engine Make: Nanni
• Engine Model: 3.90 HE
• Total Power: 23hp
• Engine Type: Inboard
• Drive Type: Direct Drive
• Fuel Type: Diesel

Specifications

Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 31.25 ft
• Beam: 9.25 ft
• Maximum Draft: 5.08 ft

Construction

• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Hull Shape: Monohull
• Keel Type: Twin/Other Keel Configuration

Capacity

• Seating Capacity: 7 Guests

Accommodation

• Guest Cabins: 1
• Guest Heads: 1

Why the Westerly Berwick Remains Popular

Decades after production, the Westerly Berwick continues to be highly regarded among sailors for several reasons:

• Proven offshore capability
• Strong and durable construction
• Practical twin-keel versatility
• Comfortable cruising layout
• Easy sail handling
• Excellent value for money
• Ideal for coastal and bluewater cruising alike

The Berwick strikes an excellent balance between classic charm and practical functionality, making it attractive to both experienced sailors and newcomers looking for a dependable cruising yacht with character.

Overall Impression

The 1978 Westerly Berwick 31 “First Lady” is a capable and charming classic cruiser with the rugged build quality and seaworthiness that made Westerly yachts famous worldwide. She is stable, forgiving, and practical, with a layout that encourages comfortable time aboard whether cruising locally or venturing farther offshore.

Ready to sail with a solid inventory of sails and dependable diesel power, she represents an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking an affordable classic yacht with genuine cruising pedigree and many adventures still ahead.