1987 Westerly Storm 33 | 33ft

The 1987 Westerly Storm 33 is a highly respected British performance cruising yacht designed by the renowned naval architect Ed Dubois and built by Westerly Yachts during one of the company’s most successful eras. Combining impressive sailing performance with comfortable cruising accommodation, the Storm 33 was created to satisfy both the serious cruiser and the enthusiastic club racer — a balance it achieves remarkably well.

Known for its sleek lines, responsive handling, and seaworthy offshore manners, the Westerly Storm 33 has developed a loyal following among sailors looking for a capable cruiser with genuine performance pedigree. With its fin keel configuration, aft cockpit layout, and spacious interior, the Storm 33 delivers a sailing experience that feels sporty without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

“Osprey of Portland” is a solid example of this sought-after model and offers excellent potential for an owner looking to restore a quality cruising yacht back to her full glory. While she has been standing for some time, the vessel presents as structurally sound and fundamentally well maintained, with strong evidence of careful ownership throughout her life.

Design & Performance

Designed by Ed Dubois, whose reputation for creating fast and seaworthy yachts is internationally recognized, the Westerly Storm 33 was intended to bridge the gap between cruiser and racer. The result is a yacht with excellent balance, strong upwind ability, responsive steering, and reassuring offshore stability.

The fin keel design provides improved pointing ability and sharper handling compared to traditional cruising yachts, while the moderate displacement ensures a comfortable and predictable motion at sea. These yachts are particularly admired for being “sea kindly” boats — capable of handling rough conditions while still delivering rewarding sailing performance.

Key sailing characteristics include:

• Responsive and balanced helm
• Strong upwind performance
• Excellent offshore capability
• Stable and comfortable motion underway
• Ideal blend of cruising comfort and sailing speed
• Well suited for coastal passages and longer offshore cruising

Whether cruising along the coast, crossing the Channel, or participating in club racing events, the Storm 33 remains an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring yacht to sail.

Interior & Accommodation

The Westerly Storm 33 features a modern and practical interior layout that remains highly functional even by today’s standards. The accommodation is spacious for a 33-foot yacht and offers excellent comfort for cruising couples, families, or guests onboard.

Interior accommodation includes:

• Forward double cabin
• Separate aft cabin
• Spacious saloon seating area
• Dedicated chart/navigation table
• Functional galley
• Separate heads compartment
• Excellent storage throughout

The woodwork and upholstery aboard “Osprey of Portland” remain in good condition, contributing to a warm and classic nautical atmosphere below deck. The vessel reportedly feels dry inside with no noticeable smells of dampness or mould — an encouraging sign for a yacht of this age.

The main saloon headlining has already been upgraded using more modern padded panels, though sections in the forward cabin, aft cabin, galley, and heads area will require cosmetic attention. Once addressed, the interior has the potential to present exceptionally well again without the need for a full restoration project.

Electronics & Equipment

“Osprey of Portland” benefits from a number of more recent electronic upgrades and navigational equipment additions, helping modernize the yacht while maintaining her classic appeal.

Equipment onboard includes:

Navigation & Electronics

• Raymarine chart plotter
• Radar
• VHF radio
• Windex wind indicator
• Speed and log instruments
• Depth sounder
• Compass
• Radio/CD player

Electrical Equipment

• Shore power inlet

Interior Equipment

• Oven
• Marine head
• Manual bilge pump

Exterior Equipment

• Tiller steering

The onboard electronics are shown operational, including the radar and navigation systems, making the vessel well equipped for coastal cruising and offshore navigation.

Engine & Propulsion

Powered by a reliable Volvo diesel inboard engine, the Westerly Storm 33 delivers dependable cruising performance under power.

Propulsion Details

• Engine Make: Volvo
• Engine Model: 2002
• Engine Year: 1987
• Total Power: 18hp
• Engine Hours: 3295
• Engine Type: Inboard
• Drive Type: Direct Drive
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Propeller: 2-Blade Alloy Propeller

The Volvo 2002 engine series is well regarded for reliability, ease of maintenance, and fuel efficiency, making it a trusted auxiliary engine for cruising yachts of this class.

Specifications

Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 33.17 ft
• Length at Waterline (LWL): 27 ft
• Beam: 11.52 ft
• Draft: 5.51 ft

Construction

• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Hull Shape: Monohull
• Keel Type: Fin Keel

Tank Capacities

• Fresh Water Tank: 47.55 gallons
• Fuel Tank: 21.13 gallons

Accommodation

• Guest Cabins: 2

Condition & Potential

A condition survey carried out in September 2021 reportedly confirmed the vessel to be of solid construction, reinforcing the Westerly reputation for strong and durable yacht building. While some cosmetic interior work remains to be completed, this is far from a major restoration project.

With the headlining work finished throughout the remaining sections of the interior, “Osprey of Portland” could once again become a truly impressive cruising yacht capable of comfortable coastal sailing, offshore adventures, or club racing participation.

Overall Impression

The 1987 Westerly Storm 33 is a beautifully balanced performance cruiser that continues to stand out decades after production. Combining the respected design expertise of Ed Dubois with Westerly’s reputation for robust construction, the Storm 33 offers fast, enjoyable sailing alongside genuine cruising comfort.

“Osprey of Portland” presents an excellent opportunity to own a capable and characterful yacht with strong bones, modern equipment, and outstanding potential. For sailors seeking a proven offshore cruiser with responsive sailing performance and classic British pedigree, the Westerly Storm 33 remains one of the finest choices in her class.