Overview
The Westerly Typhoon 37 is an Ed Dubois design launched in 1990, developing the concept of his Westerly Fulmar. About 40 were built before it was revamped as the Regatta 370 in 1993, and the hull stayed in production in various versions until Westerly closed.
Design and Construction
The keel is a low center-of-gravity bulb fin and the rudder a spade. The hull is mostly hand-laid chopped strand mat with two layers of isophthalic gelcoat and isophthalic resin in the first layer, reinforced with biaxial and unidirectional fibers in key areas; the deck is foam-cored, which Practical Boat Owner notes is less prone to moisture problems than balsa. Westerly built the hulls to Lloyds hull construction certificates.
Under Sail
Practical Boat Owner credits it with good performance including excellent upwind ability, good manners on a reach, and a big mainsail that is easy to tame and reef from the cockpit. Yachting Monthly, in December 2000, found her quick on every point of sail. Yachtsnet’s view is that she is no true ocean racer but an effective fast cruiser that is easy to manage. Rupert Holmes of Practical Boat Owner found the boat well behaved on a reach and willing to surf readily, but under easy control, on a quartering sea. He adds that the fractional rig lets the backstay flatten the mainsail as the wind increases. Yachtsnet describes the brief as a fast cruiser with ocean racing potential.
Buyers Notes
Engines vary: early boats had a 28 hp Volvo Penta 2003, later boats the more robust Perkins-based Volvo 2030. Layouts vary between two and three cabins. The boats hold their value, and the Westerly Owners Association is a good resource. Holmes reports that the galley and navigation station won praise as among the best of any boat in the Westerly range. The transom is closed, so getting into the water from the stern is less convenient than on some later rivals.
