Westerly Conway Center Cockpit

Offered here is a thoroughly prepared and genuinely capable bluewater cruiser — a 1978 Westerly Conway ketch that has been comprehensively upgraded over the past several years with an Atlantic crossing firmly in mind. Built by Westerly Yachts in Waterlooville to a design by Lauren Charles, the Conway is one of the most trusted centre-cockpit cruisers of her era, and this example represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a serious passage-maker at a sensible price.
Construction & Deck
The GRP hull, deck and superstructure are in good order, the topsides finished in white with a distinctive blue stripe below the sheerline. The decks are fitted with blue Treadmaster for safe footing offshore. The fin keel and wheel steering arrangement give a confident, well-balanced helm in all conditions, while the centre cockpit layout provides security and privacy for the generously proportioned aft cabin below.
Accommodation
Below decks the Conway delivers flexible cruising accommodation for up to eight. The aft cabin features a dedicated double berth with its own heads — ideal for a skipper and mate or charter guests. Moving forward, a navigator's station provides a proper chart table berth, while the saloon offers a pull-out double to port and a single to starboard. The forepeak houses a further double, and a second heads compartment serves the forward cabins. Throughout, mahogany cabinetry lends the interior a warm, classic character that is both practical and timeless.
Engine & Mechanical
Power comes from a Mercedes OM636 diesel — a bulletproof unit well regarded for its reliability and longevity. The drivetrain has been well maintained, with the stern tube and cutlass bearings replaced in 2020 with the shaft straightened and the three-bladed propeller balanced at the same time. A Spurs rope cutter is fitted. Fuel capacity is 159 litres (42 gallons), giving a useful motoring range for those calm-water passages.
Electrical & Energy
The boat carries a capable energy management system suited to extended offshore passages: three 12V 110Ah batteries are topped up by a Rutland 914i wind generator and a 120W solar panel mounted on the bimini. A Marlec HRDi charge controller manages the system. Calorifier hot water is provided by a 75-litre unit with both engine and diesel heating coils, plus an electric element.
Navigation & Communications
The electronics fit-out is well-considered. A Raymarine Axiom 12RV chartplotter forms the heart of a new Raymarine network incorporating a Raymarine AIS 650 and Ray 63 VHF radio. The existing SeaTalk network retains the Autohelm autopilot, speed/log and wind instruments. An Iridium GO satellite communications unit ensures the vessel can stay in contact anywhere in the world — essential kit for a bluewater passage.
Rig & Sails
The ketch rig is in fine fettle. Standing rigging is stainless steel (replaced 2011) with a new baby stay added in 2022. A full suit of new sails — mainsail, mizzen and genoa — was supplied by Sanders Sails in 2022, complemented by a staysail and an unused spinnaker. New Plastimo furling gear was fitted at the same time. Self-tailing Lewmar two-speed genoa sheet winches complete the sail-handling package.
Ground Tackle & Safety
Ground tackle comprises a Bruce anchor on 60m of stainless chain with a Lofrans electric/manual windlass, backed up by a Danforth kedge. Safety equipment is offshore-standard: four serviced self-inflating lifejackets, a Regatta 4C offshore liferaft, three personal AIS beacons, a CAT2 EPIRB, Ikaros offshore flare pack (expiry 2026), dan buoy, and a Jordan drogue for heavy weather. A Hebridean wind vane self-steering system was fitted in 2021, adding a reliable mechanical backup to the electronic autopilot for long passages.
Summary
This Conway has been systematically invested in by a knowledgeable owner who clearly intended to put her to serious offshore use. With a full paper trail of recent receipts and manuals, new sails and rigging, an electronics suite, satellite comms, wind and solar charging, and a comprehensive safety inventory, she is ready to go — whether that means a summer in Biscay, a winter in the Canaries, or the Atlantic crossing she was prepared for. A rare chance to acquire a proper bluewater yacht at a fraction of the cost of a newer equivalent.

OWNER MOTIVATED TO SELL

These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.