on all the models and the history of the
Westerly company.’
George summed up by adding that the
WOA also publishes a twice-yearly
magazine of association news and articles
written by members recounting their
sailing experiences.
‘We offer technical assistance to
members through a dedicated section of
articles in our magazine, and through our
website which includes technical articles
from past magazines, our Westerly Wiki,
our Forum of technical matters, and our
Yahoo Group. We also run a Facebook
page that is open to all to contribute their
Westerly story, and, for immediacy, we
indulge in the occasional ’Tweet’.
‘The WOA website is acknowledged to
be the best place to sell and buy a
Westerly. There’s always a good range of
different models on offer, many being
suitable as inexpensive first boats for
aspiring yachtsmen. We also have a
positive relationship with yachting
suppliers and marinas, many of whom
advertise in our magazine and offer
worthwhile discounts to members.’
Then there’s the thorny question of
spare parts. Once again, the WOA has an
answer. The marque is well supported by
Fareham-based Trafalgar Yacht Services.
George says it has a unique supply of
many Westerly parts and can give much
useful advice as it is owned and run by
two ex-Westerly employees.
Groups for exotica
On a different scale, there are also
associations run for the owners of more
exotic yachts. The Sparkman and
Stephens Association is administered by
Karen Raymond and she told me it
represents a wide diversity of designs and
has nearly 300 worldwide members from
17 countries, owning boats ranging from
the 15ft Sandbagger and 22ft Sailmaster
to a Swan 76 and an 85ft one-off.
‘What unites members is a love of Olin
Stephens’ classic lines and enthusiasm for
sharing their passion,’ said Karen. ‘S&S
devotees get together at regional events
throughout the year, particularly in the UK,
Finland and the Netherlands, where
racing, cruising or just having a good time
can all be on the agenda.
Throughout the year the association
provides a forum for advice and exchange
of information through its website (www.
sparkmanstephens.info), giving access to
the knowledge of those who have raced,
cruised, restored and maintained S&S
yachts dating from the first designs in
1929 up to the 2000’s.”
Serial S&S owner Gavin Howe told me:
‘I have owned S&S Swans since 1985. We
were member No.4 of the S&S Association
and have attended events in Holland,
Edinburgh, Denmark, Lymington andPortugal. We sailed our Swan 76 to the
event in Lagos, Portugal, from Sardinia.
‘There’s also the worldwide S&S Swan
Association. We have enjoyed competing
in these events every other year for the
last 10 years, first with our Swan 47
centreboard and more recently with the
Swan 76 centreboard. This is a very active
group and the involvement of Lars Strom- the original head of engineering at
Nautor Swan – in the forum is a standout
feature and of enormous value to owners
like ourselves.’
Almost all covered
So there’s an association for just about
every boat built – from a Shrimper 19 to a
Swan 76. In 2015 Luis Castillo of the
Dufour Association did a survey of 10 very
different ‘brands’ and found that their aims
and ambitions are actually much the
same. For an annual sub of between £5
and £25 they all arrange events afloat,
socials ashore, offer technical support and
owners’ forums with ever-increasing use
of websites and social media.
As the stock of GRP cruisers gets ever
older, these associations do an invaluable
job. There’s almost certainly an association
for you and your boat – so you should join
it! Even if rallies, regattas or parties are not
your thing, your association is working for
you and the future of your class, so
deserves your support!What a beauty! A Swan 76 at full chat at
an association event
Shrimper Week 2016 at Friesland in The
NetherlandsShrimpers at last year’s Peter Keeling
Shrimper Week at Rock in CornwallShrimper OAShrimper OA