The Westerly Nomad Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Westerly Nomad

Keel & Rudder Configuration: Twin fixed keels with an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller.
Hull Material: Fiberglass with wood trim.
Length Overall: 22'3" (6.78 meters).*
Waterline Length: 18'4" (5.59 meters).*
Beam: 7'5" (2.26 meters).*
Draft: 2'3" (0.69 meters).*
Rig Type: Masthead sloop.
Displacement: 3,150 pounds (1,429 kilograms).*
Ballast: 1,050 pounds (476 kilograms).*
Sail Area: 187ft² (17.37m²).*
Hull Speed: 5.74 knots.
Year First Built: 1967.
Year Last Built: 1969.
Number Built: 267.

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (13.96): This ratio indicates the boat's power relative to its weight. With a ratio of 13.96, the Westerly Nomad is considered moderately powered. It's not a high-performance racer, but it should be capable of decent speeds under sail in a variety of conditions, offering a good balance between performance and ease of handling.

• Ballast/Displacement Ratio (33.33%): This ratio gives an idea of the boat's stability. A ratio of 33.33% suggests that the Westerly Nomad has a decent amount of ballast relative to its overall displacement, providing a good level of stability. This makes the boat more resistant to heeling and contributes to a more comfortable and safe sailing experience, especially in rougher seas.

• Displacement/Length Ratio (228.34): This ratio helps to understand the boat's hull speed and potential comfort. A displacement/length ratio of 228.34 indicates that the Westerly Nomad is a relatively heavy boat for its length. This means it will have a relatively slow hull speed but will also provide a smoother ride, particularly in choppy waters.

• Comfort Ratio (17.28): This ratio predicts the comfort level of the boat in a seaway. A comfort ratio of 17.28 suggests that the Westerly Nomad should provide a fairly comfortable ride in offshore conditions. Boats with higher comfort ratios tend to have more gentle, less jerky movements.

• Capsize Screening Formula (2.03): The CSF indicates a boat's tendency to capsize. A CSF of 2.03 is just above the threshold of 2.0, suggesting that the Westerly Nomad is reasonably safe in typical coastal sailing conditions but might not be the best choice for extreme offshore passages in very rough weather.

Overall, the Westerly Nomad is a reliable and steady sailboat, ideal for sailors seeking a comfortable and stable cruising experience.

But the Design Ratios Don't Tell the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

More Specs & Key Performance Indicators for Popular Cruising Boats

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Over 55'