The Westerly Owners' Association – why not enjoy the benefits of membership?

The Westerly Owners Association was founded in 1966 and from small beginnings has grown to become the largest yacht owners’ group in the world. Among the benefits members enjoy are widely dispersed camaraderie, great technical support and an unrivalled range of sailing and social opportunities.

Membership is open to all current owners of Westerly boats, and associate membership is available also to past owners and potential future owners. Joining is simple and costs little.

The Association left in its wake in 2009 the achievement of 3,000 annual memberships, and is well on course to keep growing. Given that over 12,000 British-built boats rolled off the Westerly production line during the years from 1966 to 2000, it is easy to see why WOA Commodore Bernard Clarke maintains that there is potential for recruiting still greater numbers.

The Association’s first yearbook recorded 103 members in 1966. That total had grown to 1,000 by 1993, climbing to twice that by the turn of the millennium.

Membership is truly international, with the majority of owners of course based in the United Kingdom but also in no less than 21 other countries, including the USA, Canada, Ireland, the Middle East, Far East and Caribbean.

Benefits include:

Many members occasionally are asked what benefits the Westerly Owners’ Association offers - here’s a brief summary, should you need a reminder, of 10 ways the Association delivers unbeatable value to its membership (and why WOA has become the biggest yacht owner group in the world!)

• It costs just £15 a year to be a member – or rather less than 30p a week! Overseas rate is £18.
• With membership comes a complimentary copy of ‘The Westerly Story,’ the definitive history of Westerly with an illustrated outline of every type of the 12,000+ boats they built. Normal price of the book is £12.50.
• Members also receive two issues per year of a thriving, informative magazine all about Westerly boats and their owners, plus logs, reviews and technical articles.
• In addition, there’s a 300 page yearbook packed with a register of members, mooring locations, boat-class memberships, and much more.
• There are local area groups organising rallies, races, visits, cruises, winter meetings and other social events. The Association also runs national cruises and events each year. It takes stands at boat shows and jumbles too, providing a meeting place for owners and new members.
• The Westerly Owners’ Association is a not-for-profit organisation run by fellow-owners for other owners. Each year it holds an AGM with special guest speakers. If you need general information, advice or opinions on your Westerly boat, WOA is invariably a good source.
• A first-class website containing news, advertising and a wealth of Westerly data also gives members privileged access to special categories of on-line information: there are discussion groups and technical advice too. Members can place advertising on the site free of charge.
• WOA offers a ‘Boatline’ service through which expert insight into particular types of Westerly can be accessed from existing owners; similarly there’s a network of Westerly harbour representatives able to offer well-informed local advice should you need it.
• The Association helps ensure that the Westerly brand continues to have a strong presence in sailing press and in the market, so your Westerly can best retain its value.
• Discounts on boat products and services are available to WOA members as is special marine insurance: often the savings on just one item will more than cover the subscription cost.

Why would any owner of a Westerly not be a member of the Westerly Owners’ Association?

Would-be new members should simply go to the 'Join the WOA' page