Kestrel yachts

[steviewhitts]

Hi All,
Still searching for a small cruiser for me and the family to tour the SW of England - have seen a Kestrel 22 advertised but I can find no trace of this make/model online. The ad says 22 feet LOA with IB engine/bilge keels etc. Is there an owners club or a site dedicated to the marque? Does anyone have any experience of these boats ?
Any help/guidance would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Steviewhitts

 

[DanTribe]

Hi
If its the class I think, it is a GRP version of a Seagull, which was a clinker built timber centre board boat built, I believe, at Walton on Naze Essex.I don't recall them being bilge keel though.Excellent little boats if used within their design constraints, i.e. estuary and sheltered waters.

 

[oldharry]

Entry in Daytons Guide (1988) 'Yachts of Yesteryear':
Kestrel 22: Manuf The East Coast Yacht Agency, Designer Francis Jones, GRP or Clinker.

LOa 22' LWL 19.8" Beam 7.1", Draft (fin)4.4", Disp 3136 lbs, Ballast 1000lbs Sail area 227 Sq ft, Max headroom 5', 4 berths. Engine: Vire 6

Remarks, A developement of the 1955 Kestrel design. Built in GRP and featuring deep fixed, or twin keel (2.3" draft) options.

I have crewed one of the original clinker Kestrels back in the late 60s, but have not sailed one since. I seem to remember the GRP version was generally reckoned a much better boat, and in the 60s- 70s had earned quite a good reputation. Unlikely to be still fitted with little old Vire 2 stroke, which was a welcome newcomer bringing reliability to a market dominated by the infamous Stuart Turner 2 strokes.

Some Vire parts are still available from Fairways Marine at Maldon in Essex (at a price!)