Snowfire – Westerly Centaur (1978) – Kemps Marina, Southampton
Laurent Giles design – extensively upgraded, ready for comfortable cruising

The Westerly Centaur remains one of the most respected and sought-after British cruising yachts ever built, renowned for her reassuring handling, practical twin-keel configuration and comfortable accommodation. Snowfire is a fine example of this enduring Laurent Giles design, benefitting from significant recent investment including new standing rigging (2024), new Crusader mainsail (2024), diesel heating (2023), and a modern Yanmar engine installation.

Currently lying at Kemps Marina, Southampton, she is ideally suited to Solent cruising and beyond, with the shallow draft twin keels allowing access to drying harbours and peaceful anchorages inaccessible to deeper-draft yachts.

Construction & Design

Built in 1978 by Westerly Yachts, Snowfire features a robust GRP hull, deck and superstructure, designed for safe and comfortable cruising. Her twin bilge keels provide excellent stability, allowing her to take the ground upright—an invaluable feature for exploring the many drying harbours of the South Coast and West Country.

Designer: Laurent Giles

Builder: Westerly Yachts

LOA: 26ft (7.9m)

Beam: 8ft 5in (2.5m)

Draft: 3ft (0.9m)

Displacement: 3,039kg

Keels: Twin bilge keels (iron – slurry blasted and treated 2002)

Steering: Tiller

Engine & Mechanical

A major highlight is the professionally installed Yanmar 3YM20 diesel engine, offering dependable performance and efficiency. Installed in November 2020 and serviced most recently in November 2025, this modern auxiliary provides confidence for coastal cruising and harbour manoeuvres.

Engine: Yanmar 3YM20 diesel (installed 2020)

Cooling: Heat exchanger

Last serviced: November 2025

Gearbox: 2.21:1 reduction

Rig, Sails & Deck Equipment

Snowfire benefits from substantial recent rigging and sail upgrades, making her particularly attractive to buyers seeking a ready-to-go cruising yacht.

New standing rigging – February 2024

New Crusader in-mast furling mainsail – June 2024

Masthead sloop rig

Plastimo headsail furling system

Cruising chute included

Aluminium spars (gold anodised)

Lewmar self-tailing winches

Sprayhood with renewed windows (2023)

Blue cockpit dodgers and cockpit tent/sunshade

Ground tackle includes a Danforth main anchor and kedge anchor with chain and warp.

Navigation & Electrical Equipment

Her electrical and navigation systems are well specified, with Victron battery management and modern electronics enhancing safety and convenience.

Victron SmartSolar charge controller with coachroof solar panel

Victron Bluetooth battery charger and smart shunt

Standard Horizon GX240GPS/E VHF with AIS

Raymarine ST2000+ autopilot

Autohelm ST50 depth, speed/log and wind instruments

New LED navigation lights – 2025

Shore power connection

12V engine and domestic batteries

Interior & Accommodation

The Centaur’s practical and spacious layout offers comfortable accommodation for coastal cruising. The original red upholstery remains in serviceable condition, complemented by fitted curtains (2023).

Recent upgrades include:

New LAVAC marine toilet and pipework (2024)

Autoterm 2kW diesel cabin heater (2023) – ideal for extending the cruising season

Dometic Origo 3000 alcohol stove fitted

Plastimo Neptune gas cooker (included but not installed)

New Perspex washboards (2024)

Her interior provides comfortable berths, practical storage and a welcoming traditional cruising atmosphere.

Safety & Additional Equipment

Snowfire comes equipped with essential safety gear and useful cruising accessories, including:

Auto lifejackets

Harness lines (2024)

Horseshoe lifebuoy with light (2025)

Electric and manual bilge pumps

Fire extinguishers and fire blanket

Inflatable dinghy

Boarding ladder

Fenders and mooring warps

Summary

Snowfire represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and thoughtfully upgraded Westerly Centaur. With her modern engine, new rigging and sails, diesel heating, and comprehensive cruising inventory, she offers an ideal platform for relaxed coastal cruising, whether exploring the Solent, South Coast, or further afield.

Her forgiving handling, shallow draft and robust construction make her equally suitable for newcomers and experienced sailors alike.