Description

The Corsair is a fine family cruising boat with commodious accommodation and storage. She has a centre cockpit with 7 berths in three cabins. On the domestic front she has a double ss sink, two refrigerators, , cabin heating and pressurised hot water to the galley and both heads. One owner for the past 25 yrs , we have spent thousands in systematic upgrades, new sails, rigging, cooker , headlinings, roller reefing, engine, full osmosis treatment etc.

La Bamba is a fine, weatherly boat , she has a good turn of speed, is easily handled and can take you anywhere.

Specifications

Accommodation

The main saloon is comfortably laid out with a U shaped seating arrangement around a large folding table. The seat backrests slot in as leeboards and these two berths are wider than usual. The galley is to starboard with a double ss sink , electric water pump and fresh water tap. There is a large refrigerated coolbox, a replacement Neptune cooker with oven and grill and a 240 volt microwave.
The navigators station is to port with a contoured seat over the battery box beside the instrument panel. The chart area has a full size chart table with a lifting lid for chart storage and 3 drawers underneath . Aft of the chart table there is a pilot berth . While it has a trotter box, this berth is somewhat shortened by a 5 cubic foot refrigerator . A 'corridor ' leads back to the aft quarters.
When we replaced the headlinings ( a lengthy and costly operation ) , we installed teak wooden battens along the cabin sides .
The forecabin sides have the same teak lining , a spacious v berth with infill for a generous double, new reading lights, a hanging locker and storage and central heating.
Aft of the forecabin is the heads with a replacement toilet, vanity unit , shower , storage unit
Immediately opposite is a second hanging locker.
The aft cabin is large and bright with a large double berth which lies athwart with shelving on all sides. There are two hanging lockers , and the en suite is private with a toilet, vanity unit and shower.

Construction

Westerly boats are known for their solid construction , with thick GRP , fine traditional woodwork , spacious accommodation and headroom and tremendous storage . This is particularly true of the Corsair which accommodated our family of five and a dog for months at a time in considerable comfort.
We have owned this boat for 21 years and have upgraded / replaced practically everything to the highest possible standard.
In 2006/2007 , La Bamba underwent a full Osmosis treatment which was carried out in Ryan Roberts Marine in Askeaton. We oversaw every stage of the treatment and the work was excellent.
Later, in 2021, an insurance survey showed evidence of rust between the boat and the keel. We had the option of having it filled but chose instead to do a thorough job so the keel was dropped, sandblasted, epoxied , re-sealed and re-instated. The stripped down keel was a thing of beauty !
We replaced the original heating system in 2010 with a D4 Airdrome system .

Equipment

As a centre cockpit boat , she has a stainless steel wheel on a pedestal with integral steering compass . We also have an emergency back up tiller. The cockpit is sheltered from the elements by a fixed windscreen and a folding sprayhood and has a teak grating on the sole. We replaced the cockpit canopy with tan canvas to match the new sail cover.
The headsail sheets are brought back to a pair of self tailing winches and the main sheet track is aft of the helm. There is a teak cockpit table ( newly varnished ) and a pair of teak and stainless steel bathing platforms.
Furlex Roller reefing and rigging replaced in 2005.

Navigation Equipment

VHF radio ( new , not yet fitted but aerial etc is there.)
Tacktick Speed
Tacktick Wind, depth and log.
3 Batteries
Autohelm
Compass on wheel pedestal

Engine(s)

When the original engine began to overheat , we found it difficult to get replacement parts so we replaced it with a new Volvo Penta D130 F engine in 2017 at a cost of 10,000 euro.
The work was carried out by Eamonn Egan Marine Services , Portumna, Co Galway and the job was very satisfactory.
This engine has very low engine hours as sailing is our preference and there's no shortage of wind here on the west coast !

Sails & Spars

The original sails were replaced in 2004 by Kemp and these are still in good serviceable condition. We use these as our cruising sails.
However....... we have a practically new set of sails , also Kemp. These were only used in two club races for approx 6 hours and are pristine. ( We won both races !)
A spinnaker.

Safety Equipment

Liferaft ( needs servicing )
Anchors : The main anchor is a Manson Supreme , this anchor is rated as the best anchor in the world in trials carried out by the U.S. Navy.
A Fortress aluminium anchor.
A CQR anchor.
100 feet of unbroken 3/8 anchor chain.
Hundreds of feet of anchor warp.
Fire extinguishers etc

Location Map