Elvstrom 32 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Elvstrom 32 commenced in 1973 under the meticulous eye of Gouteron (Chantier), a French builder celebrated for its innovative construction techniques and transition to fiberglass in the marine industry. The design itself stemmed from the collaboration of legendary Danish sailor Paul Elvstrøm, a multiple Olympic gold medalist and founder of Elvstrøm Sails, and Jan Kjærulff. Elvstrøm's design philosophy emphasized innovation, technology, and sail efficiency, translating his vast sporting expertise into practical boat designs.

The Elvstrom 32 shares its hull design with the performance-focused BES/ELVSTROM 1/2 TON, positioning it as a cruising-oriented version of a successful racing design. During its production run, which continued for several years, Gouteron offered the Elvstrom 32 with both flush deck and coach roof configurations, providing options for different preferences in exterior aesthetics and interior volume. This flexibility underscored Gouteron's commitment to delivering practical, fun, and accessible sailing vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a design rooted in racing principles, the Elvstrom 32 offers a responsive and stable sailing experience. Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.98 indicates a moderate-performance vessel, suggesting reasonable speed in various conditions rather than exceptional light-air prowess. The yacht is equipped with a masthead sloop rig, which provides ample power when sailing upwind due to its simplicity and effective sail area distribution.

A significant aspect of her stability is reflected in a ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of over 44%. This high percentage of ballast contributes to the boat's stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to a breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement to length ratio (D/L) around 240.8, the Elvstrom 32 falls into the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. While this contributes to a solid feel, it also implies it is not a lightweight, high-acceleration boat, and its relative speed performance is categorized as average compared to some lighter designs. Owners generally appreciate its predictable handling and ability to manage different sea states with confidence.

Accommodations and Layout

The Elvstrom 32 was designed to offer comfortable accommodations for its size, often capable of sleeping four people. The availability of both flush deck and coach roof models meant variations in the interior volume and overhead clearance. While specific headroom figures are not widely detailed, the different deck configurations likely provided distinct experiences below.

The interior layout, typically found in cruising sailboats of its era, would have featured a functional arrangement designed for practicality. Given Gouteron's reputation for robust fiberglass construction, the interior would likely have been finished with durable materials. Though specific details about the galley, salon, and sleeping berths require more in-depth exploration, the design intent was to provide a comfortable and functional space for extended trips, reflecting the builder's focus on accessible and enjoyable sailing.