Soverel 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Soverel 26 entered production in 1975, with its manufacturing run concluding around 1977. During this brief period, approximately 25 units of this model were built by Soverel Marine. The boat's design came from Mark Soverel, a renowned American raceboat designer and the son of company founder Bill Soverel. The Soverel Marine ethos, established by Bill Soverel, focused on producing high-performance racing yachts known for their speed and quality construction. While many Soverel models offered semi-customization, the Soverel 26 was one of the exceptions, representing a more standardized offering from the builder.

Mark Soverel designed the Soverel 26 specifically to excel under the MORC rule, indicating a clear focus on racing performance. It succeeded an earlier winning 26-footer, showcasing Mark's dedication to creating competitive designs. Some discussions suggest there may have been variations, such as a "Soverel 26 Mk II" and potentially different deck layouts on original racing versions, reflecting minor evolutions or custom requests during its limited production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Soverel 26 is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder hull type, a configuration optimized for performance and responsive handling. With a displacement of 4,000 pounds and a generous total calculated sail area of 325.35 square feet, the boat is designed to be lively and efficient. Its substantial ballast of 2,000 pounds, representing 50% of its displacement, contributes to the boat's stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to the wind and carry its sail plan effectively in varying conditions.

Owners and reviewers often highlight the Soverel 26's ability to balance performance with comfort, making it suitable for both competitive sailing and weekend cruising. Its "generous sail plan" is particularly noted for delivering excellent performance in lighter air conditions, ensuring that the boat remains engaging even when the breeze is soft. The Soverel 26 is generally considered a nimble and fast boat, reflecting its designer's focus on creating high-performance racing yachts.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Soverel 26 are not extensively documented, its design as a compact cruiser suggests a functional layout typical for a boat of its size in the 1970s. The limited information available points to a "significantly more spacy hull design" than might be expected, suggesting an effort by Mark Soverel to maximize interior volume within the MORC rule constraints.

For a 26-foot sailboat, the interior would likely feature a V-berth forward, a small head compartment, a compact galley, and a main salon with settees that could double as berths. Storage would be pragmatic, focused on essential gear for weekend trips or short cruises. Given Soverel Marine's reputation for quality construction, the interior would likely have featured solid fiberglass construction with practical, durable finishes, characteristic of boats built during that era. While exact headroom figures are not available, the design aimed for a balance between racing efficiency and a degree of comfort for its crew.