Soverel 27 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Soverel 27 was driven by Mark Soverel's expertise in crafting winning designs for various racing rules, including MORC. The boat's hull lines were specifically laid out by Mark Soverel, with the cabin configuration, deck layout, rigging, and interior design attributed to Tim. Production of the Soverel 27 commenced in 1986 and concluded in 1987. During this period, Soverel Marine, known for its commitment to high-performance yachts and a degree of semi-customization on many models, encountered financial difficulties. This led to Tartan Marine also undertaking the construction of some Soverel 27 units, ensuring the continuation of its production. The design remained consistent throughout its relatively short production run, without significant variations such as MkI/MkII versions or different rig options being widely noted.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Soverel 27 was engineered for speed and agility, living up to the Soverel brand's legacy of performance. Sailors describe it as having "lots of horsepower" and being "almost impossible to beat in light winds," highlighting its exceptional capability in lighter air conditions. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a fin keel and spade rudder, provides excellent maneuverability and responsiveness, allowing for precise control on the racecourse. Owners have found the boat to be manageable, even for an experienced couple with a reefed main and blade jib, suggesting it can be competently handled short-handed despite its performance-oriented design. The boat's overall design philosophy prioritizes a "nimble and fast" sailing experience, making it a favorite among those who value spirited performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its primary role as a racing boat, the interior of the Soverel 27 is functional and robust. The cabin is constructed as a modular fiberglass unit, which is then trimmed. This approach emphasizes durability and ease of maintenance, typical for a performance vessel of its era and size. The layout generally includes a "full v-berth" forward, providing sleeping accommodations, and space aft, which likely includes quarter berths or an open area suitable for gear storage during racing. Given its compact size and racing focus, the interior accommodations are designed to be practical rather than luxurious, offering essential amenities without excessive frills. While specific details on galley or head configurations are sparse, it can be inferred that they are basic and geared towards utility.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Soverel 27 as a "fun" and "wonderful boat," consistently valuing its competitive speed and excellent handling characteristics. The fact that designer Mark Soverel himself campaigned a Soverel 27 successfully in MORC national events speaks volumes about its performance credentials and the confidence he had in his design. There is a mention that Mark Soverel also designed stiffeners for the boat, which could indicate a proactive approach to enhancing structural integrity for competitive sailing. While older vessels naturally present maintenance considerations, no specific, widespread design flaws or recurring issues are commonly highlighted by Soverel 27 owners, suggesting a generally well-regarded and reliable build for its purpose.