Soverel 36 (1975) Information, Review, Specs

Built in limited numbers—only 14 units were produced—the Soverel 36 holds a distinctive place in the Soverel lineage, designed to excel on the racecourse while providing a capable platform for cruising.

History and Design

The Soverel 36 (1975) entered production in 1975, continuing until 1987, firmly within Soverel Marine's active boatbuilding period which spanned from the late 1960s through the late 1980s. This model was designed by Mark Soverel, son of company founder Bill Soverel, who himself was a distinguished raceboat designer and sailor. The Soverel family's design prowess was central to the company's identity, which was built on creating yachts synonymous with speed and quality.

Soverel Marine's manufacturing ethos emphasized performance, often employing light displacement and efficient hull forms to maximize speed. A notable aspect of Soverel builds was their willingness to offer semi-customization, allowing buyers to influence hull layup, interior configurations, deck construction, tankage, and rigging details, 10]. This flexibility meant that over half of their vessels were customized to individual client needs. While the prototype, "Moody Blue" (1975), featured a flush deck, subsequent production models of the Soverel 36 were built with a coach roof notes]. Furthermore, a more cruising-oriented variant was available, featuring a keel/centerboard design with less sail area and increased ballast, offering a draft range from 3.58 feet (board up) to 8.25 feet (board down) notes, 1, 7].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The design of the Soverel 36 reflects its performance-oriented brief, evidenced by its key ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 19.07, the Soverel 36 is well-powered, suggesting strong performance in lighter air conditions, allowing it to move efficiently even when winds are modest. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) of 0.555 is remarkably high, indicating significant stability and stiffness. This high ballast ratio means the boat is designed to stand up to a considerable amount of wind, resisting heeling and maintaining its sail plan effectively in more challenging conditions.

The Displacement to Length Ratio (DLR) for the Soverel 36 calculates to approximately 205.8. This places the vessel in the medium-light displacement category, aligning with a design philosophy geared towards performance rather than heavy cruising. This combination of ratios points to a yacht that is not only quick but also capable of holding its course and maintaining comfort in a seaway. General descriptions of Soverel designs often highlight their "speedy hull design" and ample rig for their size, contributing to their competitive edge.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the interior layout of the Soverel 36 (1975) are not extensively documented in widely available public resources, the builder's practice of offering semi-customization means that individual boats may exhibit variations in their internal arrangements, 10, 11]. Soverel Marine was known for blending performance potential with well-conceived interiors, particularly on their larger models.

Typically for a vessel of its size and era, a Soverel 36 would likely feature a conventional cruising layout. This often includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Some accounts from owners of Soverel 36s mention interiors with "lots of interior teak and stained glass," suggesting a degree of traditional finish and craftsmanship in certain builds. The general finish quality, material use (such as wood trim versus fiberglass liners), and provision for storage and ventilation would have been subject to the original owner's customization choices within Soverel Marine's flexible building approach.

Owner's Perspectives

While detailed owner reviews specifically for the 1975 Soverel 36 are scarce, general sentiment regarding Soverel yachts tends to highlight their robust construction and impressive performance characteristics. Owners of Soverel vessels frequently praise their solid build quality, with some noting their exceptional structural integrity.

The legacy of Soverel Marine revolves around building fast, well-designed yachts that offer a competitive edge and enjoyable high-performance sailing. The semi-custom nature of many Soverel builds means that each vessel can possess unique characteristics, fostering a strong sense of individuality among owners. While specific recurring maintenance issues for the 1975 Soverel 36 are not widely documented, the enduring appeal of these classic yachts among discerning sailors is a testament to their fundamental design and construction quality.