Soverel 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Soverel 38 falls within the early years of Soverel Marine's operation, a period when the company was establishing its commitment to high-performance yachts. Launched in 1968, the Soverel 38 was part of the initial line-up that reflected Bill Soverel's personal passion for racing and deep understanding of sailing dynamics, 6]. A defining characteristic of Soverel Marine during this era was its willingness to offer semi-customization on most of its early designs. This bespoke approach meant that buyers could significantly influence aspects like hull layup, interior configurations, deck construction, tankage, and rigging details, leading to individualized vessels rather than a rigid production standard, 12]. While specific design philosophies for the Soverel 38 itself are not extensively documented, it aligned with the builder's overarching goal to produce fast cruising boats that excelled on the racecourse.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 38 feet and a waterline length of 30.42 feet, the Soverel 38 was designed with performance in mind. Its sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 14.74, suggests a boat that is moderately powered for its displacement, indicative of a design intended to perform well across a range of wind conditions, though perhaps not optimized for extreme light air. Its displacement to length ratio of around 285.35 places it in the category of a moderate displacement vessel, striking a balance between light, pure-bred racers and heavier, more traditional cruisers.

The Soverel 38 features a keel/centerboard hull type, allowing for a versatile draft ranging from a minimum of 4.5 feet to a maximum of 10 feet. This configuration grants access to shallower waters while also providing significant draft for enhanced upwind performance and stability when the board is deployed. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat was built as a "racer/cruiser," implying a balance of lively handling and seaworthy characteristics. Furthermore, the Soverel 38 boasts a comfort ratio of 34.90, which is noted to be "more comfortable than 79% of all similar sailboat designs," suggesting a stable and comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for both racing and cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to Soverel Marine's semi-custom building approach, a definitive, uniform interior layout for all Soverel 38s is not widely documented, 12]. Buyers had the flexibility to modify interior configurations, leading to variations among individual boats. However, consistent with Soverel Marine's general reputation for "quality construction" and "well-conceived interiors" on its larger models, it can be inferred that the Soverel 38 would have offered a functional and well-finished living space for its time. While specific headroom figures are not available, typical sailboats of this size and era generally featured a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a navigation station, often with quarter berths aft. The builder's emphasis on bespoke craftsmanship suggests attention to detail and a quality of materials within these customizable interiors.