Soverel 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Soverel 39 falls within a significant period for Soverel Marine, running from 1984 to 1988. Designed by Mark Soverel, the yacht represents an evolution of his design philosophy, taking the foundational concepts of the highly successful Soverel 33 and extending them into a larger platform. Mark Soverel, son of the company's founder Bill Soverel, was a renowned figure in American raceboat design and sailing, known for his focus on performance.

Soverel Marine's manufacturing ethos, instilled by Bill Soverel, emphasized speed, quality, and a unique degree of semi-customization. Buyers could influence aspects such as hull layup, interior configurations, deck construction, tankage, and rigging, allowing for vessels tailored to individual preferences. This flexibility likely contributed to variations within the Soverel 39 fleet. While primarily a fin keel design with a deep draft of 7.67 feet, a shallower wing keel version was also offered, drawing 6.16 feet, catering to different sailing grounds. It is also notable that the tooling for the Soverel 39 was later acquired by Tartan Marine, which then produced its own versions of the boat, sometimes featuring more elaborate interiors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Soverel 39 is characterized as a light, high-performance sailboat, known for its exceptional stability and stiffness. Its design ratios underscore this reputation. With a high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.00, the Soverel 39 is well-powered, suggesting strong performance in lighter air conditions and the ability to accelerate quickly. The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of roughly 0.55 indicates a remarkably stable and stiff boat, capable of standing up to significant wind pressures and maintaining its canvas longer than many counterparts.

While its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 281.21 places it on the heavier side for a pure modern racer, this is often seen as a characteristic that contributes to a more comfortable motion in a seaway without sacrificing its overall high-performance envelope, especially within the context of its IOR (International Offshore Rule) era design. The boat is described as a "good all around boat" and a "fast boat." However, some observers note that the "IOR flat" at the bow, a common design feature of the era, might lead to specific handling characteristics in certain wave shapes. The Soverel 39 is best suited for offshore sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts can vary due to Soverel Marine's semi-custom build approach, the Soverel 39 is generally noted for offering a comparatively spacious and comfortable interior for a performance-oriented vessel of its size. Reviews suggest that the hull design contributed to a more voluminous interior than many contemporary designs. Typical arrangements would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, a navigation station, and a head compartment, often with quarter berths aft. The emphasis on quality construction by Soverel Marine suggests a robust, albeit potentially straightforward, finish, with interiors designed for both racing utility and reasonable cruising comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Soverel 39 for its robust construction, impressive performance characteristics, and overall handling. The boat is consistently lauded for its speed, stiffness, and ability to perform well across a range of conditions, making it a desirable choice for both club racing and performance cruising. While specific common issues are not widely detailed, the design's IOR-influenced bow, with its flatter sections, has been occasionally noted as a characteristic that may affect its motion in certain sea states. Overall, the Soverel 39 is considered a well-constructed, high-performing yacht that offers a rewarding sailing experience.