Soverel 50 RC Information, Review, Specs

The Soverel 50 RC's production years, from 1985 to 1988, place it within a period when Soverel Marine, under the guidance of Bill Soverel and his son Mark Soverel, was deeply focused on performance-oriented designs. Mark Soverel, a well-known raceboat designer and sailor, was the primary architect behind the 50 RC. The Soverel family's design philosophy was rooted in Bill Soverel's personal racing success and a dedication to producing yachts that were not only fast but also exhibited bespoke craftsmanship. Soverel Marine was known for its willingness to offer significant semi-customization, allowing buyers to influence elements like hull layup, interior configurations, deck construction, and rigging details. This flexibility meant that over half of their vessels were tailored to individual client needs. The Soverel 50 RC is noted to be based on "Shadow," a 55-foot Mark Soverel design commissioned for ocean racing, suggesting a strong performance pedigree in its core design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Soverel 50 RC is configured as a fractional sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder, a combination indicative of a design optimized for performance and precise control. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 24.11 is quite high, suggesting that the boat is well-powered and capable of strong performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. The very high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.547 indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, enabling the yacht to stand up to significant wind pressures and carry sail effectively. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 237.48, the Soverel 50 RC falls into the category of a moderately heavy performance cruiser or racer, balancing weight for comfort and seaworthiness with a design intent for speed. The fractional rig, featuring smaller headsails, generally contributes to easier handling and allows for a powerful mainsail. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions for the 50 RC are limited, the builder's overall reputation was for yachts with excellent righting capability and a blend of speed potential with well-conceived interiors, even for larger models like the Soverel 48.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Soverel 50 RC are not extensively documented in publicly available information, the builder's general approach provides insight. Soverel Marine, particularly with its larger models, aimed to combine impressive speed with well-designed interiors. The company was known for offering semi-customization, meaning interior configurations could vary significantly from one hull to another based on owner preferences. It is generally noted that the designer opted for a "slightly more spacy hull design," which suggests a focus on providing comfortable interior volume. Owners could specify materials and layouts, which would typically include standard cruising amenities such as V-berths, a salon, a galley, and a head, designed for comfort during extended periods at sea. The emphasis on "quality construction" for larger Soverel vessels implies a good standard of finish and durable materials throughout the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Direct owner reviews and common problem discussions specifically for the Soverel 50 RC are not readily available in broad public forums. However, the broader Soverel legacy suggests that owners typically value the distinctive handling characteristics and competitive edge offered by these performance-oriented yachts. The semi-custom nature of many Soverel builds contributes to a strong sense of individuality among owners, with each boat potentially possessing unique characteristics based on its original specifications. Generally, Soverel owners appreciate the robust construction and impressive performance that these vessels consistently delivered.