Evelyn 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Evelyn 32 are defined by its high power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement of approximately 6,000 pounds and a generous masthead sail plan, the boat is exceptionally "twitchy" and responsive. It excels in light air where heavier cruiser-racers struggle to overcome inertia. The hull features a relatively flat bottom and a fine entry, which allows it to track well upwind, though it requires active sail trimming and precise weight placement to maintain its optimal heel angle.

Downwind, the Evelyn 32 truly comes alive. In a breeze, the boat is capable of breaking away from its bow wave and surfing, a trait that made it a favorite for point-to-point distance races. According to technical discussions often found in regional sailing circles, the boat typically carries a PHRF rating in the 90 to 100 range, putting it in direct competition with modern sportboats. The handling is often described as "dinghy-like," meaning the rudder provides immediate feedback, but it can also be unforgiving; if overpowered, the boat is prone to "spinning out" or rounded up if the chute isn't managed aggressively.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the Evelyn 32 was marketed as a racer-cruiser, the emphasis was heavily weighted toward the former. The interior is functional but Spartan, designed to keep weight at a minimum and centered over the keel. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, followed by a small enclosed head and a main salon with settee berths that double as excellent sea berths. The galley is rudimentary, usually featuring a simple sink and a two-burner stove, suitable for weekend regattas rather than extended coastal cruising.

The most significant variation of this design is the Evelyn 32-2. While the original 32 (often called the "32-1") had a more traditional IOR-influenced transom and a masthead rig, the 32-2 was a radical departure. The 32-2 featured a redesigned hull with a much wider, flatter stern and a fractional rig, moving the design closer to the "sportboat" category. These siblings are often confused, but the 32-2 is effectively a different boat built on an evolved philosophy of high-speed reaching. Other siblings in the Formula Yachts stable included the Evelyn 25, a popular trailerable racer, and the more substantial Evelyn 42, which took the same light-displacement principles into the offshore arena.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Evelyn 32 holds a storied place in New England sailing history, particularly within the context of the "Evelyn" brand’s dominance in the 1980s. Bob Evelyn himself was a legendary figure in the Groton/Mystic sailing community, and his boats were frequent podium finishers at Block Island Race Week and the Newport-to-Bermuda Race. While it has not been the subject of major cinematic features, the Evelyn 32 is a frequent "character" in regional yachting journalism, often cited as a benchmark for 1980s performance design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Evelyn 32 with a focus on structural integrity, as these boats were built light for competition.

• Deck and Hull Core: Formula Yachts utilized balsa coring in both the decks and, in some cases, the hulls. It is critical to use a moisture meter or percussion hammer to check for delamination or rot, especially around high-stress areas like chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step.
• Keel Attachment: Given the boat’s performance nature and the likelihood of it having been raced hard, the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") should be inspected for signs of movement or weeping, which may indicate the need for re-torquing keel bolts or reinforcing the floors.
• Rudder Post and Bearing: The high-aspect rudder puts significant strain on the bearings. Check for excessive "slop" or play in the helm, which may require replacement of the bushings to restore the boat's signature precision.
• Rigging Loads: Because the masthead rig carries a large overlapping genoa, the chainplates and their associated bulkheads should be checked for any signs of lifting or water intrusion that could compromise the rig's tension.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory-supported class association, the Evelyn 32 community is active through regional PHRF organizations and the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association (ECSA). Technical support and historical documentation are often preserved by the Evelyn Owners Group, which serves as a repository for tuning guides and restoration photos for the 25, 32, and 42 models.

The Verdict

The Evelyn 32 is a "purist's" sailboat, offering a level of engagement and speed that few boats of its era can match. It is not a platform for luxury cruising, but for the sailor who views the journey as a race and the wind as a challenge to be mastered, it remains a compelling and affordable entry into high-performance yachting.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and off-the-wind speed.
• Highly responsive, dinghy-like handling.
• Strong regional racing pedigree and active community support.
• Relatively simple systems make it easy to maintain for a dedicated owner.

Cons:

• Spartan interior with limited headroom and amenities.
• Light construction requires careful surveying for core issues.
• Can be physically demanding to sail at its peak in heavy weather.