Unlike many designs of its era that have faded into obscurity, the Soverel 39 remains a recognizable "rocket ship" on the PHRF circuit. It is a vessel defined by its aggressive, low-profile lines and a design philosophy that prioritizes speed and light-air agility over the creature comforts typical of modern mass-production cruisers. It is important to distinguish this Mark Soverel design from a much rarer, earlier 39-foot keel-centerboard model designed by Bill Soverel (Senior), which targeted a more traditional cruising demographic.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Soverel 39 is a high-strung, rewarding performer that demands an attentive and skilled crew. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 125 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio exceeding 23, it is categorized as an ultralight racer by the standards of its time. The hull features a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, contributing to a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 55%, which provides the stiffness necessary to carry its generous sail plan.
Under sail, the boat is known for its exceptional light-air performance, often able to sail to its rating when heavier contemporary designs struggle. However, its IOR heritage introduces specific handling characteristics; the flat sections forward of the keel can cause the boat to pound significantly in a head-sea chop. Handling the fractional rig typically requires a large, coordinated crew to manage the running backstays and checkstays, which are essential for maintaining mast mid-bend and headstay tension. While the boat is a formidable weapon on a racecourse, particularly in flat water and moderate breeze, it is often described by owners as "cranky" or "tweaky," requiring constant sail trim adjustments to stay in the narrow performance "groove."
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Soverel 39 varies significantly depending on whether the hull was built by Soverel Marine or Tartan Yachts. The Soverel-built boats were notoriously minimalist, often featuring a functional but spartan layout designed to save weight for racing. These versions typically have limited headroom and a "work-first" aesthetic, using lightweight materials and providing only the basic necessities for overnighting during offshore deliveries.
In contrast, the Tartan-built versions offered a much higher level of finish, aiming to broaden the boat's appeal to the "performance cruiser" market. These models feature richer teak joinery, more substantial cabinetry, and a layout that includes a forward V-berth, a main salon with port and starboard settees, a functional galley with an insulated icebox and stove, and a dedicated aft cabin. The Tartan variant also benefited from slightly more headroom, though it remained "vertically challenged" compared to dedicated cruising yachts. This added weight, however, resulted in a slightly slower PHRF rating (typically around 78 compared to the Soverel-built 72).
Popular Mentions & Media
The Soverel 39 earned its reputation through successes in high-stakes racing. The prototype for the series, Locura, became a well-known name in the sailing community after a successful campaign in the SORC. The boat’s performance in these venues solidified Mark Soverel’s status as a premier designer of easily-driven hulls. Historical accounts and race results from the 1980s often cite the 39 as a significant competitor in the Canada's Cup and other "Two-Ton" class events.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Soverel 39 with a focus on structural integrity and rig condition, as many of these vessels were campaigned heavily for decades.
- Deck and Hull Coring: Most models utilized balsa or Klegecell foam coring. Given the age and the high number of deck penetrations for racing hardware, moisture intrusion and delamination are common. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter survey is essential.
- Rigging and Chainplates: The complex fractional rig puts immense stress on the hull and deck. Inspect the chainplate attachments and the mast step for signs of compression or stress cracking.
- The "IOR Pounding": While not a mechanical failure, the flat forward hull sections are prone to stress over time if the boat has been driven hard into heavy seas. Check the internal grid and stringer system for any signs of secondary bonding failure.
- Rudder and Keel Bolts: The deep spade rudder and high-ballast keel require inspection for play in the bearings and any "smile" at the keel-to-hull joint, which may indicate a history of groundings.
The Verdict
The Soverel 39 is a purist’s yacht, offering a level of sailing engagement and speed that few modern cruisers can match for the price. While it lacks the interior volume and ease of handling of a modern fin-keel cruiser, it remains a potent tool for club racing and fast coastal hops.
Pros:
- Excellent light-air performance and high speed-to-length potential.
- High-quality construction on Tartan-built models.
- Timely "rocket ship" aesthetics that still turn heads.
- A rewarding platform for experienced sailors who enjoy technical sail trim.
Cons:
- Demanding rig requires a large, skilled crew for optimal performance.
- Flat bow sections lead to uncomfortable pounding in short chop.
- High maintenance requirements for older cored decks and complex standing rigging.
- Limited interior headroom and volume compared to dedicated cruisers.
