Wauquiez Chance 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Chance 32 is defined by its high ballast ratio and its "belly," which provides significant initial stability. On the wind, the boat is a formidable performer, characterized by its ability to point high and maintain momentum through a chop. The IOR influence is most evident in its sail plan, which features a relatively small mainsail and a massive foretriangle. This requires a dedicated crew to manage large genoas to maintain optimal speed in light-to-medium air.

In heavy air, the yacht remains remarkably stiff, though like many IOR designs with narrow sterns, it can become "salty" and temperamental when running downwind in a following sea. Owners often report that the boat tracks beautifully upwind but requires an attentive hand on the tiller (or wheel, though many were tiller-steered) when pushed hard under a spinnaker. The hull’s displacement-to-length ratio suggests a boat that "powers through" waves rather than skittering over them, providing a secure, sea-kindly motion that is often lacking in modern, lighter-displacement cruisers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the stripped-out racing machines of its time, the Chance 32 features an interior finished in rich Burmese teak, a hallmark of the Wauquiez shipyard. The layout is traditional yet functional for its size, typically offering five to six berths. This includes a forward V-berth, a settee in the saloon that converts to a double, and a pilot berth or quarter berth aft.

The galley is usually located to port, featuring a deep icebox and a two-burner stove, while the navigation station to starboard is surprisingly generous for a 32-foot boat. Headroom is approximately 6'1" in the main cabin, which was substantial for the early 70s. The Chance 32 was primarily built in one hull configuration, but its larger sibling, the Chance 37, shared the same design DNA and "flush-deck" aesthetic, providing a more expansive offshore platform for those requiring greater volume.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Chance 32 with a focus on its age-specific structural health.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many yachts from this era, Wauquiez used balsa coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or the mast step can lead to delamination. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The high-stress loads of the deep fin keel can lead to "smile" cracks at the leading edge of the keel joint. Inspect the internal floor timbers for any signs of movement or stress crazing in the fiberglass.
• Rudder Bearings: The narrow, deep rudder is subject to significant torque. Play in the bearings or signs of "wicking" moisture into the rudder blade should be investigated.
• Original Engine Condition: Many Chance 32s were originally fitted with Farymann or early Volvo Penta diesel engines. Parts for these are increasingly difficult to source, and many hulls have undergone (or require) a modern repower with a Yanmar or Beta Marine unit.
• Standing Rigging: Due to the large headsails, the chainplates and stays undergo significant loading. Inspect the chainplate attachments below deck for signs of leaking or rust streaks on the bulkheads.

Community & Resources

The Chance 32 benefits from a dedicated European following, particularly in France and the United Kingdom. Technical support and historical documentation can often be found through the Wauquiez Forever association, a group of enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation of Henri Wauquiez’s early builds. While the designer Britton Chance Jr. passed away in 2012, his archives are occasionally referenced by technical historians to aid in restorations.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Chance 32 is a "sailor’s sailboat" that rewards those who enjoy the technical nuances of sail trim and the aesthetic of a classic IOR profile. It is a robust, well-built vessel that punches above its weight in heavy weather.

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and pointing ability.
• Superior interior joinery and build quality compared to contemporary mass-produced boats.
• Timeless, aggressive racing lines that stand out in a modern marina.

Cons:

• Demanding sail plan requires frequent headsail changes.
• Narrow stern can lead to rolling or "broaching" tendencies downwind in heavy seas.
• Small cockpit by modern standards, optimized for racing rather than lounging.