Marine Forum

Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

28 March 2009 12:29:27

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi all,
we've just got our 1st yacht and would love to hook up with anyone who knows about, or has a Sovereign 32 to share info etc and find out more! She is currently being stripped out as is in need of a lot of TLC so will probably not make it back in the water this year unfortunately :-(
Happy sailing to all.

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

24 October 2009 12:48:27

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi, How are you getting on with your Sovereign 32.?
I've just bought a 1975, partially refitted,Sovereign 32 and impressed with her build quality, seaworthiness etc and will continue with her refit over this winter with a view of another trip down to the Med next season

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

03 June 2010 22:40:17

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi
Recently purchased a Sovereign 32
Follow link for photos

http://www.western-horizon.co.uk/archive_boat.php?boat_id=140

She is currently berthed at Conwy but will be moving to her permanent home at Liverpool Marina within the next two weeks.

Good luck with your new boat.

D

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

20 June 2010 21:07:29

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi,
not sure if youre still working on your Sovereign but we have had ours now for 28 years and have continually maintained and upgraded / fixed problems / improved. Let me know if you have any particular issues and we'll be pleased to try and help ... fab boat.

Phil and Lyn

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

22 June 2010 11:12:30

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hello there

I am currently looking for a boat of about 32' and have seen a really tidy Sovereign for sale at £20k. It appears very good value, do you know what sort of money they range between? I know a fair amount about boats but have never heard of this manufacturer before. I presume from your post and long ownership you are very pleased with your boat. Do you think she would be fairly easy to single hand? My wife and I are planning to live aboard whatever we buy for 3 months this summer, do you think that would be realistic on a Sovereign. Any advice very appreciated.

Best Wishes Keiron

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

22 June 2010 11:25:34

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Kieron

Prices as with all boats vary depending on condition, spec etc. Don't just look at aesthetics try to focus on Sails, winches, rigging, electronics etc. Then compare overall condition Gelcoat etc
20k sounds cheap for a Sovereign 32 in good condition. Follow link to brief history on Sovereigns and Ian Anderson

http://www.hurleyownersassociation.co.uk/pages/ian.htm

Good solid construction, contemporaries would include the likes of Contessa.
Out in our Sovereign 32 two weeks ago in a NW F7 : no problems. Safe and reliable.

Dave

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

22 June 2010 11:48:03

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Kieron,

I agree with what Dave says. The Sovereign has a long and strong pedigree via a whole host of excellent designs by Ian Anderson ..... Ians own boat that he has had, I think, for nearly 30 years, is a Sovereign. The Anderson / Hurley 30 is the Sovereigns baby sister and thence right down to the Hurley 22s and 18s. The boat is a solid, heavy and secure cruising boat .... very reassuring in heavy weather and she is of that vintage that doesnt 'slam' when pushing into a steep sea. 2 of you living aboard would be no prob in my view.
Obviiously many are old by now so things do wear out. What year boat are you looking at? Is she a ketch or the later sloop? Where is she?

Regards Phil

Re: Sovereign 32

Peter Marot

02 July 2010 17:35:40

Joined: 02 July 2010 17:22:06 | Posts: 2

Hi to you both.

I'm cruising my '75,partially refitted, Sovereign 32 in south Britanny this season. I bought her last winter and berth her in Dartmouth and Plymouth .
I'm pleased with her performance,seaworthiness etc but would welcome some advice when it comes to the original prop spec etc..The current darglow feathering prop just doesn't respond when manouvering in tight spaces and I propose reverting to something like the original this winter.
Many thanks Peter

---

Peter

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

02 July 2010 22:23:14

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Peter, what engine have you got in her?. Is it the original Thorneycroft T90 Leyland job?

I have a T95 which is very similar and have just fitted a 3 blade 16*13 from Sillette which pulls 2700rpm .. just right in my view .. 6knots at 2200rpm.. Yes it has drag for sailing but is really efficient when motoring.

Are you sure its the prop effecting manoevres .. and not just a fairly long keel. They dont steer in reverse very well at the best of times.

Regards Phil

Re: Sovereign 32

Peter Marot

04 July 2010 08:40:20

Joined: 02 July 2010 17:22:06 | Posts: 2

Hi Phil,
Thanks fot that information.She has a recently installed Beta 35hp.I take your point about thequestion of a long keel reverse directional stability- but it is more than that as control going forward is dodgy!
However I feel I'm on the right lines renewing the prop to one the size you recommend.
I'm interested to hear your Sovereign has served you well for 28yrs were do keep her etc.As this is likely to be my last boat I propose continuing with the refit next winter.
Regards
Peter

---

Peter

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

04 July 2010 10:00:26

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Morning Peter,

we are berthed in Sutton Marina Plymouth so only down the road from you. She is called 'Nightwing'. What is your boat name? .. we'll keep an eye out for her on our travels. My em address is phil@mbbirt01.demon.co.uk if you want to sound us out on anything.
Regards P

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

04 July 2010 10:01:25

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Morning Peter,

we are berthed in Sutton Marina Plymouth so only down the road from you. She is called 'Nightwing'. What is your boat name? .. we'll keep an eye out for her on our travels. My em address is phil@mbbirt01.demon.co.uk if you want to sound us out on anything.
Regards P

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

05 July 2010 08:43:31

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Phil,

She's currently called Farina and was once berthed in Sutton Harbour!.

She'll be back in the south west before the end of the season and it would be good to hook up and have a look over your Sovereign - if that's ok?

Regards

Peter

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

05 July 2010 14:09:06

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

No prob. Drop me an em when your back in the area.. Have a good cruise.
Regards Phil

Re: Sovereign 32

captainboo

24 August 2010 10:09:12

Joined: 24 August 2010 09:17:01 | Posts: 2

Well Hello fellow Sovereign owners and sorry for not getting back in touch before now - we totally forgot and will blame it on the manic pace of life, or just the kids! ;-P
Well where do I start... Sardelle, as she's called, is still not in the water! We decided to strip her down and re-do things properly rather than a quick fix just to use her for a season before the big fix!
We had her moved by road to a boat yard to be closer to home to work on and started to dismantle under a big tent! Our first and biggest challenge was to make her water tight as there were a few rather concerning shall we say soggy areas inside- the teak deck was shot! This was removed with the thousands of screws and masses of sticky gunk which had caused all the blue pistol grip non-skid gelcoat under it to badly crack and craze! We also removed the damaged toe rail to then find that the loading from the tracks had made the hull flex from the coach roof and allow water in whch ran inside and hence the source of one of the leaks! Just when we were getting in the swing of things we were lucky enough to become members of a fab boat club which has a wealth of experience and helpful members so decided to move her there so we now know she floats (Even though she was towed!) as this was the only way of getting her there!
Back to the deck...and under another tent, we decided to remove all the gelcoat on the deck back to a sound base - bare laminate and go from there! The option we went for was to epoxy and then paint - due to cost and doing the work ourselves we felt it was the best option after considering everything else! We are now at the stage of painting after filling, sanding, more sanding etc etc and off shortly to put the first of the topcoats on! The finish is looking great so far.... Meanwhile the windows are now refurbished and all the teak which had been covered in thick epoxy has been removed and now looks a lot better! The inside is stripped out but left intact to a degree, poor wiring, old instruments, 80's wallpaper, fittings etc all removed and new waiting in boxes along with new cushions, curtains etc! We've still got quite a long way to go but she'll be bobbing around next year fingers crossed!
It's been great to read about your boats and we're so glad there are other Sovereigns out there! We are based just outside of Glasgow so if any fellow owners want to hook up - shout!
Kind regards, Steve & Heidi.

Re: Sovereign 32

Philip

25 August 2010 10:44:18

Joined: 25 August 2010 10:31:10 | Posts: 1

Sounds like youre having a fun time .... it'll be worth it. My Sovereign didnt have teak decks, but the gelcoat was crazing and a bit brittle after many years. I just took the surface brittleness off with a big rotary sander including all the non slip diamond pattern. I then carefully patterned and applied treadmaster, bonded on with epoxy, ( which effectively sealed the deck up permanently) and painted the bits in between with deck paint. That was 10 years ago and it still looks pretty good ( tho treadmaster isnt to everyones taste). I've pretty well rebuilt everthing over the years so let me know on em if theres anything I can help with.
Regards Phil

---

Phil

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

01 October 2010 10:49:39

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi All

On the topic of gel coat. Our Sovereign : Cinnamon II, as her name suggests, has an unusual coloured hull (topsides) : described by previous owner as Golden Brown !
Gelcoat is in excellent condition : old wax cleaned off last season and copious amounts and layers of new wax applied. (labourious job but the result is fab !)

She has a few nicks and chips. I have tried to find an epoxy / GRP pigment supplier by searching the web : unsuccessful as yet. Suppliers only have a limited range of colours (usually in the blue and grey part of the spectrum)

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions regarding gel coat pigment ?

Looking forward to your reply

Thanks

Dave

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

01 October 2010 11:07:05

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi there,

could you try mixing red and blue ( I think for brown) in different ratios?

The best place to seek an answer for this one could be to post a question on the PBO readers forum which captures a massive spectrum of boating folk.

As an aside ... is your Sovereign one of the rare bilge keel versions ... I think I saw her for sale a while ago .... I think at Gallows Point Beamaris?? Where do you moor her?

Regards Phil

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

01 October 2010 14:05:41

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Phil

Yes, she is a bilge keeler and was on the hard at Gallows Point and swinging mooring in Menai Strait.
We bought her last November and spent the first part of the spring at Menai before moving her to Liverpool. We now have a permenent berth at Liverpool Marina, not as challenging as Menai, but more convenient.

Thanks for the advice, will follow it and see what turns up.

On a different point : I realise Sovereign 32's are uncommon, I have only ever seen one other in the flesh (so to speak). I wonder, considering the intrest within this forum, if it would be worthwhile developing a webpage for owners to post comments, tips and pictures. Could never rival the Moody gang !! but may be useful to our small band of owners.

Speak soon

Dave

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

14 June 2011 08:51:42

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

hi steve have a chance of buying a sovereign 35, like yours the teak deck requires attention. I appreciate that it will be a long job, any tips or advice would be appreciated.

Re: Sovereign 32

captainboo

15 June 2011 20:43:42

Joined: 24 August 2010 09:17:01 | Posts: 2

Hi,
Well here's a couple of pics- how she was when we got her (leaks and all) and how she is progressing! (Can't say done as still need to apply the Kiwigrip- and many more things as you'll see-part of a major overhaul!!) It is very do-able so don't be put off! We began by digging out hundreds of screws and unscrewing, then we gently persuaded the teak with a crow bar off of the horrid sticky black gunk it had been stuck to the deck with. This was then scraped off to reveal the crazing of the gelcoat- for some reason it was much worse on the non-skid areas where chunks were missing. We decided to do things properly and plane off the gelcoat on the deck to get back to sound material as there was far too many cracks, lines etc to simply enlarge with a dremel & fill with loads of expensive epoxy filler! Then began the sealing of the deck, filling & fairing etc before our chosen method of painting- figured we could get the 'best' finish we could ourselves with this. She is now looking a whole lot better- even if I do say so, not that the now out of date picture shows very well. If you want to know anything else, just ask (I'm sure Steve can answer better but he is at work at the moment.
Goodluck & kind regards,
Heidi.

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

16 July 2011 15:41:20

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi people

I just happened to come across this thread by accident, so here's my contribution. I have owned a 1977 Sovereign 32 for 7 years.She is incredibly solid and stable, and on our maiden voyage we travelled from the Crouch into the Thames estuary against a F8. No problem whatsoever. We've gone from L'Aberwrack to Texel in all sorts of weathers. These boats sail in an uncanny quiet way, different from other boats I have owned. I presume it's the sea kindly hull shape, plus thick lay up and wooden inner lining.

Problems are:

1. The fact that you can't sit in the cockpit and see over the coach roof, due to the 6' 6" headroom in the saloon. This I guess is because Ian Anderson is very tall and this is his own boat. I have got round it by making a seat that locates at the end of the cockpit behind the wheel, together with a foot rest.

2. The Leyland Thornycroft diesel which is always a pig to start. I have just done a top overhaul on mine but it still complains. But it never misses a beat when it's going.

Otherwise they're great boats. Sadly I'm thinking of selling and maybe down sizing. Time will tell. Happy to help further if I can.

Robert

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

17 August 2011 15:18:33

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Dave, I have just come across your message. My husband Phil and I have owned a Sovereign 32 since 1996, it was originally built for Jack Holman who owned Uphams at Brixham when she was built in 1976/77, so she was top spec and has been looked after throughout her years, she has been across the Pond and back twice and we sailed her regularly into Biscay and around the South Coast and we refurbished her in 2006 with new teak decks and all stainless deck fittings, we try to keep her up to scratch. We would love to meet up with other Sovereign owners, I think there is another one as well a ours on the River Dart where we moor but we have never met up with anyone who has one yet! Please let us know if you manage to set up a Sovereign site we will be avid followers. Regards Trish Owens

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

18 August 2011 12:27:40

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Trish, I'm sure the Sov 32 owners would go for an owners forum if someone has the knowledge and inclination to get it going. I'd certainly contribute !
Ref your locality, the only Sovereigns I know in the patch are ourselves in Plymouth with ;Nightwing' and Peter ( posted her) has Farina based on the Dart. There was a newer one in Mylor but they have just headed down to the Med this summer.
Cheers for now, Phil Birtwistle

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

18 August 2011 23:02:41

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi guys

I would certainly be intrested in contributing to an owners forum for Sovereign 32s if one is set up. I've done quite a lot of work on mine over the years, and am happy to pass knowledge on. My boat 'Chinkara' is on the East Coast, at Walton on the Naze.

Robert

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

19 August 2011 15:23:05

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Trish /Phil Has your Sovereign a blue hull?I'm back in the Dart after this season's solo cruise down to La Rochelle and back in pretty mixed weather including a return channel crossing in NW7 which Farina took in her stride. This is my second season of ownership and i'm nearly at the end of her refit - the teak deck to replug and re seam over this winter- before I take her further afield next year. Peter

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

19 August 2011 16:05:33

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

No ours has a white hull and we have a mooring at Maypool.

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

19 August 2011 19:39:57

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Ok .There was another Sovereign 32 in the river for sale last year but obviously not yours.
It would be good to look over your teak decks at some time. I'm on Pontoon DA until the 24th and will be off again to escape the Regatta but will be wintering her locally.
There now seems enough of us to arrange some kind of rally - Phil ?

Regards to all.Peter

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

22 August 2011 09:11:09

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Peter, We will be on board for Regatta, will stay on the mooring most likely, it;'s far enough away from the mahem. Would love to meet up will keep an eye out for you will you be back on the River after Regatta?
Trish

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

24 August 2011 16:28:54

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

I'm still on the northend of pontoon DA but hope to get away at the weekend.
I'll probably spend a week or two up until the end of September back in the river and then to YHQ in Plymouth to be hauled out and continue with the relentless tasks of keeping her shipe shape!

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

25 August 2011 09:16:13

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

We're hoping to get on board tomorrow, despite the weatehr forecast. Trish

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

21 November 2011 12:11:58

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Trish
Apologies for the late reply, I thought this thread had run its course.

I will investigate the possibillities of a Sovereign Owners site, there are some friendly "teckies" were I work. There would appear to be more owners out there than we thought. I moored up close to another Sovereign 32 last year in Fleetwood.

Speak soon

Dave

P.S Spookily my surname is Owens too !

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

21 November 2011 12:12:00

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Trish
Apologies for the late reply, I thought this thread had run its course.

I will investigate the possibillities of a Sovereign Owners site, there are some friendly "teckies" were I work. There would appear to be more owners out there than we thought. I moored up close to another Sovereign 32 last year in Fleetwood.

Speak soon

Dave

P.S Spookily my surname is Owens too !

Re: Sovereign 32

Anonymous user

21 November 2011 12:45:08

Joined: Unknown | Posts: Unknown

Hi Dave tracking back on the site, is it you who moors in Liverpool docks? If so that is even more spooky! We are from Liverpool originally !

We met up with Pete in the summer he was moored on the Dart and strangly he was a scoucer too. It was nice to meet someone who knew the boat. He was having to catch the tide so his visit was cut short but we will catch up with him maybe again next summer.
Let us know how things go with the site, will be very interested.

Trish