The Super Sovereign 35 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Super Sovereign 35

Keel & Rudder Configuration: Fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder.
Hull Material: Fiberglass (Glass Reinforced Plastic - GRP).
Length Overall: 35' 0" (10.67m).*
Waterline Length: 28'0" (8.53m).*
Beam: 10'6" (3.20m).*
Draft: 5'6" (1.68m).*
Rig Type: Masthead sloop.
Displacement: 15,500 pounds (7,031 kilograms).*
Ballast: 6,500 pounds (2,948 kilograms).*
Sail Area: Approximately 550ft² (51m²).*
Water Tank Capacity: 50 gallons (189 liters).
Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 gallons (151 liters).
Hull Speed: Approximately 7 knots.
Designer: Holman & Pye.
Builder: Tylers Shipyard.
Year First Built: 1972.
Year Last Built: 1980.
Number Built: Approximately 35 units.

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

1. Transition to Oyster Marine: In the mid-1970s, Richard Matthews founded Oyster Marine, which began by utilizing hull molds from existing designs like the Super Sovereign 35. The Oyster 35 was essentially built on the same hull as the Super Sovereign 35 but featured significant enhancements.

Upgraded Specifications:

• Deck and Cockpit Redesign: The Oyster 35 boasted a redesigned deck and cockpit layout, offering improved ergonomics and functionality.
• Luxurious Interiors: Oyster focused on luxury cruising, so the interior was upgraded with high-quality joinery, better accommodations, and more sophisticated fittings.
• Modern Equipment: Incorporation of advanced navigational and electrical systems for enhanced performance and safety.
• Impact on the Market: The Oyster 35 helped establish Oyster Marine's reputation for producing premium cruising yachts, blending robust construction with refined elegance.

2. Sovereign 35 Mark II
Design Evolution: Later in the production run, a Mark II version of the Sovereign 35 was introduced. While maintaining the hull design by Holman & Pye, the Mark II featured updates to meet contemporary sailing demands.

Key Features:

• Modified Rigging: Adjustments to the rig for improved sail handling and performance, sometimes including taller masts or revised sail plans.
• Interior Improvements: Optimized use of interior space with reconfigured layouts, offering more comfort and functionality for extended cruising.

3. Pilot House Versions
Deckhouse Addition: A limited number of Super Sovereign 35s were built with a pilot house or deckhouse configuration. This design provided an enclosed steering position and increased headroom in the main saloon.

Advantages:

• All-Weather Sailing: Offered protection from harsh weather conditions, making it appealing for sailors in cooler climates or those planning extensive offshore voyages.
• Enhanced Living Space: The raised deck allowed for larger windows, bringing in more natural light and offering panoramic views from the interior.

4. Keel Modifications
Deep Keel Option: For sailors interested in racing or improved upwind performance, some Super Sovereign 35s were equipped with a deeper fin keel. This modification enhanced the yacht's stability and allowed for a greater sail-carrying capacity.

Twin Keel Version: A twin (bilge) keel version was available for those sailing in areas with significant tidal ranges or shallow waters. The twin keels allowed the yacht to sit upright when grounded and reduced the draft without severely impacting perform

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

The Super Sovereign 35 sailboat has a sail area of approximately 550ft² (51m²) and the the rig dimensions I J P E are:

• I (foretriangle height): 43'0" (13.11m)
• J (foretriangle base): 14'0" (4.27m)
• P (mainsail luff length): 37'0" (11.28m)
• E (mainsail foot length): 12'0" (3.66m)

where

• 'I' is measured along the front of mast from the highest halyard to the main deck. The main deck is where the deck would be if there were no deckhouse;
• 'J' is the base of the foretriangle measured along the deck from the headstay to the mast;
• 'P' is the luff length of the mainsail, measured along the aft face of the mast from the top of the boom to the highest point that the mainsail can be hoisted;
• 'E' is the foot length of the mainsail, measured along the boom from the after face of the mast to the outermost point on the boom to which the main can be pulled.

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): 14.4

• Performance Indicator: The SA/D ratio measures the power of the sails relative to the displacement (weight) of the boat. A higher SA/D indicates a more powerful sail plan, leading to better performance, particularly in lighter winds.

• Super Sovereign 35: With an SA/D ratio of 14.4, the Super Sovereign 35 has a modest sail area relative to its displacement. This suggests that the yacht is not overly powerful but has sufficient sail area to perform well in moderate wind conditions. It balances manageable sail handling with steady performance, making it well-suited for cruising rather than high-performance racing.

Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): 38.1%

• Stability Indicator: The B/D ratio indicates the amount of weight in the keel (ballast) relative to the total weight of the boat. A higher percentage suggests greater stability and stiffness, reducing the likelihood of capsizing and improving the yacht's ability to carry sail in strong winds.

• Super Sovereign 35: A B/D ratio of 38.1% indicates that the Super Sovereign 35 has good stability, making it a stiff and stable vessel. This high ballast ratio contributes to the yacht's ability to handle heavier weather conditions, providing confidence to sailors during offshore passages and ensuring a comfortable, secure ride.

Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): 416.0

• Comfort and Load-Carrying Capacity: The D/L ratio measures the weight of the boat relative to its waterline length. A higher D/L ratio means the boat can carry more load and tends to have a smoother motion in waves, which is important for long-distance cruising comfort.

• Super Sovereign 35: With a high D/L ratio of 416.0, the Super Sovereign 35 is classified as a very heavy boat. This suggests it has excellent load-carrying capacity and provides a comfortable motion in the water. The high displacement ensures that the yacht can carry ample provisions and equipment for extended voyages, enhancing its suitability for bluewater cruising.

Comfort Ratio: 40.7

• Seasickness Mitigation and Motion Comfort: The comfort ratio assesses how quickly and abruptly the hull reacts to waves, which can cause seasickness. A higher comfort ratio indicates a more comfortable ride in rough seas.

• Super Sovereign 35: A comfort ratio of 40.7 is quite high, indicating that the Super Sovereign 35 offers a very comfortable ride in rough conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for sailors who prioritize comfort during long passages and seek to minimize the risk of seasickness.

Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 1.58

• Capsizing Risk: The CSF helps determine the likelihood of a boat capsizing. A lower number indicates a lower risk, with values below 2.0 considered safe for offshore cruising.

• Super Sovereign 35: With a CSF of 1.58, the Super Sovereign 35 has excellent righting capability and a low risk of capsizing. This ratio underscores the yacht's suitability for offshore and bluewater cruising, providing peace of mind to sailors venturing into challenging sea conditions.

But the Design Ratios Don't Tell the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

More Specs & Key Performance Indicators for Popular Cruising Boats

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