Owner's Review for the 1973 C&C 39


   Sovereign is a red 1973 39-foot C&C tall masted sloop. Forward is a large sail stowage area with bins; next aft is the head with molded wash basin, shower with pressurized fresh water pump and lockers outboard over the counter. Opposite is a large hanging locker space combined with shelved locker and bureau with drawer and locker. Next aft is the main cabin with 6'5" pilot berths port and starboard. An L-shaped settee on the port side extends to make berth. Settee to starboard also extends in a similar manner. Four-inch foam mattresses and seats, red vinyl covers with zippers. Drop leaf center table with fiddles.
   Next aft is the galley containing a three burner propane cook top, oven and broiler. Adjacent to the stove on one side is a large stainless steel sink with pressure water and large cabinet and storage under. On the other side is a large ice box with additional cabinets and storage. Opposite the galley on the starboard side is a dedicated Nav station with seating both fore and aft. All the way aft and starboard is a quarter berth with single seat with batteries under and 3-drawer cupboard. To port is a double quarter berth with bin stowage beneath.
   The interior is original and finished in teak and teak ply; teak grate floorboards in the main salon sole area; counter tops are finished in mica. She is a bristol yacht that was completely refitted in 1992, (new mast, boom, rod rigging, Navtec hydraulics, 24 hp Yanmar, sails, interior and much more). Since then, she has been continually maintained and upgraded. In 1997 she received a new imeron paint job on her topsides and deck. In 1998 she received a new Forespar performance mast, Harken roller furling system, Nexus 3000 instrumentation system and new running rigging. In 1999, she received new racing head sails (170% genoa and blade), new spinnaker and baltaplate racing bottom.
   She is an excellent racer and has maintained an outstanding race record over the years. An October 1995 Marine Survey established her present value at $55,000 and an insurance replacement value at $115,000. I first became acquainted with Sovereign in May of 1986 when I served as Watch Captain on a return trip from Isla Mujeres Mexico. Since then, I have made four other return trips from Isla Mujeres Mexico on Sovereign (another as Watch Captain and the last three as Captain). I have known Sovereign well and have always dreamed of owning such a vessel.
   In May of 94, I met Beverly. She is a unique individual who soon became involved in both me and sailing. Her enthusiasm, natural abilities and language indicated she was surly a sailor in one of her previous lives. For me, our voyages showed what true paradise is -- sailing along on the boat I dreamed of owning with the person I loved.

(Note: Beverly passed away in Jan. 2002. More on Beverly at http://tammanyyachtclub.org/obit.htm
Captain Ed

Edward L. Newman [edward.l.newman@maf.nasa.gov]