Built by the respected British yard Rival/Bowman from 1980, this Peter Brett-designed cruiser represents classic English yacht construction with a focus on seaworthiness and comfort. With only 78 hulls produced, the Rival 36 maintains an exclusive character while earning recognition for its robust fiberglass construction and thoughtful layout. The design emphasizes cruising capability over racing performance, featuring a moderate fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration that provides excellent directional stability and protection for the rudder during grounding. Her substantial displacement of 14,250 pounds and generous ballast ratio contribute to a reassuring motion at sea, while the masthead sloop rig delivers reliable sailing performance across various conditions. With a comfort ratio of 30.35, this yacht clearly prioritizes onboard livability for extended passages and coastal cruising. The moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 15.65 indicates she's built more for steady progress than light-air excitement, making her well-suited for serious cruising sailors who value seaworthiness over speed. The Rival 36's reputation centers on its solid construction quality and ability to handle challenging conditions, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking a dependable offshore cruiser with traditional British yacht-building heritage.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Rival 36's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Rival 36 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.65. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Rival 36's comfort ratio?
The Rival 36 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 30.35. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Rival 36 safe for offshore sailing?
The Rival 36 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.82. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Rival 36?
The theoretical hull speed of the Rival 36 is 6.98 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Rival 36 weigh?
The Rival 36 has a displacement of 14,250.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 35.83 ft.
Who designed the Rival 36?
The Rival 36 was designed by Peter Brett, first built in 1980.