As the Boatshedmedway Broker I have been delighted to market this Rival 32’.

For me this Rival 32’ takes me back to family holidays which were spent cruising the South Coast, Channel Islands and France. My family boat at that time was called ‘Departure’ which seemed to be fairly apt for the model. There are fond memories of many trips most notably approaching Alderney Harbour or trying to avoid an adverse tide down the ‘Little Russell’ and into Guernsey. Once we had arrived, the boat was a great base and many a lazy day was spent on a beach or exploring.
The Rival design is distinctive and many of its characteristics mean that it still commands an avid following for those people looking for a seaworthy and practical cruising boat. Designed by Peter Brett, the Rival 32 was first produced in the late 1960’s by Eric White whose company, Marine Construction Ltd was based in Woolston, Southampton. In fact when my father was looking for this model of boat I remember taking an informal tour of the factory, although I could only have been 5 or 6 years of age and the memory is somewhat remote. As it happened, my father took the plunge with a pre-owned Rival rather than a completely new model.
The design and fitout of the Rival 32 did change over time and it must be remembered that some boats were fitted out by enthusiastic owners at home. However, I believe that our Rival was fairly typical of the factory model. The main distinctive feature of the Rival was the ‘keyhole’ bulkhead which divided the galley and navigation table from the main saloon.

The Saloon itself had a sit around table to the portside with a further bench type seat to the starboard. This arrangement was ideal for meal times and afterwards allowed for small gatherings and games etc... All around the saloon area you would find carefully hidden lockers, cupboards and storage areas. The saloon table folded away for passage making and folded down to make the main double berth. Of particular significance, the starboard side berth had a fold away ‘root berth’ and there was a further single berth which could be pulled out on the portside for additional space. Both of these berths were ideal for passage making and the whole saloon area had clearly been cleverly thought out and designed. Forward of the main bulkhead, there was a small heads area which had a lovely foldaway wash hand basin and a hanging locker for wet gear. In the bows there were two single berths which have relatively high ‘cot sides’ thus also making them practical as berths when at sea although I do remember my parents saying that it would be very uncomfortable to be in this area for long periods when the boat was moving around at sea. I seem to recall a number of instances when I would confirm that they were right.
Above decks, the Rival 32 has distinctive sleek topsides with wide decks, rounded coachroof and distinctive ‘slit’ like windows. You could identify the difference between a 32’ model and other larger cousins by the number of windows. The design was distinctive because the hull and decks rose up to the bows which contributed to her overall seaworthiness. The cockpit area was deep, safe and spacious. All round vision when at the helm was pretty good. The rig was a solid and simple ‘mast head’ design which gave enough power to push her along at a fair rate. For families and novices, the boom did not fully cross the cockpit and thus the risk of being ‘whacked’ in the head was minimal.
Whilst traditionally viewed as a cruising boat, the Rival 32 and other models did immediately have a reputation for long distance passage making and this reputation was started in shorthanded and singlehanded racing including the AZAB (Azores and Back), OSTAR (Observer Singlehanded Transatlantic Race) and Round Britain Race. Certainly, if I was to write a shortlist of 32 footers that I would prefer to be dropped into amidst a gale then the Rival would be the first vessel for me!
There are always issues with boats and I know that the long keel made manoeuvring under power tricky at times, but then again that is the problem of long keels generally and not Rivals. Sometimes I recall the weather helm could strain the old arm mussels but may be that was down to seamanship! Anyway I am sure there are other points but for its time, it was ahead of the field in many respects and its continued popularity counts for more than any words.
The Boatshedmedway website contains details of this Rival 32’ (including 53 photographs).

To view this Rival 32’ or to find out more about her please contact the Boatshedmedway broker, Suzzanne McDonald