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Sydney 32
Designer: Murray Burns Dovell  ·  Builder: Sydney Yachts  ·  First built: 2003
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About the Sydney 32

Developed by the respected Australian builder Sydney Yachts, the Sydney 32 is a performance-oriented sloop designed with competitive racing in mind while remaining capable enough for spirited coastal cruising. Sydney Yachts built a strong reputation in Australian sailing circles for producing fast, responsive designs that punch above their weight on the racecourse, and the 32 fits squarely within that tradition. The boat is well regarded for its lively handling and responsive helm, making it a rewarding choice for experienced sailors who want genuine performance without stepping up to a larger, more demanding platform. Its proportions suggest a hull optimised for speed in coastal and inshore conditions, where its agility and upwind ability can be fully exploited in club racing fleets or passage sailing along the coast. For buyers researching this model, the Sydney 32 appeals most strongly to those seeking a dual-purpose boat that prioritises performance but can accommodate a small crew for weekend adventures. It represents a solid entry point into the Sydney Yachts range and reflects the builder's consistent focus on delivering competitive sailing in an accessible package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.67 ft / 9.65 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 6.67 ft / 2.03 m
Displacement 6,834.00 lb / 3,100 kg
Ballast 2,380.00 lb / 1,080 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Composite
Designer Murray Burns Dovell
Builder Sydney Yachts
First Built 2003
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
81
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
34.83
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
138.98
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 6.3 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 24.11
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.17 ft / 3.71 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 541.00 ft² / 50.26 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Yanmar
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 18
Fuel Capacity 18 gals / 68 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
How It Compares

vs. First 317 Beneteau, Melges 30, Rc 30

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Sydney 32 ★
31.7 ft
First 317 Beneteau
31.5 ft
Melges 30
31.8 ft
Rc 30
31.8 ft
LWL
Sydney 32 ★
28.0 ft
First 317 Beneteau
28.9 ft
Melges 30
28.5 ft
Rc 30
30.0 ft
Beam
Sydney 32 ★
10.5 ft
First 317 Beneteau
10.6 ft
Melges 30
9.8 ft
Rc 30
16.0 ft
Displacement
Sydney 32 ★
6 lbs
First 317 Beneteau
8 lbs
Melges 30
3 lbs
Rc 30
900 lbs
Ballast
Sydney 32 ★
2 lbs
First 317 Beneteau
2 lbs
Melges 30
1 lbs
Rc 30
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Sydney 32 ★
81 s/nm
First 317 Beneteau
Melges 30
42 s/nm
Rc 30
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Sydney 32 ★
34.8 %
First 317 Beneteau
27.3 %
Melges 30
42.1 %
Rc 30
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Sydney 32 ★
138
First 317 Beneteau
153
Melges 30
73
Rc 30
14
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