Allures 39.9 Information, Review, Specs

The Allures 39.9 began production in 2013, building upon the success of its predecessor, the Allures 40. The design, a collaborative effort between Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design and Allures' own engineering department, incorporated valuable feedback and wishes from existing Allures owners. Allures Yachting, founded in 2003 in Normandy, France, has consistently focused on building rugged aluminum centerboarders for adventurous sailors. Their manufacturing ethos, characterized by durable aluminum hulls and composite decks, was central to the 39.9's development, aiming to optimize safety, performance, and comfort for offshore passages. While the 39.9 itself did not see major "Mk" variations, its design directly led to the Allures 40.9, often described as an evolution or "MkII" with a more modern interior.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Allures 39.9 is designed to offer a balanced and reassuring sailing experience for long-distance voyaging. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.82, she is characterized as a moderate performance cruiser, capable of good speeds without being overly sensitive in strong winds. Her displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of around 216.27 places her in the medium-light category, suggesting a good balance between comfort in a seaway and respectable performance. The boat's ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of approximately 38.5% is supplemented by its integral lifting keel system, which significantly enhances stability and allows for an impressive maximum draft of over 9 feet when deployed, greatly improving upwind performance and stiffness. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Allures 39.9 is easy to handle, responsive to the helm, and capable of accelerating well. Owners have reported solid upwind performance, with the boat achieving speeds of 6.5 knots at a 45-degree true wind angle. The retractable centerboard design not only contributes to performance optimization but also reduces stress for cruisers by allowing access to shallow waters.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Allures 39.9 is meticulously designed for extended offshore cruising, prioritizing functionality, comfort, and a bright atmosphere. While specific headroom dimensions are not provided in all specifications, the layout is notable for its open saloon, which avoids the typical intrusion of a large centerboard trunk. The standard configuration typically features two staterooms and two heads, complemented by a dedicated "garage" or technical room. This technical space is highly valued by long-distance cruisers for its capacity to house critical systems and provide ample storage. For owners desiring an even more expansive aft area, an "owner's version" is available, which reconfigures the starboard aft stateroom into a larger systems, storage, or workspace. The interior joinery, though outsourced, is built precisely to Allures' CAD drawings, ensuring a high standard of finish and fit. The overall style is often described as fresh and luminous, contributing to a comfortable living environment suitable for extended periods at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Allures 39.9 consistently praise its robust construction and exceptional capability as an ocean-going vessel. The aluminum hull is a major draw, offering superior strength, impact resistance, and durability, which instills confidence for voyages to remote destinations. The innovative combination of an aluminum hull with a composite deck is appreciated for balancing strength with optimized weight distribution and providing a surface easier for mounting deck hardware. The lifting keel system is frequently cited as a significant advantage, allowing access to shallow anchorages that would be inaccessible to fixed-keel boats, while still providing excellent deep-keel performance offshore. Owners find the interior layout to be well-optimized for long-distance living, with practical storage and a comfortable living space. The Allures 39.9 appeals strongly to experienced and aspiring ocean cruisers who prioritize safety, robustness, and self-sufficiency for their adventures.