C&C 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The C&C 39 emerged during a pivotal era for Canadian boatbuilding, shortly after the formation of C&C Yachts in 1969 through the amalgamation of key designers and builders. George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, the company's namesake designers, were instrumental in shaping the C&C 39's lines. The design philosophy behind the C&C 39 was specifically tailored to excel under the IOR rule, aiming for superior upwind performance and the ability to carry a substantial sail plan compared to older CCA (Cruising Club of America) designs.

C&C Yachts was celebrated for its innovative use of balsa-cored fiberglass hulls, a construction technique that enhanced stiffness while reducing overall weight, a hallmark of their commitment to performance. The company's manufacturing ethos during this period emphasized lightweight construction and rakish designs, which consistently proved effective in racing environments. Throughout its limited production run, the C&C 39 maintained a consistent design, though an alternate tall rig option was available, providing even greater sail area for enhanced performance. The C&C 39 also shares a similar hull form with the Northeast 39, indicating a shared design lineage and high-quality joinery from Bruckmann carpenters in some early models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 39.25 feet and a waterline length of 31.69 feet, the C&C 39 boasts a theoretical hull speed of approximately 7.54 knots. The yacht's design successfully balances performance with seaworthiness. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.50 suggests a responsive and relatively powerful boat, capable of performing well in lighter winds while still being manageable as conditions build. This ratio indicates a design leaning towards performance cruising, rather than heavy displacement.

The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 238.6 further classifies the C&C 39 as a moderately heavy displacement yacht, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway without sacrificing significant speed. While the exact ballast weight is not consistently available in all specifications, the ballast material is confirmed as lead, contributing to the yacht's stability. Anecdotal evidence from sailing enthusiasts praises the C&C 39 for being "very fast in light air" and "far faster upwind" than many of its contemporaries. Owners have often lauded its handling characteristics, noting that the C&C 39 sails remarkably well.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the C&C 39 was designed to complement its performance capabilities with comfortable living spaces, reflecting C&C's overall philosophy of producing versatile performance cruisers. While specific maximum headroom details are not widely documented, C&C yachts of this era typically offered reasonable standing headroom for their size. The general layout usually features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, and a dining area. The galley is typically arranged efficiently to starboard or port, complete with a sink, stove, and icebox. A dedicated head compartment is standard, often located between the V-berth and the salon or aft of the salon.

Aft, quarter berths or a single quarter berth are common, providing additional sleeping capacity. The use of quality materials, particularly extensive wood trim and joinery, was a hallmark of C&C construction, contributing to a warm and inviting interior ambiance. Ventilation is typically provided through deck hatches and portlights. Access to critical systems, such as the engine's stuffing box, is often well-thought-out, allowing for maintenance from areas like the cockpit locker or quarter berths.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the C&C 39 frequently express deep satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting their strong build quality and impressive sailing performance. Many consider the C&C 39 to be among the most aesthetically pleasing designs produced by C&C Yachts. The hulls, constructed of balsa-cored fiberglass, have generally held up remarkably well over decades, with few reports of significant core issues. Owners consistently praise the boat's handling, particularly its upwind ability and light-air speed, making it a joy to sail. The design is also noted as being suitable for extended offshore cruising, affirming its versatility beyond racing. While specific recurring problems are not widely documented, as with any classic yacht, routine maintenance and updates to original systems are typical considerations for owners. The enduring appeal of the C&C 39 is reflected in its continued active presence in sailing communities and on the used boat market.