Andrews 39 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Andrews 39 begins in 1983, when Dencho Marine, under the leadership of Dennis Choate, commenced its production. Dencho Marine, a Long Beach, California-based builder operational from 1973 to 2010, specialized in performance-oriented yachts, frequently collaborating with leading naval architects like Alan Andrews. Their manufacturing ethos during this era revolved around producing high-quality, limited-production grand prix race boats optimized for various racing rulesets such as ORR, PHRF, and Americap.

Alan Andrews' design philosophy consistently incorporated high performance for both racing and cruising yachts, aiming to bring advanced racing designs to fruition. The Andrews 39, with 'Allegiance' serving as its prototype, was specifically intended to be a formidable competitor on the racecourse. Its notable success in the 1984 SORC underscored the effectiveness of Andrews' design and Dencho's precision construction in achieving competitive excellence. Given its limited production run, there were no significant variations or MkI/MkII iterations of the Andrews 39.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Andrews 39's design ratios underscore its identity as a light, performance-oriented racer. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 24.1, she is poised to perform exceptionally well in light air conditions, demonstrating a powerful sail plan relative to her displacement. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at a robust 0.47, indicating a high degree of stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to significant wind pressures and maintain her sail plan effectively in a breeze. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 166 suggests a relatively light boat for her length, further emphasizing her design as a performance cruiser/racer rather than a heavy displacement cruiser.

Anecdotal evidence from its prototype, 'Allegiance', winning its class and placing second overall in the highly competitive 1984 SORC, solidifies the Andrews 39's reputation for exceptional handling and speed. The design was intended to offer powerful performance for light air while also facilitating easy gear changes and de-powering in heavy air, suggesting a versatile rig designed for shorthanded sailing and competitive racing. She was also described as a high-performance and comfortable racer/cruiser intended for long-distance races, indicating a balanced and predictable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

Given that the Andrews 39 was primarily designed as a high-performance racing yacht with only two units ever built, detailed information regarding its interior accommodations and layout is exceedingly scarce. As with many dedicated racing boats of its era, the interior was likely functional and geared towards performance, with utilitarian finishes over luxurious comforts. While specific headroom figures are not available, it would be reasonable to expect a layout that prioritizes sail and gear storage, crew functionality, and weight distribution over extensive living amenities. Common arrangements for such vessels typically include basic V-berths forward, a simple head, a compact galley, and a salon area that often doubles as crew sleeping quarters or navigation station during races. The focus would have been on robust construction and essential comforts for offshore racing, rather than elaborate cruising amenities.