Fidji 39 Information, Review, Specs

The design of the Fidji 39 is attributed to the collaborative efforts of Joubert-Nivelt and Olivier Flahault, naval architects who played a crucial role in shaping Fountaine Pajot's early multihull offerings.

The Fountaine Pajot Fidji 39 commenced production in 1989, emerging as part of the builder's "Maldives generation" of second-generation catamarans. This model inherited the design philosophy of its successful predecessor, the Casamance 43, aiming to further refine the balance of performance, comfort, and interior volume. During this era, Fountaine Pajot, founded in 1976 by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, was actively transitioning from smaller racing dinghies and monohull racers towards becoming a leader in cruising catamarans. The company had already demonstrated its commitment to multihull technology with the 1981 launch of the 18-meter trimaran Royale, built with foam-core sandwich construction—a technique that would become a hallmark of their multihull fleet. The Fidji 39 continued this tradition of robust, lightweight construction. Owners had the option of a shorter "charter rig" or a full-size "performance mast," offering versatility for different sailing objectives.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fidji 39 is characterized by its classic narrow hulls and a distinctive rounded bridge deck, a design approach common to Fountaine Pajot's early cruising catamarans. With a length overall of 39 feet and a waterline length of 38 feet, she maintains a sleek profile in the water. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig, the Fidji 39 boasts a reported sail area of 870 square feet, providing ample power for various conditions. Her twin centerboards, combined with a pair of rudders, contribute to good maneuverability and allow for reduced draft when exploring shallow anchorages. Powered by twin 36 horsepower Volvo Penta diesel engines, the Fidji 39 offers reliable auxiliary propulsion, complementing its sailing capabilities. With a wide beam of 23.33 feet, catamarans like the Fidji 39 are inherently stable platforms, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway compared to monohulls of similar length.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed for comfortable cruising and liveaboard potential, the Fountaine Pajot Fidji 39 typically features a four-cabin layout, providing ample sleeping berths. The interior is arranged to maximize living space, including an inside saloon that often features a rear-facing setup, enhancing the connection with the cockpit. Common amenities found aboard include vertical refrigeration for provisions, an inside heating system (such as a 4kW Eberspächer unit), and often a combination of electric and manual toilets, providing practical solutions for extended voyages. The generous beam of the catamaran allows for significant interior volume, facilitating comfortable movement and providing substantial storage capacity throughout the vessel, though specific details on finish quality or materials may vary between individual boats due to age and owner modifications.