Freedom 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Freedom 39 began its production in 1983, embodying Freedom Yachts' pioneering approach to sailboat design. The company, founded by Gary Hoyt, was renowned for championing the unstayed mast, a concept aimed at simplifying sailing and enhancing efficiency by eliminating traditional rigging. All Freedom Yachts, including the 39, were meticulously built by Tillotson Pearson Inc. (TPI) in Rhode Island, a manufacturer celebrated for its high-quality fiberglass construction. This partnership ensured robust and reliable craftsmanship for Freedom's innovative designs.

Designed jointly by Ron Holland and Gary Hoyt, the Freedom 39 carries the hallmark of performance-oriented cruising, a consistent theme in Holland's design philosophy. While the standard model was rigged as a cat-ketch, a pilothouse version, the Freedom 39 PH, was also available, featuring a schooner rig where the foremast was considerably shorter than the main mast. Some early models of the Freedom 39 were even rigged as schooners with conventional masts, and there are mentions of boats having two unstayed masts. The use of unstayed carbon fiber spars was a hallmark of Freedom Yachts, offering lighter and more flexible masts that allowed for aerodynamically efficient sail shapes. This design also contributed to a cleaner deck layout and reduced maintenance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Freedom 39’s design ratios offer insight into its sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.76, the Freedom 39 is poised for good performance, particularly in lighter air. This ratio suggests that the boat is well-powered for its displacement, allowing it to move efficiently even in moderate breezes.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, at about 28.6%, indicates a moderate level of stiffness. While not as high as some dedicated offshore racers, this ratio suggests a comfortable and stable motion, suitable for cruising. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 277.8 places the Freedom 39 firmly in the category of a mid-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly vessel rather than a light, high-performance racer, capable of providing a comfortable ride in varied conditions.

The unstayed cat-ketch rig itself contributes significantly to the boat's handling. This configuration offers exceptional ease of handling, especially for single-handed sailing, due to the elimination of complex rigging. Owners often praise the simplified sail plan, which makes setting, trimming, and dousing sails less demanding. The schooner rig, as found on the PH variant, is noted for its classic grace and balanced sail plan, with the mizzen sail being particularly useful for maintaining control and stability, especially in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Freedom 39's interior layout from structured data are limited to its maximum headroom, general owner feedback and reviews provide a clearer picture. The interior of the Freedom 39 is designed with cruising comfort in mind, typically featuring a practical and spacious arrangement for its size. Owners have re-upholstered interior seating, indicating the presence of comfortable salon areas. Common layouts would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a galley, a head compartment, and often quarter berths aft. The builder's reputation for high-quality construction suggests a well-finished interior, likely featuring a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, prioritizing durability and functionality suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Freedom 39 frequently highlight its robust construction and the inherent advantages of its unstayed rig. Many appreciate the ease of handling, particularly for single-handed or shorthanded sailing, which aligns with Gary Hoyt's original vision for simplified sailing. The distinctive sailing characteristics and low maintenance of the unstayed masts are consistently praised.

However, some discussions among owners have touched upon specific points, such as potential issues with original carbon fiber masts on Freedom models, though this may vary by specific boat and maintenance history. The pilothouse version is particularly sought after by those looking for a comfortable cruising boat that sails well and offers good visibility. Overall, the Freedom 39 continues to attract sailors who value its unique blend of innovative design, sailing simplicity, and comfortable cruising capabilities.