Grand Soleil 39 (Maletto) Information, Review, Specs

The Grand Soleil 39 (Maletto) commenced its production run in 2011, with its design overseen by the renowned Claudio Maletto. Maletto, known for his work in the America's Cup, was tasked with introducing a fresh, modern aesthetic to the Grand Soleil range. His design philosophy for the 39-footer focused on creating efficient waterlines, an optimized sail plan, and refined appendages, all aimed at delivering a "fast cruising sailboat" with contemporary flair.

During this era, Grand Soleil, as part of Cantiere del Pardo, maintained its longstanding commitment to Italian design excellence, robust performance, and exceptional craftsmanship. The shipyard consistently embraced innovative technologies and high-quality materials, striving to build "luxury performance sailing & cruising yachts" that were both "lightweight, sporty and extremely elegant." The Grand Soleil 39, commemorating the yard's 39th anniversary, perfectly encapsulated this ethos. While the standard model features a deep keel, the Grand Soleil 39 was also offered with a shoal draft option, minimizing its draft to 6.56 feet (2.0 meters), and a taller, race-oriented rig option providing 958 square feet (89 square meters) of sail area, catering to varying sailing preferences and competitive aspirations. Common configurations also include a three-cabin, two-bathroom layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Grand Soleil 39 (Maletto) exhibits the characteristics of a nimble and spirited performance cruiser. With a reported sail area of 882 square feet and a displacement of 16,204 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio calculates to approximately 22.05. This high ratio indicates that the boat is well-powered, suggesting excellent performance in lighter air conditions and a responsiveness that keen sailors appreciate. While such a high ratio can imply a degree of tenderness in strong winds, it also contributes to the boat's lively feel.

The ballast to displacement ratio, standing at around 0.33, denotes a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze. Coupled with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 182, the Grand Soleil 39 is categorized as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size. This design philosophy is evident in its handling; the yacht is described as "nifty, charming and fast," exhibiting the qualities of a modern performance cruiser. Anecdotal reports consistently praise its sailing capabilities, noting that it "sails well." Equipped with a fin keel featuring a bulb and a single spade rudder controlled by twin helm wheels, the Grand Soleil 39 offers precise handling and agility, contributing to its reputation as a "superboat."

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the interior of the Grand Soleil 39 (Maletto) is designed to be fresh, modern, and bright, reflecting contemporary Italian design sensibilities. The most prevalent interior configuration found in available models is a three-cabin, two-bathroom layout, providing ample space and privacy for cruising.

Grand Soleil's reputation for quality craftsmanship extends to its interiors, which typically feature well-finished materials, often incorporating wood trim that aligns with the brand's emphasis on comfort and quality. The layout generally includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and private aft cabins. Modern conveniences such as USB sockets in the cabins and dinette are often integrated, and options like heating systems further enhance comfort for extended cruising. The design prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and practical liveability, making the Grand Soleil 39 a comfortable vessel for coastal cruising and extended voyages alike.