Sun Odyssey 39 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Odyssey 39's lineage traces back to a period of evolution within Jeanneau's sailboat range. Introduced in 1990, the model benefited from the design expertise of Jacques Fauroux, a helmsman and tactician known for imbuing his designs with a sense of performance. The Sun Odyssey 39 shares its fundamental hull design with two earlier Jeanneau models: the cruising-oriented Sun Charm 39 (1988) and the more performance-focused Sun Fast 39. This shared lineage reflects Jeanneau's strategic approach to leveraging successful hull forms across different market segments, adapting them for specific purposes.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jeanneau, a French shipyard with a history of embracing fiberglass production since 1958, continued its focus on creating "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort. This philosophy is evident in the Sun Odyssey 39, which aimed to offer thoughtful layouts and comfortable amenities. While the standard model featured a fin keel, a notable variation included a winged keel version with a shallower draft of 5 feet, providing increased access to shallower anchorages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sun Odyssey 39 is engineered to deliver a balanced sailing experience, suitable for various conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.72, the boat is poised to perform well even in lighter air, indicating a good power-to-weight balance. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.377 suggests a decent level of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 188.79 places her in the moderately light to medium displacement category, contributing to a responsive and engaging sailing experience.

Sail handling on the Sun Odyssey 39 is designed for ease, with all control lines led back to the cockpit, facilitating swift and accurate adjustments. Owners often praise the boat's handling characteristics, noting its ease of sailing and comfortable motion, even in challenging conditions. With a theoretical hull speed of 7.63 knots, the Sun Odyssey 39 is capable of good passage-making speeds for a cruising vessel of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom details for the 1990 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 are not readily available, Jeanneau's general design philosophy prioritizes creating "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities. Reviews of later iterations of the 39-foot Sun Odyssey range often highlight meticulous attention to detail, comfortable cabins, and well-equipped galleys.

Typical interior arrangements for boats in this class and era often include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley, a navigation station, and a head (bathroom). Aft, a private cabin, sometimes two, would offer additional sleeping accommodations. Given Jeanneau's emphasis on comfort for cruising, it is likely the Sun Odyssey 39 was offered with both two- and three-cabin layouts, providing flexibility for different owner needs, a common feature in similar Jeanneau models. Owners of Jeanneau yachts generally appreciate the quality of finish and use of materials, often featuring wood trim that contributes to a warm and inviting interior. The cockpit of Jeanneau models like the Sun Odyssey 39 is typically well-designed, offering an open and ergonomically sound space for sailing and relaxation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 generally hold the vessel in high regard, often referring to it as a "great boat". A common sentiment among owners is appreciation for its straightforward handling and comfortable ride, even in varied sea states. Many commend the boat's solid construction, reflective of Jeanneau's build quality during this era, noting that these vessels were crafted when the shipyard still employed a significant number of skilled artisans. The design, with sail handling lines led to the cockpit, makes the boat easy to manage, which is a significant advantage for short-handed sailing.

While specific recurring problems for the original 1990 Sun Odyssey 39 are not widely documented in general owner discussions, the active owner forums and communities dedicated to Jeanneau yachts serve as valuable resources for advice and shared experiences. These communities underscore a collective satisfaction with the Sun Odyssey 39's blend of performance, comfort, and build quality, making it a popular choice for both cruising and occasional racing.