Privilege 39 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Privilege 39 begins with Jeantot Marine, founded in 1985 by René Bernard and the celebrated French single-handed sailor, Philippe Jeantot. Jeantot Marine capitalized on Philippe Jeantot's offshore experience and his personal motivation to design cruising catamarans that offered exceptional comfort, strength, and security for his own family's travels. The Privilege 39 was produced from 1988 to 1994, with approximately 95 units built, reflecting the builder's growing prominence in the catamaran market, which by 1989 had become a leading builder.

Designed by Eric LeFevre, the Privilege 39 embodied Jeantot Marine's core philosophy of robust construction and comfortable interiors. Unlike many mass-produced cruising catamarans of its era, each Privilege 39 was built on a semi-custom basis, featuring hand-cut wooden bulkheads and furniture in its interior, underscoring a commitment to quality craftsmanship. The design incorporated shallow fixed keels and fine hull entries, which were noted for contributing to a good motion in a seaway.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Privilege 39, with a length overall of 38.75 feet, a waterline length of 35.17 feet, and a substantial 21-foot beam, is designed for stability and comfortable passage-making. Weighing in at a displacement of 14,000 pounds, it is considered a relatively light displacement catamaran for its size, contributing to its "pretty decent sailing performance." Its reported sail area of 1057 square feet, combined with a cutter rig, suggests good light-wind performance, a desirable trait for a cruising catamaran.

The catamaran hull form inherently provides exceptional stability, a hallmark of Privilege designs. Owners and reviewers frequently note the Privilege 39's adequate bridgedeck clearance, which is crucial for minimizing wave slap and ensuring a smoother ride in choppy conditions. The fine entries of the hulls are specifically praised for their ability to deliver a comfortable motion when sailing through a seaway, making it well-suited for offshore cruising. With a calculated hull speed of approximately 7.95 knots, the Privilege 39 is capable of respectable cruising speeds, making it an efficient platform for covering distances.

Accommodations and Layout

The Privilege 39 is renowned for its generous living spaces, offering "huge amounts of living space" that are a significant advantage of its catamaran design. While specific maximum headroom figures are not consistently available, the design is known for allowing large interior spaces. The interior finish often features hand-cut wooden bulkheads and furniture, providing a more traditional and robust feel compared to the predominantly molded fiberglass interiors found in many contemporary cruising catamarans.

Typical interior layouts include multiple cabins, often with a large owner's suite and additional guest cabins, making it suitable for families or charter operations. The Privilege design strategically incorporates numerous storage solutions, including two watertight compartments in each bow, dedicated for tools, spare parts, water makers, and sails, highlighting its bluewater cruising intentions. The overall arrangement prioritizes comfort and functionality for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Privilege 39 as a highly capable and comfortable cruising platform. Many describe it as a "terrific boat for a family of six to sail around the world" or a "fine boat for knocking around the Caribbean on a sailing sabbatical," underscoring its versatility for various cruising aspirations. The solid construction and stable motion are frequently praised, contributing to a secure feeling, even in challenging conditions. Many Privilege 39s have been extensively upgraded and are equipped for world sailing, often being described as entirely self-sufficient vessels. The availability of owner versions, often outfitted with comprehensive equipment, further reinforces its appeal for those seeking a comfortable and well-equipped liveaboard experience.