Wylie 39 Information, Review, Specs

Built with a focus on individuality, the Wylie 39 embodies a philosophy where no two boats were precisely alike, allowing for significant customization to meet discerning owners' specific needs.

The Wylie 39 entered production in 1984, reflecting the design ethos of Thomas Wylie, a celebrated naval architect known for his influence on performance yacht design. Wylie's philosophy often centers on creating fast, easily-driven hulls. The builder, Westerly Marine Inc., established in 1970, distinguished itself by embracing advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber, positioning them as pioneers in constructing lightweight, strong racing and cruising yachts. During the era of the Wylie 39's production, Westerly Marine focused on custom and semi-custom projects, capable of delivering bespoke solutions for clients seeking cutting-edge performance.

The custom nature of Westerly Marine's operations meant that while the exterior lines of the Wylie 39 maintained a consistent design, the interior fit-out was typically tailored to individual owners, leading to a fleet where "no two of which have been built alike." This approach allowed for variations in layout and finish to suit whether the boat was intended primarily for racing or for a blend of racing and cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wylie 39 is characterized by its impressive sailing performance, a hallmark of Tom Wylie's designs. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.37, the Wylie 39 is classified as a high-performance vessel, suggesting excellent speed capabilities, particularly in lighter air. This ratio indicates that the boat carries a generous amount of sail for its displacement, allowing it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed efficiently.

The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of 44.35 percent further underscores its design for stability and stiffness, enabling the Wylie 39 to stand up to significant wind pressures without excessive heel. This high ratio contributes to its ability to carry sail longer and perform well in a variety of wind conditions. With a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of 161.62, the Wylie 39 is categorized as a light to moderate displacement boat. This lighter displacement, combined with a fin keel and spade rudder, contributes to its responsive handling and maneuverability. The theoretical hull speed for a vessel of this length is around 7.7 knots, a benchmark that its performance-oriented design aims to maximize. Owners often praise its agility and balance, making it a rewarding boat to sail whether on the racecourse or during a fast passage.

Accommodations and Layout

Given Westerly Marine's custom and semi-custom building approach, the interior accommodations and layout of the Wylie 39 can vary significantly from one vessel to another. While the exteriors were largely consistent, each yacht was fitted with a custom interior designed to meet the specific requirements and preferences of its original owner.

Despite the custom nature, typical arrangements likely prioritize functionality and comfort suitable for a performance-oriented cruiser-racer. Interiors of Wylie designs generally aim to feel open and airy, with thoughtful consideration given to optimizing space within the hull. Potential interior features might include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a navigation station. The finish quality and materials used would have been of a high standard, aligning with Westerly Marine's reputation for advanced composite construction and custom craftsmanship. Storage solutions would typically be integrated efficiently to support either racing equipment or provisions for extended cruising.