Farr 39 ML Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Farr 39 ML are defined by its responsiveness and its ability to punch above its weight in light-to-moderate air. Because it was optimized for the IMS rule, the hull form features a relatively fine entry and a moderate beam that carries well aft, providing a stable platform when reaching. According to technical data from Farr Yacht Design, the boat was designed with a high-aspect-ratio fractional rig, typically sporting a carbon fiber mast, which significantly reduces pitching moment and improves sea-kindliness in a chop.

On the water, the 39 ML feels more like a dinghy than a traditional 40-foot cruiser. The steering is exceptionally light, typically controlled by a large-diameter wheel that provides the helmsman with immediate feedback. While the boat is stiff due to its lead keel and deep draft (often exceeding 7 feet), it requires an active crew. Trimming the mainsail is critical to balancing the helm; the boat rewards precise adjustments to the backstay and traveler. Owners frequently report that the 39 ML tracks exceptionally well upwind, provided the sail flatting is managed as the breeze climbs above 15 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the "ML" designation prioritizes racing geometry, the interior is surprisingly functional, reflecting a "Spartan-plus" philosophy. Unlike the later, more stripped-out Farr 40 One Design, the 39 ML features a legitimate, albeit lightweight, cruising layout. The cabin typically includes a dedicated nav station, a compact galley with a two-burner stove, and a fully enclosed head located forward of the mast.

The use of materials inside is weight-conscious; you will find lightweight timber veneers over honeycomb cores rather than solid hardwoods. The layout usually offers a V-berth forward and twin pipe cots or fixed berths aft, allowing for a racing crew of eight to sleep during offshore passages. A notable sibling to this design is the Farr 39 OP (Open), which featured a more simplified deck layout, and the later Farr 40 OD, which stripped away much of the 39 ML’s interior volume to maximize performance. Some custom versions were also built with slightly different keel configurations to suit specific regional handicap rules.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Farr 39 ML must approach the purchase with a "performance boat" mindset, focusing on structural fatigue and composite integrity.

1. Core Integrity: Given the age of these vessels and their high-performance use, the balsa or foam core in the deck and hull should be thoroughly inspected with a moisture meter and percussion hammer. Areas around the chainplates and stanchion bases are common points for water ingress.
2. Keel Attachment: The high-aspect keel exerts significant leverage on the hull grid. High-signal reports from racing forums suggest inspecting the floor stringers and the "GRP" grid for any signs of cracking or delamination, which can occur after years of aggressive windward-leeward racing or a grounding.
3. Rig Fatigue: Most 39 MLs were equipped with early-generation carbon masts. These should be unstepped and professionally ultrasonically tested. Check for "crazing" in the clear coat and galvanic corrosion where aluminum or stainless steel fittings meet the carbon tube.
4. Rudder Bearings: The large, high-balanced rudder is prone to bearing wear. If there is significant "slop" or play in the wheel, the self-aligning bearings likely require replacement, a standard but necessary maintenance task for yachts of this vintage.

Community & Resources

The primary repository for technical data and original design drawings remains Farr Yacht Design, which maintains an archive for Design #332. Owners of Cookson-built boats also benefit from the enduring reputation of the yard, though technical support is now largely found through independent composite specialists in New Zealand and Australia. While no formal "One Design" class association exists for the 39 ML today, many remain active in IRC and ORC fleets globally.

The Verdict

The Farr 39 ML is a sophisticated, high-performance machine that offers a "pure" sailing experience often missing in modern, heavy-production cruisers. It is a boat for the connoisseur who values New Zealand build quality and the design pedigree of the Farr office.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality from the Cookson yard.
• Phenomenal light-air performance and sensitive handling.
• Versatile enough for both around-the-buoys racing and short-handed coastal hops.
• Modern, aggressive aesthetics that have aged remarkably well.

Cons:

• The interior, while functional, lacks the luxury and insulation of a dedicated cruiser.
• High-maintenance rig and composite hull require a diligent service schedule.
• Deep draft can limit access to some shallower cruising grounds and marinas.