Grand Soleil 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Grand Soleil 39 vary significantly between the classic and modern generations. The original Jezequel 39 features a relatively high-displacement hull with a deep, lead-ballasted fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, providing exceptional tracking and a "heavy-weather" feel that modern light-displacement boats often lack. In contrast, the modern Claudio Maletto 39 is a thoroughbred of contemporary design, utilizing a T-bulb keel and a high-aspect spade rudder.

According to technical assessments from Yachting Monthly, the modern 39 is optimized for light-to-moderate Mediterranean breezes but maintains significant stability when the pressure increases, thanks to its low center of gravity. The modern version utilizes a powerful fractional rig with a large mainsail and a non-overlapping jib, which simplifies tacking compared to the massive genoas found on the 1980s hulls. Sailors of the newer 39 report a responsive, dinghy-like feel at the twin wheels, with a sail area-to-displacement ratio that suggests high performance in light air, yet the hull form incorporates enough flare to keep the deck dry in a chop.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Grand Soleil ethos, the interior of the 39-foot models serves as a showcase for Italian cabinetry. The classic Jezequel version is noted for its extensive use of solid mahogany and a traditional layout featuring a forward V-berth, a sprawling saloon with a pilot berth, and a snug aft cabin. This era focused on "sea-going" security, with deep fiddles and numerous handholds.

The modern 39, as detailed in reviews by Sail Magazine, shifted toward a minimalist, "loft-style" aesthetic. It typically offers a two-cabin or three-cabin configuration. The two-cabin "Owner’s" version is particularly prized on the secondary market for its expansive heads compartment and a massive cockpit locker. Both generations prioritize natural light, though the modern version achieves this through flush deck hatches and long coachroof portlights, while the older models rely on traditional opening ports. A notable sibling of the modern 39 is the Grand Soleil 43, which shares many aesthetic cues and construction techniques, often serving as the next step for owners seeking a dedicated three-cabin, two-head layout without sacrificing the 39's agility.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Grand Soleil 39 has long been a staple of the European racing-cruising circuit. The modern 39 gained significant media attention during its launch window, winning the European Yacht of the Year award in the "Performance Cruiser" category in 2012. This accolade solidified its position against rivals like X-Yachts and Dehler. While it has not been a primary subject of major motion pictures, it is a frequent "star" of Mediterranean yachting lifestyle photography, often used by Cantiere del Pardo to represent the quintessential Italian sailing experience in their flagship marketing campaigns.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the two generations with different technical priorities:

• Grid and Matrix Bonding: On the modern Maletto-designed 39s, it is critical to inspect the bonding of the structural floor grid to the hull. While Grand Soleil uses high-quality vinyester resins, any history of a hard grounding can compromise the integrity of the grid-to-hull bond near the keel bolts.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Many 1980s-era 39s were fitted with thick teak decks screwed into a balsa-cored laminate. Buyers should use a moisture meter to check for core saturation around deck fittings, as a full deck replacement can be a significant percentage of the boat's value.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect spade rudder on the modern version can develop "slop" or play in the Jefa bearings over time. This is usually felt as a vibration or rattle at the wheel and requires bearing replacement to restore the boat's signature steering finesse.
• Osmosis: While less common than on other brands of the same era, early 1980s Grand Soleils should be checked for osmotic blistering, particularly if they have spent their entire lives in warm Mediterranean waters without a modern epoxy barrier coat.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Grand Soleil 39 are supported by a few dedicated organizations. The most prominent is the Cantiere del Pardo-sanctioned community that organizes the Grand Soleil Cup, an annual regatta that draws dozens of 39s from across Europe. Technical support is often coordinated through the Grand Soleil Owners Association, which maintains a repository of historical brochures and technical manuals. While there is no single "Wiki" for the model, the Italian-based Associazione Armatori Grand Soleil provides a robust network for sourcing original spare parts and advice on period-correct restorations for the Jezequel models.

The Verdict

The Grand Soleil 39 remains a benchmark for those who refuse to choose between a racing pedigree and a luxury lifestyle. Whether opting for the classic Jezequel "Baby Swan" or the modern Maletto performance cruiser, the model delivers a level of refinement that few production builders can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior joinery and structural GRP work compared to mass-market competitors.
• Dual-Purpose Design: Genuinely competitive in ORC/IRC racing while remaining comfortable for family cruising.
• Aesthetic Longevity: Both generations feature timeless lines that do not age as rapidly as more "faddish" designs.
• High Resale Value: Strong brand recognition keeps demand high on the brokerage market.

Cons:

• Complexity: The sophisticated systems and high-end finishes require more meticulous maintenance than a basic coastal cruiser.
• Draft Limitations: The performance-oriented keels (often exceeding 2.0 meters) can limit access to some shallow cruising grounds.
• Cost of Entry: Expect to pay a premium for the "Italian Design" label compared to French or German production yachts of the same vintage.