Design and Construction
Faroux drew the Sun Charm 39 in the late eighties. Jeanneau built her with a solid fiberglass hull and fin keel. The builder says it selected only the best fittings for the deck.
The deck has an attractive slope, with angled sections cut to create a harmonious appearance. An elegant stepping runs the length of the grab rail, while flush grab rails make access to the bow easier. Mast guards and stainless steel ventilator guards further support secure movement around the well-structured deck.
Jeanneau used a CAD system to optimize onboard comfort, including the positions of the galley line and chart table. The interior is finished with varnished teak, solid-wood mouldings, wood-core plywood roundings, and shaped cushions. A separate review describes the interior as mahogany, a conventional choice for the era.
Rig and Handling
The masthead rig has a reference sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 18.6, rising to 22.2 with a 135% genoa. The Sun Charm 39 is credited with more rig than 90% of similar sailboats. This substantial sail plan gives her an advantage in light air, where she is faster than 62% of comparable designs.
Nearly all sail-control lines lead aft to the cockpit. A pair of powerful 51 winches handles the genoa or spinnaker sheets in strong wind. The shrouds were brought forward on the cabin roof to free space in the cockpit.
The helm is responsive and affords full control in all circumstances. Engine controls are within easy reach of the helmsman and protected from spindrift.
Deck and Cockpit
The teak-slatted cockpit has ergonomic backrests and four large, deep, compartmented lockers aft of the wheel. The aft spoiler provides easy access to the water through two steps and a large bathing ladder with a small stowage locker. This arrangement also makes bow-to-mole mooring and tender access easier.
Accommodations
Below, the Sun Charm 39 makes no compromises on living space. The manufacturer describes three amply appointed cabins, each with a commodious area ahead of the berth, a reading seat, and good stowage. A separate review counts four cabins and eight berths, so the sources differ on the cabin count.
Two symmetrical washrooms adjoin the aft cabins. Each has integral locker units and pressure cold water, with hot water optional. The forward cabin has its own washbasin, opening hatch, and ventilator. Each aft cabin has two opening portholes, while several openings surround the saloon. Two openings per living area regulate air circulation, and grab rails are always within reach.
The saloon is immense and refined, with handsome, supple upholstery. The navigation station extends from the superbly equipped galley, which includes an oven, double sink, refrigerator, and hot and cold water.
Performance Profile
With a displacement-length ratio of 188, the Sun Charm 39 falls among “moderate racers,” and 79% of similar designs are heavier. Her ballast ratio of 36% exceeds that of 31% of her peers.
The capsize screening value of 2.10 means she wouldn’t be accepted for ocean races. Her Motion Comfort Ratio of 21.4 makes her more comfortable than 15% of similar designs—a modest result, but one consistent with a lively, moderate-displacement hull.
The theoretical hull speed is 7.6 knots. With the optional 44 hp Yanmar diesel and shaft drive, the reported maximum speed is 8.0 knots.
The Verdict
The Sun Charm 39 is a roomy, well-finished late-eighties cruiser. Her generously proportioned interior and separate navigation station suit extended coastal cruising, while the overrigged masthead sail plan provides genuine light-air pace. Nearly all sail-control lines lead to a clean, practical cockpit.
Her capsize screening value and modest comfort ratio, however, mark her as a sheltered-water cruiser rather than an offshore racer.
Pros
- Generous three- or four-cabin layout with eight berths and a large saloon
- Nearly all sail-control lines led aft to powerful cockpit winches
- Responsive helm, with protected engine controls within easy reach
- Substantial rig delivers strong light-wind performance relative to comparable boats
Cons
- Capsize screening value excludes her from acceptance for ocean racing
- Comfort ratio is lower than that of most similar designs
- Hot water in the washrooms was optional rather than standard
