Jeanneau Sun Charm 39 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Faroux drew the Sun Charm 39 in the late eighties, and Jeanneau built her in fiberglass with a solid hull and a fin keel. The builder selected only the best fittings for the deck, and the result is a well-structured layout with an attractive sloping deck area whose angle sections are cut to be harmonious. An elegant stepping runs the length of the grab-rail, and flush grab-rails make bow access easier. The interior finish uses varnished teak, solid wood mouldings, wood-core plywood roundings, and shaped cushions, while a separate review notes the interior is made of mahogany — a conventional choice for the era. A CAD system informed the design to optimize on-board well-being, including galley line and chart table placement.

Rig and Handling

The masthead rig carries a reference sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 18.6, rising to 22.2 with a 135% genoa, and the boat is credited with more rig than 90% of similar sailboats — a significant overrigging that translates to a light-wind advantage, as she is faster than 62% of comparable designs in light air. Nearly all sail lines are led aft to the cockpit, where a pair of powerful 51 winches handle genoa or spinnaker sheets in strong wind. The shrouds were brought forward on the cabin roof to free the cockpit, and the helm itself is responsive, affording full control in all circumstances. Engine controls sit within easy reach of the helmsman and are protected from spindrift.

Accommodations

Below, the Sun Charm 39 is absent of compromise in 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 (sources differ on cabin count). Two symmetrical washrooms adjoin the aft cabins, with integral locker units and pressure cold water, hot optional. The forward cabin gets its own washbasin, opening hatch, and ventilator; each aft cabin has two opening portholes and the saloon is surrounded by several openings. The saloon is immense and refined, with handsome supple upholstery, and the navigation station extends the superbly equipped galley, which holds an oven, double sink, refrigerator, and hot and cold water. Air circulation is regulated by two openings per living area, and grab-rails are always within reach.

Deck and Cockpit

The teak-slatted cockpit carries ergonomic backrests and four large, deep, compartmented lockers aft of the wheel. The aft spoiler gives easy water access via two steps and a large bathing ladder with a small stowage locker, and also eases bow-to-mole mooring or tender access. Mast guards and stainless steel ventilator guards are fitted, rounding out a deck built for secure movement and practical stowage.

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 31% of peers, and the capsize screening value of 2.10 means she would not be accepted for ocean races. The theoretical hull speed is 7.6 knots, with a reported 8.0 knots max under the optional 44 hp Yanmar diesel and shaft drive. Her Motion Comfort Ratio of 21.4 places her as more comfortable than 15% of similar designs — modest, but consistent with a lively moderate-displacement hull.

The Verdict

The Sun Charm 39 is a roomy, well-finished late-eighties cruiser whose overrigged masthead plan delivers genuine light-air speed and a clean, line-led cockpit. Her interior volume and separate nav station suit extended coastal cruising, though the capsize screen and comfort ratio mark her as a sheltered-water rather than offshore racer.

Pros