Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sun Fast 39 is defined by its powerful fractional sloop rig, which distinguishes it from the masthead configurations typically found on its cruising counterparts. This setup, combined with a high-aspect sail plan, gives the boat a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 20.0, a figure that indicates a highly responsive and agile vessel capable of rapid acceleration. According to Jeanneau’s historical records, the boat was designed to excel in major European regattas, utilizing a hull with pure lines and a relatively light displacement of 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs).

Under sail, the boat feels stiff and powerful due to a Ballast/Displacement ratio of 37.7%. While it lacks the ultra-stability of modern wide-beam designs, the 1.95m (6'5") fin keel provides excellent lift and tracking when beating to windward. An optional lead keel was offered for owners seeking even higher stability and tighter pointing angles. Handling is managed via a large-diameter wheel that offers the precise feedback necessary for trimming through gusts, while the cockpit is designed so that nearly all sail-trimming functions can be performed without obstructing the helmsman or crew movement.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its "Fast" nomenclature, the interior of the Sun Fast 39 was designed by Andrew Winch to offer a level of luxury surprising for a racer-cruiser of its era. The layout typically features three double cabins: a V-berth forward and two mirror-image aft cabins. A unique feature of this model is the integration of two heads; in some configurations, the aft cabins have direct access to their own dedicated washrooms, an unusual luxury for a 39-foot performance boat.

Materials include rich solid teak and teak-faced paneling, which Jeanneau archive data notes were intended to provide a "warm, luxurious feeling." The saloon is dominated by a large C-shaped settee to port, positioned so that movement toward the forward cabin remains unobstructed. While it shares its hull with the Sun Charm 39, the Sun Fast 39 often features more specialized racing hardware on deck and a slightly more streamlined interior to save weight, though it maintains full cruising capabilities including a galley with a gimbaled stove, refrigerator, and double sink.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Sun Fast 39 with a checklist tailored to its performance pedigree and age:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Sun Fast 39 uses a balsa-cored deck. Owners on technical forums have noted that improperly sealed aftermarket hardware can lead to moisture ingress. Inspect the areas around winches and the mast step for soft spots.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are recessed for a cleaner deck profile and better safety. However, this can make inspecting the undersides for crevice corrosion difficult. A thorough survey of the fiberglass grid reinforcement in these high-load areas is essential.
• Rudder Bearings: The internally mounted spade rudder is subject to high loads given the boat's speed. Check for excessive play or stiffness, which may indicate worn bearings or a bent rudder post.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the boat’s racing history, the keel bolts and the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for signs of grounding or structural stress.

Community & Resources

The most prominent resource for technical support and historical documentation is the Jeanneau Owners Network, an independent organization that maintains a technical wiki and forums for legacy models. Additionally, the Jeanneau official website provides a "Legacy" section where original brochures and basic specifications for the Sun Fast range are archived.

The Verdict

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 is a sophisticated racer-cruiser that remains a viable contender for club racing and fast coastal passages today. It offers a rare combination of Jacques Fauroux’s racing DNA and Andrew Winch’s interior elegance.

Pros

• Exceptional upwind performance thanks to a refined hull and fractional rig.
• Generous three-cabin layout with high-quality teak joinery.
• Deeply over-specified rigging ensures a significant margin of safety.
• Excellent value for sailors seeking a performance upgrade from standard cruisers.

Cons

• The 1.95m draft may limit access to shallower cruising grounds.
• Age-related maintenance (deck core and electronics) is almost a certainty.
• Higher weather helm in heavy puffs compared to modern, twin-rudder designs.