Jezequel Grand Soleil 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Grand Soleil 39 is a product of its time, featuring a high-aspect masthead rig and a hull shape heavily influenced by the IOR racing formulas of the 1980s. This results in a boat that is exceptionally stiff and weatherly, excelling in upwind performance where its deep keel and significant ballast ratio provide stability in a breeze. While modern designs favor wide sterns for off-wind speed, the Jezequel 39’s narrower stern and deep forefoot allow it to track with remarkable precision, a trait often praised by traditionalists for its "sea-kindliness" in a chop.

Under sail, the boat feels powerful but requires active trimming; the large overlapping genoa is the primary engine, characteristic of masthead rigs from this era. In light air, the boat’s relatively high displacement—approximately 8,300 kg—means it takes a moment to find its groove, but once moving, it carries significant momentum. Owners frequently report that the steering remains balanced even when the boat is well-heeled, provided the mainsail is reefed early to manage the IOR-induced tendency toward weather helm in heavy gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Grand Soleil 39 is a showcase of traditional Italian craftsmanship, heavily utilizing solid teak and high-gloss varnishes that were the hallmark of Cantiere del Pardo in the 1980s. The layout is a classic offshore configuration: a forward V-berth with an ensuite head, a spacious central salon with U-shaped seating, and a dedicated navigation station that would be considered oversized by modern standards.

A key variation in the model's history involves the galley and aft cabin arrangements. Most hulls feature a linear galley to port, which provides excellent bracing for the cook while at sea, though some later versions or custom orders showcased variations in the cabinetry and locker configurations. The aft section typically houses a large double cabin to starboard and a second head, though the pinched stern of the Jezequel design makes the aft cabin feel more enclosed than the beamier aft sections of 21st-century cruisers. Headroom is generous throughout the main salon, often exceeding 6'3", contributing to the vessel's reputation as a legitimate long-distance cruiser rather than just a club racer.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Grand Soleil 39 should approach the inspection with a focus on the structural and material longevity of a 40-year-old performance cruiser. While the hulls are robustly built, specific areas require professional scrutiny:

• Teak Deck Integrity: The most common and expensive issue on these yachts is the condition of the original teak decks. Cantiere del Pardo typically screwed the teak into a balsa-cored sandwich deck. Over decades, these screws can allow water to penetrate the core, leading to delamination and soft spots.
• Galvanized Steel Grid: The 39 features a galvanized steel internal frame to distribute rig and keel loads. While superior for stiffness, this grid must be inspected for signs of "bleeding" or rust, which can indicate a breakdown of the galvanization and potential structural compromise if the bilge has been habitually wet.
• Chainplates and Rigging: Due to the high loads of the masthead rig, the chainplates and their attachment points to the bulkheads should be checked for stress cracks or water ingress, which can rot the plywood bulkheads they are bolted to.
• Osmosis: Like many Mediterranean builds from the 1980s, the Grand Soleil 39 can be prone to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter reading and a visual hull inspection are essential during any pre-purchase survey.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Jezequel 39 is preserved through several European-based organizations. Owners often congregate under the umbrella of the Grand Soleil Cup events and regional associations such as the Grand Soleil Owners Club. Technical documentation and original sail plans are occasionally accessible via the Cantiere del Pardo heritage department, which maintains a degree of support for their vintage fleet.

The Verdict

The Grand Soleil 39 by Jezequel is a "modern classic" that appeals to sailors who value aesthetic beauty and upwind performance over the voluminous interiors of contemporary mass-production boats. It is a robust, elegant cruiser that, when well-maintained, can still outrun much newer designs on a beat to windward.

Pros:

• Timeless, elegant Italian design and superior interior joinery.
• Excellent upwind performance and heavy-weather stability.
• High-quality hardware and a stiff, structurally sound hull design.

Cons:

• High maintenance costs associated with aging teak decks and galvanized frames.
• Pinched stern limits aft cabin space and off-wind speed compared to modern designs.
• Large overlapping genoas are physically demanding to tack for a small crew.