Design and Construction
The 39 keeps the signature vertical windows and overall Lagoon appearance that mark the marque, yet the naval architects Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost moved the mast and the hulls' center of buoyancy much farther aft. That shift, combined with very fine plumb bows meant to maximize waterline length, gives her a very large foretriangle reminiscent of an ocean racing trimaran. Because there is no bulkhead under the mast, Lagoon fitted an unobtrusive compression post at the edge of a galley counter; that post lands on a husky bridgedeck built as a strong composite beam with stringers carrying rig loads to the hulls, and the grid ties into fore and aft bulkheads to make a square, stiff structure anchor.
Above the waterline the fiberglass layup is vacuum-infused balsa core with solid glass below, and the deck is likewise balsa cored — a conventional modern schedule. The foredeck is mostly netting, which cuts weight and reduces slamming in rough water, while a central longitudinal beam carries the anchor chain out between the bows and two large deep lockers hold fenders and lines.
Rig and Handling
The tall spar supports an efficient high-aspect mainsail, and the test boat carried the optional square-top main that further improves efficiency. With a double-spreader fractional rig set well aft to maximize power and minimize pitching, the large foretriangle and relatively small main let owners choose from several foresails including a self-tacking jib. Testers found the mainsail easier to handle than on many big multihulls, and all halyards and sheets fall conveniently to hand at the raised helm station, which sits in a cutout in the targa top with a line tail bag beside the wheel.
Under sail she proved fast and dry. In 18-knot wind with short steep 5-to-7-foot seas one reviewer noted 7 knots to windward, touching 7.5, with no pounding as the sharp hulls sliced through waves, and off the wind she accelerated easily past 8 knots. Cruising World's tester registered 6.1 to 6.4 knots hard on the wind under jib and reefed main in stronger air, then climbed to 8 knots with wind on the aft quarter, calling helm response exceptional for a catamaran anchor. Under power, the twin 29-PS diesels performed the "cat pirouette" in her own length with opposite rotation and held 7.5 knots at 3,000 rpm with a modest 68 dBA sound level.
Accommodations
The saloon is light and bright from blond Alpi wood laminate and fabrics, with big vertical windows low enough to see through while seated and no head-knocking overhangs; tall sailors delight in the headroom. Traffic between the large uncluttered cockpit and saloon is excellent, and there is seating for a sizable party under the targa top. The galley lies to port with the nav station ahead, a forward-facing desk with room for electronics and a standard chart book, and the big dinette table seats five easily.
The owner's version sailed by reviewers placed a big double berth aft in each hull with dressing table and large head; Cruising World described the starboard hull as a full owner's suite with king berth, midship vanity, and separate shower forward, mirrored in the port hull, while other layouts offer three or four cabins for up to eight. Private quarters are reached through sliding doors, lockers are plentiful with sturdy positive catches, and countertop fiddles with a mid-cabin post serve as grab points in rough weather.
Known Issues
One practical shortcoming noted in review is that reaching the cabintop from the foredeck is not easy, a consequence of the netted foredeck and lack of molded steps. Buyers and inspectors should regard foredeck-to-coachroof access as awkward rather than hazard-free.
Refits and Ownership
Plumbing and wiring are first-class, with everything labeled, bundled, and properly clamped, which simplifies later system upgrades. The nav station's open space invites whatever electronics an owner chooses, and the rig's flexibility means a self-tacking jib or downwind sails are straightforward additions. CE certification runs A:10 / B:12 / C:16 / D:20, confirming offshore capability for a couple or small family.
The Verdict
The Lagoon 39 is a thoughtfully reworked entry-level cruising cat that trades some foredeck convenience for genuine sailing ability and a stiff, light structure. She rewards the cruising couple or small family with bright, roomy accommodations and precise helm feedback rarely found in the class.
Pros
- Aft-shifted rig and fine plumb bows deliver real windward performance and easy mainsail handling
- Stiff bridgedeck grid with no under-mast bulkhead keeps structure square and strong
- Excellent cockpit-to-saloon flow with panoramic low windows and tall headroom
- Labeled, clamped systems simplify ownership and refit
Cons
- Awkward climb from foredeck to cabintop limits easy sail-control access
- Netted foredeck and fine bows favor performance over traditional foredeck utility
