Nautor 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Swan 39 is a product of the International Offshore Rule (IOR), which heavily influenced hull shapes during its development. This results in a boat with a prominent "tumblehome" and a pinched stern, designed to maximize rating advantages while providing significant beam for initial stability. Under sail, the 39 is known for its exceptional upwind performance. The high ballast ratio—typically hovering around 40%—ensures the vessel is stiff and capable of carrying its large sail area well into the upper wind ranges.

Handling is precise, though like many IOR designs, it requires an active hand on the helm when sailing downwind in a swell to manage the characteristic "rhythmic rolling" that can occur. The "Racing" version featured a flush deck and a more complex rigging layout designed for a full crew, while the "CR" version offered a more manageable deck plan for short-handed sailing. Performance data suggests the boat excels in light-to-moderate air due to its massive foretriangle, though modern owners often retro-fit smaller headsails and removable inner forestays to improve handling in heavy weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Swan 39 showcases the Finnish craftsmanship that cemented Nautor's reputation. However, the experience varies significantly between the sibling variants. The Swan 39 CR (Cruising/Racing) features the traditional "Swan" aesthetic: warm Burmese teak joinery, a functional U-shaped galley to port, and a proper navigation station to starboard. The CR version includes a more traditional coachroof that provides increased standing headroom and more natural light compared to its racing counterpart.

The Swan 39 R (Racing) variant was significantly more utilitarian. To save weight, much of the heavy teak cabinetry found in the CR was replaced with lighter alternatives or omitted entirely. These boats often featured pipe berths in the aft sections to accommodate racing crews during offshore events. Regardless of the version, the build quality remains high, with Nautor’s signature solid laminate hull and glassed-in bulkheads providing a rigid and quiet interior even when the boat is pressed hard.

The Swan 39 also served as the technical foundation for its successor, the Swan 391. While the 39 was a pure Ron Holland performance hull, the 391 (launched in 1981) was a refined version that smoothed out some of the extreme IOR features, offering a more balanced hull and a slightly more cruiser-friendly interior.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Swan 39 with a checklist focused on the longevity of 1970s-era racing builds.

• Teak Deck Longevity: Original decks were often fastened with screws into a balsa-cored laminate. Over forty years, these screws can provide a path for water to reach the core. Inspection should focus on soft spots or "pumping" when the deck is stepped on.
• Mast Step & Grid: The high rig loads of the IOR era can lead to compression at the mast step. Buyers should inspect the aluminum or steel structural grid for signs of corrosion or movement, which can manifest as cracked tabbing on the nearby bulkheads.
• Keel Bolts & Joint: The Swan 39 utilizes a deep fin keel. The joint between the lead keel and the GRP stub should be inspected for the "smile" that indicates movement or the need for bolt tightening/replacement.
• Engine Serviceability: Many 39s were originally fitted with Bukh or Perkins engines. While robust, access can be tight in the Racing versions, and a thorough mechanical audit is necessary to ensure the cooling systems haven't suffered from decades of saltwater use.
• Rod Rigging: Most Swans of this era were equipped with rod rigging. If the rigging is more than 10-15 years old, it is generally considered past its "use-by" date for offshore insurance purposes and should be replaced regardless of visual appearance.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Swan 39 often find support through the Classic Swan Association, an organization dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Nautor yachts designed by S&S, Ron Holland, and Germán Frers. The association maintains technical archives and organizes "Swan Cups" that allow owners to compete in a dedicated class. Technical documentation and original drawings are also maintained by the Nautor Swan Heritage department in Finland, which remains a vital resource for sourcing original specifications.

The Verdict

The Nautor Swan 39 is a "sailor's sailboat" that offers a level of build quality rarely seen in modern production boats. While its IOR-era hull shape requires more attention than a modern wide-stern cruiser, the reward is a boat that feels alive in the hands of a skilled helm.

Pros:

• Exquisite Finnish joinery and legendary Nautor build quality.
• Excellent upwind performance and stiffness in a breeze.
• Dual-purpose pedigree allows for competitive classic racing or fast coastal cruising.

Cons:

• IOR hull shape can be temperamental and prone to rolling downwind.
• High maintenance requirements for aging teak decks and rod rigging.
• Racing (R) versions lack the creature comforts expected by modern cruising families.