S&S 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S&S 39 is widely celebrated for its "freight train" tracking and exceptional upwind capability. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 320, it is firmly in the heavy displacement category, which provides a remarkably stable and sea-kindly motion in a seaway. According to technical discussions hosted by the Sparkman & Stephens Association, the design utilizes a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers a superior balance between maneuverability and directional stability compared to the full-keel designs that preceded it.

Owners frequently report that the boat feels "stiff" and capable of carrying significant sail area into freshening conditions, though its IOR-influenced hull shape—characterized by a pinched stern and tumblehome—can make it somewhat tender initially until it reaches its "sweet spot" of heel. Once locked in, the 39-footer is known for its ability to punch through chop without losing momentum. The trade-off for this performance is a "wet" ride; the low freeboard and fine entry mean that spray often finds its way into the cockpit when beating into a head sea. Off the wind, the S&S 39 requires more active helming and a large spinnaker to keep pace with modern light-displacement hulls, but it remains vastly more comfortable and predictable in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the S&S 39 reflects the design’s dual-purpose racing and cruising heritage. Because the hull is relatively narrow (approx. 11.8 feet), the living space feels more intimate than contemporary 40-footers. The traditional layout usually includes a forward V-berth, a central saloon with a folding table, and a galley located near the companionway for better ventilation and accessibility while underway.

Production models from Prestige Yachts often featured high-quality timber joinery and a layout optimized for offshore passages. Many units were configured with pilot berths above the main settees to provide secure sleeping quarters at sea, a feature highly valued by blue-water cruisers. Sibling designs, such as the S&S 36 and the slightly more modern North American 40 (Design 2264), offered similar aesthetics but varied in their cockpit configurations—the 39 typically retains a more protected, traditional "working" cockpit. While the interior lacks the voluminous "condo-style" cabins of modern production boats, the simplicity of its plumbing and electrical runs makes it an easier platform for long-term maintenance and technical upgrades.

Popular Mentions & Media

The S&S 39’s reputation for durability is cemented by its association with legendary circumnavigator Jon Sanders. His vessel, Perie Banou II, is a well-known S&S 39 that has tackled some of the most grueling ocean passages in the world. The design is frequently discussed alongside the S&S 34 in the context of record-breaking solo voyages, as noted by the Global Solo Challenge, which highlights the enduring legacy of S&S designs in the offshore racing community. Other notable sister ships, such as Mark Twain and Pilgrim, have extensive histories in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, further validating the hull’s racing pedigree.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When surveying an S&S 39, several era-specific technical areas require close inspection:

• Deck Core Integrity: Many production units utilized a balsa-core deck. After decades of service, hardware mounting points (stanchions, winches, and tracks) can develop leaks, leading to localized delamination or saturation.
• Chainplate Attachments: Given the high loads experienced by these rigs, the bonding of the chainplates to the bulkheads and the condition of the bulkheads themselves should be verified. Owners on technical forums have occasionally noted the need for reinforcing these areas if the boat is intended for heavy offshore work.
• Rudder and Skeg Bearings: The skeg-hung rudder is a robust design, but the lower bearing and the structural attachment of the skeg to the hull can experience wear or stress cracking over time.
• Keel Bolts: As with many yachts of this vintage, the integrity of the keel-to-hull joint and the condition of the keel bolts—often stainless steel or galvanized—should be checked for "smile" cracks or internal corrosion.

Community & Resources

Owners and prospective buyers can find a wealth of technical data and historical context through the Sparkman & Stephens Association. Additionally, because of the close design relationship between the 34 and the 39, the S&S 34 Association often serves as a vital resource for technical discussions regarding hull maintenance and sail plan optimizations that are applicable to the larger sibling.

The Verdict

The S&S 39 is a "sailor’s boat" that prioritizes seaworthiness and windward performance over interior volume. It remains a top-tier choice for those seeking a classic ocean-going yacht with a proven pedigree.

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance and heavy-weather tracking.
• Robust construction suitable for blue-water circumnavigations.
• Classic, timeless aesthetics that command respect in any marina.
• Strong community support and high historical value.

Cons:

• A "wet" boat in choppy conditions due to low freeboard.
• Interior volume is limited compared to modern 40-footers.
• IOR-influenced "pinched" stern can make it rollier off the wind.
• Higher maintenance requirements for older balsa-cored decks.