Wauquiez Opium 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Opium 39 is a "planing cruiser" that draws heavily from Marc Lombard’s success in the Class 40 and Open 60 circuits. With a beam of 4.18 meters carried well aft and a chined hull, the boat is exceptionally stable at high speeds. Unlike narrower traditional hulls that tend to bury their bows or round up when overpowered, the Opium 39 uses its twin rudders to maintain grip even when heavily heeled. According to technical documentation from the Marc Lombard Design Group, the hull was specifically engineered to reduce drag at high speeds, allowing it to transition to a plane in moderate-to-heavy reaching conditions.

Handling is characterized by light, responsive steering. The high Sail Area/Displacement ratio indicates a boat that is lively in light winds but truly comes into its own when the breeze exceeds 15 knots. While the boat tracks exceptionally well off the wind, its wide-beam design requires careful sail trimming when beating upwind to avoid excessive leeway. This model was built as a standalone performance niche for Wauquiez and does not have direct "Opium" siblings, though its hull philosophy influenced the later, more performance-oriented iterations of the Centurion range.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Opium 39 reflects a "modern-minimalist" aesthetic, prioritizing weight savings without sacrificing the high-quality finish expected from the Wauquiez brand. The woodwork typically utilizes light-colored veneers such as light oak or pear to maintain a bright, airy feel. The layout is generally a three-cabin configuration, with a large owner’s cabin forward and two double cabins aft.

One of the most distinct features of the Opium 39 is its open-plan saloon. Because the boat’s beam is so significant, the interior feels much larger than a traditional 39-foot cruiser. The galley is linear and functional for offshore use, though it lacks some of the heavy cabinetry found in the Pilot Saloon series. Headroom is generous throughout the main living areas, a notable feat for a boat with such a low-profile, sleek coachroof.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a high-performance cruiser built using vacuum infusion, the Opium 39 requires specific technical scrutiny during a pre-purchase survey.

• Twin Rudder Linkage: The linkage system for the twin rudders should be inspected for play or corrosion. Because there are two blades, any misalignment can lead to increased drag and a "heavy" feel at the helm.
• Rigging Loads: The Opium 39 often carries a powerful, high-fractional rig with swept-back spreaders and no permanent backstay (or a lightweight flicker). The chainplates and mast step should be checked for signs of stress, as these areas handle significantly higher loads than a standard cruising yacht.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: Due to the "fast cruiser" nature of the boat, many owners have pushed these vessels hard. Inspect the deck around winches and tracks for any signs of crazing or moisture ingress in the balsa or foam core.
• Sail Inventory: Because the boat’s performance is so dependent on sail shape, an aging suit of sails will significantly degrade the handling. Buyers should factor in the cost of high-modulus sails if the existing inventory is original Dacron.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Opium 39 are often integrated into the broader Wauquiez community, which is well-supported by the Wauquiez Forever association. This group maintains technical archives and organizes rallies that include the performance-oriented models of the brand. Given the boat's French pedigree and Lombard design, much of the technical discussion and racing modifications can be found within French offshore racing circles.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Opium 39 is a specialist’s boat, designed for the sailor who finds traditional cruisers too sluggish and dedicated racing boats too spartan. It offers a rare combination of French "grand tourisme" comfort and genuine offshore speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional off-the-wind performance and stability.
• High-quality vacuum-infused construction.
• Spacious, light-filled interior for its class.
• Twin rudders provide superb control in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Wider beam can make finding slips in older marinas challenging.
• High-tension rigging requires more frequent professional tuning.
• Interior may feel too "minimalist" for those accustomed to traditional teak-heavy yachts.