The Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 Sailboat
Specs, Performance Analysis & Cruising Characteristics

Key Takeaways

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 is a performance-oriented cruiser that successfully bridged the gap between the racing circuit and family coastal cruising in the early 1990s. Built with a stiffer hull and a taller rig than its Sun Odyssey counterpart, it offers rewarding speeds and excellent pointing ability. While it prioritises sailing sensations, it remains a capable liveaboard with a high-quality interior, though its deeper draft and more active handling requirements mean it is best suited for experienced sailors who value pace over passive stability.

Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 at anchorA Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 sailboat at anchor

Table of Contents

Design & Construction

The Sun Fast 39 was born from the drawing board of Jacques Fauroux, a designer renowned for creating hulls with a fine balance of speed and manners. Launched in 1990 by the prolific French builder Jeanneau, this model was part of the "Sun Fast" range, which took the existing successful Sun Odyssey hulls and uprated them with deeper keels, taller rigs, and higher-specification deck hardware. The hull is constructed from solid GRP (glass reinforced plastic), while the deck is a balsa-cored sandwich for weight savings and stiffness.

The defining feature of the Sun Fast 39 is its performance-to-comfort ratio. Unlike many "racer-cruisers" of the era that sacrificed interior volume for a narrow waterline, Fauroux maintained a generous beam that is carried well aft. This provides a spacious cockpit for the crew and a voluminous interior for the family.

During its production run, the Sun Fast 39 was primarily offered as a deep-finned sloop, though variations in interior layouts were common. Buyers could choose between a two-cabin "Owner" version or a three-cabin "Team" version. The latter was particularly popular for charter or larger sailing families. While most featured the standard deep keel to support the taller mast, a few were tailored with slightly different ballast configurations depending on the original owner’s racing ambitions.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sketch setting out the four key rig dimensions I, J, P & E, primarily of interest to sailmakers and riggersRig dimensions

The Sun Fast 39 carries a fractional rig with two sets of swept-back spreaders. This setup allows for better mainsail control and easier headsail tacking compared to the masthead rigs of the previous decade.

  • I (Forestay Height): 47'3" (14.40 m)
  • J (Foretriangle Base): 13'5" (4.10 m)
  • P (Mainsail Luff): 41'10" (12.75 m)
  • E (Mainsail Foot): 15'1" (4.60 m)

Individual Sail Areas:

  • Main: 316.50 ft² (29.40 m²)
  • Fore (100% Triangle): 317.50 ft² (29.50 m²)
  • Total (Calculated): 634.00 ft² (58.90 m²)

Published Specification: The Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 Blueprint

Specification Item Data Detail
Length Overall (LOA) 38'6" (11.73 m)
Waterline Length (LWL) 32'5" (9.88 m)
Beam 12'9" (3.89 m)
Draft (Deep Keel) 6'11" (2.11 m)
Displacement 14,330 lbs (6,500 kg)
Ballast 5,313 lbs (2,410 kg)
Rig Type Fractional Sloop
Hull Material GRP (Solid Laminate)
Production Years 1990 – 1994

Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios

To truly grasp how the Sun Fast 39 behaves on the water, we must look at the mathematical relationship between its weight, length, and sail power. These figures offer a objective view of its personality compared to other cruisers.

Design Ratio Value Interpretation
Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) 17.2 Moderate-High: Suggests good light-wind performance.
Displacement/Length (D/L) 187 Light-Moderate: Indicates a hull that is easily driven and fast.
Ballast/Displacement (B/D) 37.1% Stiff: This is a healthy percentage for a performance cruiser.
Capsize Screening (CSF) 2.1 Borderline: Slightly above the preferred 2.0 for offshore work.
Brewer Comfort Ratio 22.4 Lightweight Motion: Expect a more active, "lively" feel in a seaway.

The SA/D of 17.2 places the Sun Fast 39 firmly in the performance cruising category. It will keep moving when heavier yachts are forced to start their engines. However, the Comfort Ratio of 22.4 tells us that this is not a heavy, slow-rolling blue water tank. It is a nimble boat that will transmit more motion to the crew in choppy conditions. For a deeper understanding of these metrics, see our guide on Understanding Boat Performance & Design Ratios.

Structural Integrity & Stability Dynamics

The use of solid GRP for the hull was standard practice for Jeanneau during this era, providing a robust and easily repairable structure. Unlike the aluminium hulls often favoured for extreme high-latitude sailing, the Sun Fast 39 focuses on weight efficiency and hydrodynamics. The deep keel—usually a cast iron fin—provides a low centre of gravity. This is essential for the Sun Fast because the rig is taller than the cruising-only Sun Odyssey 39. This stability allows the boat to carry its sail area longer into a breeze, though the deep 6'11" draft limits your choice of shallow anchorages in places like the Bahamas or the East Coast of the UK.

The Buyer’s Checklist: Common Problem Areas

When inspecting a Sun Fast 39, remember that these boats were often sailed harder than their Odyssey cousins.

  • Keel Bolts & Grid: Check the internal hull grid (matrix) for signs of cracking or separation near the keel floors. A "hard grounding" in a boat with this much leverage can cause structural stress.
  • Mast Step & Compression: Inspect the base of the deck-stepped mast and the internal compression post for any signs of sagging or moisture ingress in the deck core.
  • Rudded Bearing Play: Jeanneau rudders of this era can develop play in the bearings. While not a deal-breaker, it is a common maintenance item that requires the boat to be hauled.
  • Original Engine: Many came with the Yanmar 3GM30F. Check for exhaust elbow clogging and motor mount condition.
  • Porthole Leaks: The large deck saloons and ports can develop leaks over three decades. Look for water staining on the woodwork below the windows.

Comparison: Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 vs The Competition

How does the Sun Fast 39 stack up against its contemporaries?

  • Beneteau First 40.5: The First is perhaps the closest rival. It often features a slightly more refined interior but the Sun Fast 39 is generally considered to have a more robust hull-to-deck joint.
  • Sigma 38: While the Sigma is a legendary racer, it is much more spartan and narrower. The Sun Fast 39 offers significantly more "home comforts" for a cruising couple.
  • Dehler 39: The Dehler is often more expensive and technical. The Jeanneau is arguably easier to maintain for the average DIY owner due to more conventional systems.

Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics

Step below, and you will find the classic Jeanneau woodwork—usually teak or mahogany veneers that have aged well if kept dry. The "Owner" layout is the pick for long-distance cruising, featuring a massive aft cabin that spans the width of the boat and a generous forward V-berth.

The galley is L-shaped and practical for use at sea, with deep sinks and adequate bracing for the cook. Tankage is reasonable for a 39-foot boat, though those planning serious ocean crossings may want to supplement the water capacity with a watermaker. The cockpit is the highlight for the active sailor; it is wide, with well-placed winches and a large steering wheel that provides excellent feedback.

Could this be your ideal cruising boat?

It may well be, but before going any further, it might be worth taking a look at my eBook 'How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Sailboat'...

Summing Up

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 39 remains a compelling choice for the sailor who refuses to accept a dull helm. It combines the build reliability of a major production manufacturer with the performance tweaks necessary to win club races or simply reach the next harbour before the sun sets. While its design ratios suggest a livelier motion and a need for earlier reefing than a dedicated blue water cruiser, its spacious interior and proven Fauroux hull make it an excellent platform for fast coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages.

If you'd like to compare this boat with others in this size range, take a look at Cruising Boats from 35' to 40' overall....

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of the RYA publications 'Offshore Sailing' and 'Fishing Afloat', member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), and erstwhile member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the Sun Fast 39 differ from the Sun Odyssey 39?

The Sun Fast has a taller mast, more sail area, deeper keel, and often higher-quality deck gear like Lewmar or Harken winches. The hull shapes are identical, but the Sun Fast is "tuned" for speed.

Is the Sun Fast 39 suitable for single-handed sailing?

Yes, provided the lines are led aft to the cockpit. The fractional rig is easy to tune, but the large mainsail may require a good slab-reefing system or an aftermarket transition to a stack-pack for easier handling by one person.

Can I take this boat across the Atlantic?

Many have. While its motion is more active than a heavy-displacement cruiser, its speed is a safety factor in itself, allowing you to outrun or dodge weather systems. Ensure the hull grid and standing rigging are professionally surveyed first.

What is the typical cruising speed under power?

With a well-maintained 27hp or 30hp Yanmar, you can expect a comfortable cruising speed of about 6 knots at 2,500 RPM, with a maximum speed near 7.5 knots.

Is osmosis a common issue on this model?

Jeanneau hulls from the early 90s are generally well-regarded, but like any GRP boat of this age, moisture readings should be taken. Many will have had an epoxy treatment by now.

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