Designed by the legendary C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine, this rare fin-keeled sloop represents a brief but notable chapter in Cal's storied history. With only 29 hulls produced during its short two-year production run from 1970-1971, the Cal 39 stands as one of the more exclusive entries in the builder's lineup. Lapworth's design philosophy shines through in the boat's balanced proportions and performance-oriented hull form. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining directional stability, making this boat well-suited for both spirited coastal sailing and longer passages. Her masthead sloop rig delivers respectable sailing performance with manageable sail handling for a crew of two to four. The solid fiberglass construction reflects the robust building standards of the era, contributing to the boat's reputation for durability. With a moderate comfort ratio of 25.56 and capsize screening value of 1.91, the Cal 39 strikes an appealing balance between performance and seaworthiness. These characteristics, combined with Lapworth's proven design expertise, make the Cal 39 an intriguing option for sailors seeking a capable cruiser with sporty handling characteristics and the cachet of limited production numbers.
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What is the Cal 39's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cal 39 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.84. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cal 39's comfort ratio?
The Cal 39 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 25.56. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cal 39 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cal 39 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.91. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cal 39?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cal 39 is 7.49 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cal 39 weigh?
The Cal 39 has a displacement of 14,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.67 ft.
How much does a used Cal 39 cost?
Based on 5 recent market listings, used Cal 39 sailboats typically sell for between $17,000 and $89,500, with a median asking price of $45,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Cal 39?
The Cal 39 was designed by C. William Lapworth, first built in 1970.