Designed as a larger sibling to the legendary Contessa 32, this 39-foot sailboat emerged from the drawing board of David Sadler in the 1980s, carrying forward the proven seaworthy characteristics that made the Contessa name synonymous with offshore capability. Built by Jeremy Rogers in the UK, the Contessa 39 represents a thoughtful evolution of the design philosophy that created one of sailing's most respected blue-water cruisers. While maintaining the robust construction and conservative design principles of her smaller sister, the 39 offers significantly more interior volume and comfort without sacrificing the seakindly motion that defines the Contessa lineage. Her moderate displacement hull and well-balanced sail plan make her equally suited for serious offshore passage-making and extended coastal cruising. The cockpit layout emphasizes safety and functionality, with high coamings and thoughtfully positioned winches. Below, the accommodation strikes a practical balance between comfort and seaworthiness, with sturdy joinery and sensible storage solutions throughout. Though fewer examples were built compared to the famous Contessa 32, those who sail the 39 consistently praise her solid feel, predictable handling, and confidence-inspiring behavior in challenging conditions, making her a worthy choice for serious cruising sailors.
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What is the Contessa 39's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Contessa 39 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.37. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Contessa 39's comfort ratio?
The Contessa 39 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 22.49. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Contessa 39 safe for offshore sailing?
The Contessa 39 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.02. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Contessa 39?
The theoretical hull speed of the Contessa 39 is 7.72 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Contessa 39 weigh?
The Contessa 39 has a displacement of 14,250.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.67 ft.
How much does a used Contessa 39 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Contessa 39 sailboats typically sell for between $37,000 and $37,000, with a median asking price of $37,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Contessa 39?
The Contessa 39 was designed by Doug Peterson, first built in 1979.