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Sailboat Specifications

Freedom 39

Cat Ketch (Unstayed) · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Ron Holland/Garry Hoyt · Built by Tillotson Pearson Inc, (Usa) · First built 1983

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LOA 39.00 ft  ·  Beam 12.83 ft  ·  Displacement 18,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 818.00 ft²  ·  Cat Ketch (Unstayed)  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Freedom 39 Sailboat

Designed by the renowned duo of Ron Holland and Garry Hoyt, this distinctive 39-footer represents one of the most successful implementations of the unstayed cat ketch rig concept. Built by Tillotson Pearson from 1983 onward, the Freedom 39 carved out a devoted following among cruising sailors who appreciated its unique approach to sail handling and performance. The boat's most notable characteristic is its unstayed cat ketch rig with fully-battened sails, eliminating the need for shrouds and stays while providing excellent sail shape control. This configuration offers significant advantages for shorthanded sailing, as the smaller individual sails are easier to manage than a conventional main and jib combination. The carbon fiber masts are freestanding, reducing maintenance while providing clean airflow across the sails. With a displacement of 18,500 pounds and moderate ballast ratio, the Freedom 39 strikes a comfortable balance between performance and stability. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability. Her comfortable 28.61 comfort ratio and conservative 1.94 capsize screening value make her well-suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages, particularly appealing to couples or small crews who value ease of handling over maximum performance.

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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 39.00 ft / 11.89 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
Beam 12.83 ft / 3.91 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Min Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 18,500.00 lb / 8,391 kg
Ballast 5,300.00 lb / 2,404 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 818.00 ft² / 75.99 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cat Ketch (unstayed)
Construction FG
Designer Ron Holland/Garry Hoyt
Builder Tillotson Pearson Inc, (USA)
First Built 1983
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-108
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
Water Capacity 130 gals / 492 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Freedom 39's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Freedom 39 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.78. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Freedom 39's comfort ratio?

The Freedom 39 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 28.61. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Freedom 39 safe for offshore sailing?

The Freedom 39 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.94. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Freedom 39?

The theoretical hull speed of the Freedom 39 is 7.46 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Freedom 39 weigh?

The Freedom 39 has a displacement of 18,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 39.00 ft.

Who designed the Freedom 39?

The Freedom 39 was designed by Ron Holland/Garry Hoyt, first built in 1983.