Hanse 320 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison

Hanse 320Hanse 320
VS
1979 Cal 391979 Cal 39

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 3201979 Cal 39
General
ManufacturerHanseCal
Year2005–20101979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coBill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA9.92 m (32.5 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
LWL8.80 m (28.9 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 320
16.90
1979 Cal 39
15.78
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 320
30.43
1979 Cal 39
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 320
0.79
1979 Cal 39
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 320
17.40
1979 Cal 39
21.05

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 320 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 320 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The Hanse 320 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the Hanse 320 measures 9.92m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 1.97m longer than the Hanse 320. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 320 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Hanse 320 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The Hanse 320 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1979 Cal 39 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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