2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Cal |
| Year | 2007–2012 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Philippe Briand | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.86 m (38.9 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,600 kg (16,755 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS was penned by Philippe Briand. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS measures 11.86m (38.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 0.03m longer than the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.30 and 62.0 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 31.6% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.