2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison

2014 X-Yachts Xc 45
VS
1979 Cal 391979 Cal 39

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2014 X-Yachts Xc 451979 Cal 39
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsCal
Year2014–20201979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenBill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA13.85 m (45.4 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
LWL12.00 m (39.4 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam4.15 m (13.6 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)
Ballast4,300 kg (9,480 lbs)3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity380 L (100.4 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2014 X-Yachts Xc 45
18.34
1979 Cal 39
15.78
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2014 X-Yachts Xc 45
37.39
1979 Cal 39
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2014 X-Yachts Xc 45
0.74
1979 Cal 39
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2014 X-Yachts Xc 45
16.84
1979 Cal 39
21.05

Detailed Comparison

The 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 measures 13.85m (45.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 is 1.96m longer than the 1979 Cal 39. The 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.34 and 92.0 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 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 37.4% for the 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 380L of water capacity and 200L 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 2014 X-Yachts Xc 45 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.

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