Another Lapworth design, this Cal has a long waterline, aft extending rudder, and a large sailplan. It was offered in either a sloop or cutter with an optional tall rig. Either rig is high aspect. A beautiful reverse transom and a high performance rudder that actually extends slightly aft of the back of the transom.

• LOA = 39' 0"

• LWL = 32' 1"
• Beam = 12' 0"
• Draft = 6' 8" or 5' 6"
• Displacement = 19,000 pounds
• SA standard rig:
• Main = 303sg.ft., 100% foretriangle = 417sq.ft.
• SA Tall rig:
• Main = 326.6sg.ft., 100% foretriangle = 450sq.ft.
• Hull material = FRP
• Spars = Painted aluminum
• Berths = 6
• Engine = Universal 44HP
• Fuel = Diesel 45 gallons
• Heads = 2
• Water = 152 gallons
• Ratings = D-PN 75.4 standard, PHRF 114
• (Tall rig with deep keel PHRF about 106)
• Designer = William Lapworth

The Cal 39 provides privacy for 3 couples. There is an aft cabin with a double berth that is entered from the port side beside the canpanionway. In addition to the sink/hanging locker plan shown, an optional full head is available. If selected it occupies the space that is shown for the navigation station.

The galley is large with deep double sinks and a 3 burner stove with an oven and an eight cubic foot icebox. Foward of the galley is the main salon with two setee-berths and a folding table. The second head is foward. There is hot and cold pressure in the galley and both head areas.

A teak door gives privacy to the foward cabin with it's double berth and hanging locker.

Light and ventilation are provided by two translucent hatches, one over the foredeck and one in the main salon. There are four fixed and eight opening ports and a dorade vent over the galley area.

Some owners of the 39 complain of the small cockpit. The short cockpit, thus longer and roomier cabin space, pegs this design to me as an offshore cruiser. A small cockpit with good drains is a "must" for any offshore design. Getting "pooped" once (taking a wave over the transom) usually doesn't hurt much but getting pooped with a large cockpit that doesn't drain quickly produces a heavy cockpit. This can result in several large waves in a row over the transom and can allow water to get below. Not only does this sog everything in the cabin but can be dangerous at sea. In the few times that I've been offshore I've found that most people prefer to stay in the cabin. At least one or two of the crew is usually sleeping at any given time and all but the person on watch usually spends most of their time in the cabin either reading, cooking or navigating. If the weather is nasty, this is especially true.

Another thing that points this design as a good offshore cruising design is the fact that the v-berth area can be completely isolated from the rest of the boat allowing a crew member, fresh off watch, to unroll their sleeping bag on the v-berth and grab a couple hour nap. Everyone else on the boat has full access to everything, including the head. The crew member, sleeping in the v-berth is pretty well isolated from the noise of the rest of the crew.

Even though the designer pointed this boat to an offshore cruiser, that fact doesn't hurt it for most day sailing. Granted, things would get a little cramped with 6 adults sitting in the cockpit with all their drinks and snacks and toys. In this case the owners would probably complain of a small cockpit . . .

I am always searching for more data about Cal Yachts and Bill Lapworth. I need information on: Cal 20, Lapworth 24, Cal 25-1. Cal 25-2, Cal 27-1, Cal 28 & 28-2, Cal 29 & 29-2, Cal 30-2 & 30-3, Cal 31, Cal 33 & 33-2, Cal 34-1 & 34-2, Cal 35 & 35-2, Cal 36, Cal 39-1 & 39-2 & 39-4, Cal 40, Cal 9.2 & 9.2R, Cal T/2, Cal T/4.

If you have literature or information on any of these Cals please send or fax it to me and I'll put it on this page with credits to you. My address and fax number are at the bottom of this webpage.

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Dan Dalrymple, editor, Old Cal Yacht homepage. No fees, no charges, just good "G" rated information for all ages to view.