CAL 39
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.67 ft |
| LWL | 31.25 ft |
| Beam | 11.67 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Deep Draft | 6.50 ft(1.98 m) |
| Displacement | 14,600 lb |
| Ballast | 6,600.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 54 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.6 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15 ft |
| FLforestay | 17 ft |
| Mainsail | 763.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 425 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 722.5 sq ft |
About the CAL 39
This, the first of several CAL 39's, was introduced just before the adoption of the IOR, (replacing the CCA rule) which may have caused sales to falter in the first year. It was soon replaced with another version, the CAL 39 MII (1979), an entirely new design, also by Lapworth, and one that, presumably, the rule treated more kindly. Yet another, completely different CAL 39 was introduced in 1988, this time designed by Hunt and Associates, of which, relatively few were built. Upwind/working SA: 801 ft2/74.41 m2 Thanks to Gay Morris for images and corrected information concerning the different versions of the CAL 39.
The CAL 39 is a substantial cruising sloop designed by C. William Lapworth and built by Jensen Marine (USA) between 1970 and 1971, with a total production of 29 hulls. Its heavy displacement of 14600.0 lb and beam of 11.67 ft reflect a design prioritizing stability and comfort for long-range cruising.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who value a spacious interior and heavy-weather capability over high-speed performance. Its significant displacement and comfort ratio of 25.56 make it particularly well-matched for couples or families seeking a stable, motion-dampened passage-making experience.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.91 and a D/L ratio of 213.58, the CAL 39 demonstrates strong inherent stability and resistance to capsizing, making it highly suitable for offshore passages. Its fin keel and substantial ballast of 6600.7 lb further support its reputation as a capable bluewater cruiser.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 40 and Tartan 38, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and masthead sloop rigs. These vessels are comparable due to their shared focus on bluewater durability and interior volume rather than racing pedigree.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 75° | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 8.0 |
| 90° | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 110° | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.4 |
| 120° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 8.3 |
| 135° | 4.1 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 150° | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
16 reported issues across 8 systems for the CAL 39, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAL 39? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 16 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your CAL 39?
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Used sails that fit the CAL 39
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