Designed by F. S. Ford Jr. and first launched in 1966, this 38.60-foot masthead sloop represents classic wooden yacht construction from the mid-1960s era. With her traditional fin keel configuration and moderate displacement of 16,780 pounds, the Bright Star 39 strikes a balance between performance and comfort that appeals to serious cruising sailors.
The boat's dimensions reveal thoughtful proportions, featuring a waterline length of 29.75 feet and a beam of 10.50 feet that provides reasonable interior volume without sacrificing seaworthiness. Her draft of 5.92 feet offers good windward performance while remaining accessible to most harbors. The sail area of 737 square feet delivers respectable performance with a SA/Displacement ratio of 18.06, indicating moderate power that's manageable for cruising crews.
Notable for her solid wooden construction, this design embodies the craftsmanship standards of her era. The comfort ratio of 34.92 suggests she'll provide a reasonably comfortable motion in seaways, while the capsize screening formula of 1.64 indicates good stability characteristics suitable for coastal and offshore cruising. With a hull speed of 7.31 knots, she's well-suited for extended passages where reliability and comfort matter more than racing performance.
SA/Displacement
Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
18.06
Displacement/Length
Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
284.5
Comfort Ratio
Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
34.92
Capsize Screening Formula
The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.64
Hull Speed
Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions.
7.31 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion
Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline.
1,116.15 pounds/inch