Designed by the renowned duo of Ron Holland and Garry Hoyt, this distinctive 39-footer represents one of the most successful implementations of the unstayed cat ketch rig concept. Built by Tillotson Pearson from 1983 onward, the Freedom 39 carved out a devoted following among cruising sailors who appreciated its unique approach to sail handling and performance. The boat's most notable characteristic is its unstayed cat ketch rig with fully-battened sails, eliminating the need for shrouds and stays while providing excellent sail shape control. This configuration offers significant advantages for shorthanded sailing, as the smaller individual sails are easier to manage than a conventional main and jib combination. The carbon fiber masts are freestanding, reducing maintenance while providing clean airflow across the sails. With a displacement of 18,500 pounds and moderate ballast ratio, the Freedom 39 strikes a comfortable balance between performance and stability. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability. Her comfortable 28.61 comfort ratio and conservative 1.94 capsize screening value make her well-suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages, particularly appealing to couples or small crews who value ease of handling over maximum performance.
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vs. Cal 39 Mk Iii, Offshore 39 Tanton, Pearson 39