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Rivage 39
Designer: P. Briand  ·  Builder: Pouvreau (Fra)  ·  First built: 1987
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About the Rivage 39

Designed by renowned French naval architect Philippe Briand and built by Pouvreau, this aluminum-hulled cruiser emerged in 1987 during a golden era of French yacht design. The masthead sloop configuration and fin keel design reflect Briand's expertise in creating boats that balance performance with practical cruising capabilities. With aluminum construction providing exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, this yacht appeals to serious cruisers planning extended passages or those seeking a low-maintenance vessel. The moderate displacement of 15,432 pounds combined with 1,076 square feet of sail area delivers respectable performance under sail, while the shallow 2.95-foot draft opens up cruising grounds typically inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats. The SA/Displacement ratio of 27.88 suggests spirited sailing performance in moderate conditions, making this boat well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore passages alike. The capsize screening formula of 2.11 indicates good stability characteristics for ocean sailing. French builders of this era were known for their attention to detail and robust construction methods, particularly when working with aluminum hulls. The 39-horsepower engine provides adequate auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters and motoring in calm conditions, making this Rivage a versatile choice for cruisers seeking both performance and reliability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 39.70 ft / 12.10 m
Beam 13.12 ft / 4.00 m
Max Draft 2.95 ft / 0.90 m
Displacement 15,432.00 lb / 7,000 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,076.00 ft² / 99.96 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Aluminum
Designer P. Briand
Builder Pouvreau (FRA)
First Built 1987
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Performance Ratios
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
179.29
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
21.61
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. 7.78 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. 9.49 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 39
How It Compares

vs. Centurion 40, Contest 40S, J/39

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Rivage 39 ★
39.7 ft
Centurion 40
39.6 ft
Contest 40S
39.7 ft
J/39
39.8 ft
LWL
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
32.8 ft
Contest 40S
30.8 ft
J/39
33.5 ft
Beam
Rivage 39 ★
13.1 ft
Centurion 40
13.4 ft
Contest 40S
12.7 ft
J/39
13.0 ft
Displacement
Rivage 39 ★
15 lbs
Centurion 40
20 lbs
Contest 40S
26 lbs
J/39
16 lbs
Ballast
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
7 lbs
Contest 40S
10 lbs
J/39
6 lbs
Sail Area
Rivage 39 ★
1 sq ft
Centurion 40
1 sq ft
Contest 40S
767 sq ft
J/39
720 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
111 s/nm
Contest 40S
186 s/nm
J/39
45 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
23.4
Contest 40S
14.0
J/39
16.9
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
37.9 %
Contest 40S
38.5 %
J/39
39.4 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Rivage 39 ★
21.6
Centurion 40
29.3
Contest 40S
40.8
J/39
33.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
1.95
Contest 40S
1.71
J/39
1.61
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Rivage 39 ★
179
Centurion 40
264
Contest 40S
397
J/39
168
Hull Speed
Rivage 39 ★
7.8 kts
Centurion 40
7.7 kts
Contest 40S
7.4 kts
J/39
9.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Rivage 39 ★
Centurion 40
1.7
Contest 40S
1.0
J/39
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