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Starlight 39
Designer: Stephen Jones  ·  Builder: David Sadler (Uk)  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Starlight 39

Designed by Stephen Jones and built by David Sadler in the UK, this masthead sloop represents a thoughtful approach to bluewater cruising from the early 1990s. With only 34 hulls constructed between 1990 and 1994, the Starlight 39 remains a relatively rare find on the used boat market. The yacht's substantial displacement of 19,749 pounds and generous beam of 12.50 feet create a stable, seaworthy platform well-suited for offshore passages and extended cruising. Her wing keel configuration reduces draft to 5.33 feet while maintaining excellent stability, making her accessible to more harbors and anchorages than traditional deep-draft designs. The comfort ratio of 31.18 suggests a motion that prioritizes stability over speed, ideal for long-distance cruising where crew comfort is paramount. Performance-wise, the SA/Displacement ratio of 15.67 indicates moderate sailing performance with enough power to move efficiently in light to moderate conditions. The capsize screening formula of 1.85 falls well within acceptable limits for offshore sailing, reflecting the designer's emphasis on safety and seaworthiness. Her fiberglass construction ensures durability, while the 40-horsepower engine provides adequate auxiliary power for maneuvering and motorsailing in calm conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.83 ft / 11.84 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.75 ft / 9.68 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 5.33 ft / 1.62 m
Displacement 19,749.00 lb / 8,958 kg
Ballast 7,119.00 lb / 3,229 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 713.00 ft² / 66.24 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Wing Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Stephen Jones
Builder David Sadler (UK)
First Built 1990
Last Built 1994
Number Built 34
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Performance Ratios
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
 15.67
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 36.05
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
 275.46
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
 31.18
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
 1.85
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. 7.55 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.83
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. 1,418.08 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.68
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.70 ft / 4.48 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 43.25 ft / 13.18 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
SA Fore 367.50 ft² / 34.14 m²
SA Main 346.00 ft² / 32.14 m²
SA Total (100%) 713.50 ft² / 66.29 m²
Est. Forestay Length 52.12 ft / 15.89 m
Mast Height (DWL) 56.83 ft / 17.32 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 3JH3
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
Water Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
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