Jeanneau Sun Fast 39

A former Jeanneau performance yacht by Jacques Fauroux, no longer built, suited to sailors who race seriously but want three double cabins and a teak interior.

The Sun Fast 39 was drawn by Jacques Fauroux, a seven times World Champion who also worked as a helmsman and tactician, and her hull shape came out of his success in major European regattas. Jeanneau no longer builds her. She's 11 m long, draws 1.95 m and is rated for 6 people.

She was built to go quickly. A big sail area means she answers fast and picks up speed well out of tacks and mark roundings, and buyers could choose a lead keel for a bit more. Jeanneau drew on its work with custom race boats and one-off multihulls when deciding on her layout and materials, and the rigging was deliberately over-specified so there's plenty in reserve.

The deck is clean and safe to move about on. Coachroof handrails sit in channels moulded into the deck, the chainplates are recessed and the ventilators are covered by stainless steel domes. The mainsheet and track live on the coachroof, which keeps the cockpit clear and lets you do nearly all the trimming from there. She has wheel steering, engine controls close to the helmsman and sheltered from the weather, a teak-laid cockpit with four large lockers for sails and racing gear, and a bathing platform in the transom for when the racing's done.

Down below, Andrew Winch designed an interior that's far more comfortable than you'd expect on a boat like this. There are three double cabins, each with standing room, an upholstered seat and good stowage and hanging space. The two aft cabins mirror each other, and each has a fitted shower and WC with doors from both the cabin and the saloon.

A large C-shaped settee and the dining table are on the port side, so nothing blocks the way to the forecabin. Opposite is the galley, with oven, hob, fridge and double sink, and pressurised hot water was available as an option. Solid teak and teak-faced panelling run throughout, with curved laminated wood trim that doubles as a handhold at sea, and there are enough windows and hatches to keep things light and airy.