“The Starlight 39 is a popular and well-regarded cruising yacht known for its combination of performance and comfort, designed by Stephen Jones and originally built by Sadler Yachts.” (AI)
“The first Starlight to be designed was the 39 and when this new yacht emerged onto the market, it was perceived as the perfect cruiser/racer. Designed by a widely acknowledged designer (Stephen Jones), built by an experienced team (Sadler) and having unsinkability as a bonus, the Starlight range has now acquired an almost “cult” status. There were 34 39s built between 1990 and 1994 and about 50 35s built in the same period.
Both Starlights had the now famous wing keel, designed by Stephen Jones, whose experience in Six Metres and modern racing yachts aquitted him very well for optimising the design of the Starlight.
The seakeeping capability and qualities of the Starlight are now legendary. Speak to any owner and they will extol the virtues of the boat, above all others on the market – no better ambassador than the owner! The exceptional qualities of these yachts can be summarised as:
- Superb windward performance
- Exceptional stiffness (high ballast ratio and lead keel hung very low on GRP keel stub)
- Very good directional stability downwind in waves (good news for autopilot and less likelihood of a broach)
- High passage speeds achievable in comfort and at minimum heel angles
Accommodation is traditional and seamanlike, blended with modern style and quality construction. The yachts are extremely tough and have withstood the rigours of ocean sailing in demanding conditions. Our experience is that most Starlights on the market, at five to eight years of age, receive exemplary reports from surveyors.
The interior moulding provides generous positive buoyancy and there are several other advantages. Substantial insulation provides for an almost condensation-free boat. Bedding and clothes can be stowed beneath the bunks with confidence. In addition to this, there is acoustic insulation which results in a quiet boat down below, when sailing at night and there are none of the “creaks and squeaks” which are commonplace in many other production yachts.
Spars, deck equipment and gear are all carefully selected and positioned to give effective sail control from the shelter of the cockpit. Deck plan has been most carefully configured, to minimise friction and to make sail handling a pleasure for the short-handed yachtsman. A good example is the speed at which a reef can be taken in when single handed, being less than a minute, from beginning to end! “ (Lucas Yachting)
Even if a Starlight 39 is about thirty years old and no Express this is comforting to know if you have a relation onboard making an Atlantic crossing.
(to be continued)
Good sailing Richard.