C&C Landfall 39
Of the more than 50 designs produced over the years by C&C Yachts, all but a handful have been racer/cruisers, with the emphasis on racer. That handful was the Landfall series of dedicated cruisers, which made its debut in 1977. Unfortunately, production of the Landfalls lasted only about 10 years.
The center-cockpit Landfall 39 was created by the C&C design team with help from Robert H. Perry. The boat has a pronounced and graceful sheer, slightly raked reverse transom, wide beam, an externally fastened fin keel, and a partial-skeg rudder. The coachroof is low, except for a slight rise in the coamings around the cockpit. On each side of the coachroof is a distinctive large, dark-tinted deadlight.
With the exception of a cavernous lazarette, almost the entire hull of the Landfall 39 is devoted to accommodations. The quality of the joinery is above average, and areas of white laminate accent the varnished teak and go far toward keeping the interior bright. Headroom is well over 6 feet, and there are overhead grab rails for safety.
The companionway ladder leads directly into the spacious main saloon, where settees outboard face a substantial centerline drop-leaf table. Aft on the starboard side of the main saloon there’s a large aft-facing navigation station and chart table. The area is well lit by the two large deadlights and a pair of opening portlights. Two dorade vents provide additional ventilation.
Forward of the saloon, a short passageway leads to the forward cabin and its generous V-berth. The head compartment is to starboard of the passageway, and a hanging locker lies to port.
The galley is in the port-side passageway that leads to the aft cabin. A double sink and a small counter are behind the companionway ladder, while the three-burner stove, more counter space, and the large, top-loading refrigerator/freezer are outboard.
The aft cabin offers very private quarters with an athwartships double berth, numerous stowage spaces, and its own head compartment. Four opening portlights and an overhead opening hatch provide illumination and ventilation.
The Yanmar 4JHE 44-horsepower diesel can punch the boat through a rough sea. It’s installed under the cockpit sole in an insulated machinery “room,” which makes access for routine maintenance very good.
The Landfall 39 is all cruiser. Its lines are somewhat classic, the interior is comfortable, the quality is above average, and it’s a decent sailer. Depending on age and condition, expect to pay $70,000 to $90,000.
C&C Landfall 39
LOA 38′ 9″ (11.81 m.)
LWL 31′ 0″ (9.45 m.)
Beam 12′ 3″ (3.73 m.)
Draft 5′ 6″ (1.68 m.)
Sail Area (100%) 667 sq. ft. (62.0 sq. m.)
Ballast 6,250 lb. (2,834 kg.)
Displacement 19,500 lb. (8,844 kg.)
Ballast/D .32
D/L 292
SA/D 14.7
Water 103 gal. ( 389 l.)
Fuel 40 gal. ( 151 l.)
Engine 44-hp. Yanmar
Designer C&C and Robert H. Perry
Gregg Nestor has written several books, including Twenty Affordable Sailboats to Take You Anywhere.
