If you did you ASA training with us then you’ve probably been aboard “Rocket”. We’ve used her for intermediate and advanced sailing school courses since 2010. Yes, that’s a long time but on this latitude it equates to about 30-40 days a season with a licensed captain aboard and was thoroughly system checked and maintained every time she returned to the dock. Then under shrink wrap for 6 months. So compared to a saltwater boat or a boat that sat unused, she looks pretty good!

Very accommodating for large groups with a layout boasting 3 private double staterooms, two long settees in the main salon plus two pilot berths (small berths good for kids) above the settees in the main salon. Classic interior with plenty of teak and many hatches and portlights and good headroom. The galley has ample storage with a refrigerator and a large separate icebox, a double stainless sink and a propane stove with oven (oven is currently inoperative). A full head with shower is located forward with split access from either the forward cabin or the main salon. The aft head is located in the starboard stateroom.

Rocket is a boat that is designed to sail well. Her 6’4″ keel will point higher than most any shoal draft designs. Long cockpit seats allow plenty of space when underway or for sleeping under the stars. A two-blade prop reduces drag and a high aspect rudder makes her handle well in all conditions. Most lines are led aft for easy sail handling, wide weather decks are great for moving about when underway and her well designed anchor locker is always appreciated.

The O’Day 39 was designed by Jeanneau in the 80’s and an identical sistership to the Jeanneau Sun Fizz 40 that was very popular in Europe. O’Day built the 39 under license from Jeanneau to break into the racer-cruiser market to compete with Tartan, C&C and the like. She’s a fast, comfortable vessel capable of heavy weather passages.  

On a personal note, we raced her a few times with the local yacht club (jib and main class), took a first place once. She’s an absolute contender in higher winds. Would really be a threat with a spinnaker or asym. 122 PHRF rating with no spinnaker. I’m more of a cruiser but can’t help but to trim this boat for speed.

It’s an older boat so it’s not perfect. But it’s functional and fun. A marine survey will show that it’s structurally solid but you may find a leaky portlight, small soft spot on deck or some issue but that’s how it goes. You’ll never have a blank “to-do” list on an older boat so go sailing and enjoy it. If this isn’t ok to you, let’s talk about one of our new boats in stock!

Galley has double sink plus (2) 12 volt fridges. Full head with shower forward has split doors for private access from fwd stateroom. Second head is in starboard aft cabin and is covered by fold down settee when not in use. Sleeps 8 in (3) double staterooms plus (2) long settees in main salon. (2) additional pilot berths are above salon settees but are suited for kids or stowing gear.