1986 Custom Caraibe 39

The Caraibe 39 is a French-designed cruising catamaran built in 1986 with a proven track record for bluewater sailing. At 39 feet long with a 20-foot beam, she combines a spacious platform with shallow draft and good light-air performance. Twin 20 hp Beta diesel engines with Yanmar saildrives drive her at a cruising speed of 6 knots, while the comprehensive sail inventory—including a Doyle mainsail with three reefing points, Code 0, asymmetric spinnaker, and dual headsails on furling gear—handles a wide range of conditions. The 52-foot aluminum mast carries twin swept-back spreaders and running backstays.

The accommodation includes four berths spread across two cabins, a single head with deck shower, and a comfortable saloon with excellent visibility and good headroom. The pilot station to port features a full-size chart table. To starboard, a spacious galley holds a twin sink with seawater footpump and top-access refrigeration, plus a four-burner stove. Water capacity totals 320 liters in the mini keels; fuel capacity is 160 liters.

Systems are straightforward and well-equipped. A 12V electrical system with 240V circuits from a Heart inverter runs off two 210 Ah AGM batteries and two 100W solar panels. Navigation includes an ICOM VHF with DSC, Vesper Class B AIS, Raymarine autopilot with linear drive, and a Navtex receiver. Deck equipment includes a Guiot windlass, four Lewmar self-tailing winches, and slab reefing. For safety, there is an EPIRB, four fire extinguishers, and multiple Rule bilge pumps plus manual diaphragm backups.

The standing rigging was replaced in 2017, and significant updates were made that year including new batteries, solar panels, genoa furler, and an upgraded Code 0 and asymmetric spinnaker. The hull received antifoul in 2022 with epoxy barrier coats. The boat has completed three trans-Atlantic and three China Sea crossings and is actively cruised in Southeast Asian waters.