The Hallberg-Rassy 39 is a highly regarded Germán Frers design, combining Hallberg-Rassy’s renowned build quality with genuine sailing performance and excellent offshore capabilities. Introduced in 1991, the HR 39 quickly established a strong reputation as a capable long-distance cruising yacht, with more than 200 boats built during her production run.
The Frers-designed hull provides an excellent balance of stability, easy handling and sailing performance. The HR 39 is a stiff and predictable yacht with a responsive helm, while the protected centre cockpit, generous storage and spacious accommodation make her particularly well suited to extended offshore cruising.
Contemporary testing confirmed these qualities. In a 1992 Båtnytt test, the HR 39 was praised for being light and well balanced on both tacks, with little leeway, good speed and excellent steering control. The test also highlighted her reassuring behaviour in heavier conditions and her ability to remain controllable as the conditions became more demanding.
SAGESSE is hull number 169, a Mark II version built in 2000, and has been in the ownership of her second owner since 2006. During this period, she has been extensively cruised in the Baltic, with approximately 16,000 nautical miles logged. The yacht has benefited from careful indoor winter storage during much of her ownership.
Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive refit carried out by Orust Yacht Services between 2024 and 2026. This included removal and resealing of the keel, replacement of the main hatches and selected windows, new cutlass bearing and propeller, standing rigging and guardrails, as well as engine, winch, bow thruster and general maintenance. The woodwork, deck and underwater hull fittings have also been attended to, and new Elvstrøm sails were supplied directly by Hallberg-Rassy.
SAGESSE has the conventional HR 39 interior layout, rather than the optional armchair arrangement, and offers seven berths including an additional upper bunk bed above the starboard saloon settee, a particularly useful feature for family cruising or additional crew. The original teak deck remains in good condition, complemented by the traditional mahogany interior for which Hallberg-Rassy is renowned.
With only approximately 1,700 engine hours, extensive recent investment and a well-documented ownership and cruising history, SAGESSE presents as a particularly well-prepared example of the HR 39. She combines the proven qualities of the Frers design with the benefits of substantial recent maintenance and upgrading, making her a compelling choice for an owner looking for a serious cruising yacht with the ability to make extended offshore passages.
We are the second owners of SAGESSE, having purchased her in the Netherlands in 2006. Since then, she has been a much-loved member of our family, taking us sailing along the German, Danish and Swedish coasts, as well as through the Stockholm archipelago, Åland, Finland and Estonia.
She has always been very well cared for and has been stored ashore under cover during the winters. In 2024, we sailed her through the Göta Canal to Orust for an extensive refit. In 2026, she was back in the water and took part in the HR Owners Rally, where she was awarded the prize for the best-polished HR 39 Mark II.
SAGESSE has given our family many wonderful and memorable years at sea. We are now selling her because we would like the opportunity to explore other parts of the world.
Kim Silfving
Berthon Scandinavia
Tel: +46 739 960 849
E-Mail: kim.silfving@berthonscandinavia.se
