Kelt 39

Description

The Kelt 39 (also known as the Kelt 39 DI for the "dériveur intérieur" or lifting keel variant) is a French fiberglass bluewater cruiser designed by Gilles Vaton (with some references crediting additional input from Kelt's in-house team) and built by Kelt Industries Nautiques (Kelt Marine) in France from the mid-1980s (examples from 1987–1990 common in listings). It was constructed with solid GRP for durability and low maintenance, featuring a lifting keel (centerboard/dériveur) for shallow draft versatility while maintaining good upwind performance when down, a masthead sloop rig, center cockpit for protection and a spacious aft saloon layout (often with rear saloon at the stern for panoramic views, 2 cabins, berths for 6–8, full galley/head, and ample tankage). The design prioritizes comfort, seaworthiness, and practicality for long voyages or liveaboard use—praised for its elegant lines, reliability, and ability to handle varied conditions, though some note it's more cruiser-oriented than a pure racer. Production was limited (dozens built, not high-volume), with surviving hulls (1980s era) occasionally listed as refitted classics in Europe (e.g., France, Netherlands) or the US, often with updates like new engines or electronics.