2024 ARTISAN BOATWORKS Stephens Waring 39' Custom Sloop

WISP appeals to me as a more modern and more appealing iteration of the Friendship 40’s. Where the Friendship boats fell short, WISP picks up the slack - the performance is not just impressive but surprising - especially in lighter air where her slippery lines, light displacement, and efficient rig really shine. The cockpit is cleverly designed with modern sail-handling equipment to allow for true singlehanded sailing, with all controls easily accessible from a sitting position behind the helm. This is true even for the downwind gennaker and it sets her apart from other boats in this class. What really impressed me was that SWYD managed to squeeze in an inviting interior with standing headroom and enough space and comfort systems that you wouldn’t think twice about weekending onboard - this is rare in a 39 ft SY with classic lines such as this (which often feel much smaller inside than their LOA would suggest). The build quality is exactly what one might expect from a small, pedigreed artisan boatbuilder in Maine. 

Cold molded construction utilizing Cedar + E-glass & epoxy for the hull, Douglas Fir for the frames. The deck is laid in teak over a composite utilizing a foam core sandwiched with wood & E-glass which enhances structural integrity and rigidity. The superstructure is marine ply + E-glass. Bulkheads are of Okoume marine ply. Floor timbers are integral with laminated frames, floors of Mahogany and Douglas Fir. 

There is a hull tunnel in the forward section which accommodates a Sleipner 24V bow thruster. 

On deck, WISP offers a sophisticated, dual-purpose cockpit: a plush, upholstered area for lounging forward with a dedicated sailing zone aft.  

Guests will enjoy the plush upholstered cockpit seating around a drop-leaf table that conceals wine cooler and glasses storage. Since all sailing controls are run aft of the helm to the ‘sailing cockpit’, this guest cockpit is clutter-free and safely isolated from loaded sheets and lines. 

With her moderate draft and generous sail area WISP is designed for outstanding performance and for the ability to shift gears quickly, even when sailing solo.  

The Solent rig includes a working jib and a large, multi-purpose reaching sail (each on fixed furlers) to ensure easy of handling as well as adaptability throughout a wide range of conditions.  

The Moore Brothers two-spreader carbon mast is supported by nitric rod standing rigging. The carbon furling boom is equipped with an electro-hydraulic vang and an integrated jibe-preventer line. There are soft LED lights to provide ambiance in the cockpit. 

The rig is managed via advanced sailing controls and clever deck hardware solutions including an under-deck mainsheet trim system with a reverse-purchase hydraulic cylinder, oversized Harken electric winches, and an ergonomic boom-furling mainsail system - all operated via push-button controls mounted at the helm position.  

Furlex provided the electric through-deck furling gear for the jib, as well as the stemhead-mounting for the asymmetric reaching sail. 

Mainsheet trim is handled by an under-deck system featuring a reverse-purchase 1:3 hydraulic cylinder that’s driven by automatic two-speed operation – this enhances efficiency in jibes and commands fine-tuning under load. 

To allow for cruising without cluttering deck operations or the beautiful classic hull lines, there is a stow-away/ swing-out anchor launcher equipped with a gas-spring assist. This keeps all of the equipment below deck in the forward locker while not in use. An electric windlass belowdecks handles the heavy lifting. 

Inside, some may be surprised to find standing headroom in both the galley and head, setting the stage for a remarkable daysailing adventure or overnight escape. While packing plenty of performance under sail, she effortlessly transforms into a luxury weekender, featuring saloon seating for four and a queen-size forward berth. 

The galley is equally equipped for a weekend adventure with a microwave, a single-burner induction cooktop, a Keurig coffee machine, and a refrigerator and freezer unit

The head has an electric toilet and an overhead shower head with hot water service. 

Auxiliary Engine 

• Yanmar 3JH40; 40HP @ 3,000 RPM 

Drive type 

• Yanmar SD60 Saildrive  

Throttle  

• Kibelt 2042 single-lever control (stainless steel) 

Refrigeration  

Electrical AC System  

Electrical DC System  

DC electrical panel located outboard of port settee in saloon. Digital amp meter and volt meter, Victron Color Control GX monitor, individual switches for each battery bank, crossover switch to connect engine bank and DC-DC converter for emergency use, and marine grade magnetic type circuit breakers.  

• 24V DC to 12V DC 60 amp converter for 12V supply to electronics 

The flying headsail is an asymmetric reacher attached to a furling drum on the stemhead. This sail can remain aloft in the furled position while tacking upwind and is simple to deploy and then furl from the helm position - this makes the upwind/downwind transition a breeze. 

Sail Area