Contessa 39 - rare boat, lacking details

[vonderlust]

I have been on the lookout for a 35-45ft bluewater cruiser for some time & nearly pulled the trigger on a C&C Landfall 38 last week, but have come into a position where a friend is offering up her father's Contessa 39 for peanuts. $15k where the main issue is the headstay needs replacement, and possibly is in need of some updated rigging. The boat sits at port and is cleaned periodically by a diver. The engine was replaced a few years back with virtually no use (life changes took them away from sailing for a number of years).

In researching online, I'm finding details & owner reviews elusive, so thinking this is not a common boat. Anyone have experience on the Contessa 39?

Would like to cruise around the PNW, with some overnight & extended weekend trips at first. From what I gather, they have had success in racing & have been used for trips out to Hawaii, across the Atlantic, etc. That said, seem to offer less accommodations & creature comforts in order to focus more on sailing performance.