Jeanneau's interior design follows the usual grid in this size class. The focus is on the owner's version with a very spacious forward cabin in the bow, two aft cabins and a total of two bathrooms. For the charter market, the 455 is also available with four cabins and four heads. This variance is typical of the class. Jeanneau even offers a five-cabin version in which a small room with Pullman berths is installed instead of the aft wet room. In practice, however, this version is unlikely to catch on; it has never been ordered to date.
Jeanneau sets new standards in the galley
The highlight below deck is the large U-shaped galley. It is unusually spacious for this class, offers more work space than many competitor models and impresses with its easy-to-use storage compartments. The U-shape also provides good support at sea. It also offers space for optional refrigeration and freezer components.
What is missing below deck are solid handrails on the ceiling. The raised edge mouldings on the galley and navigation area do provide useful handholds. But the saloon is open-plan and the walkways are wide. Anyone moving through the space in heeling and rough seas needs additional handholds above their head.
The shipyard has upped the quality ante
The overall impression of the build quality is positive. Jeanneau has made visible improvements to the furniture components. The end faces of the box doors and storage compartment lids, for example, are no longer just covered with thin wood veneer, but are now fitted with a hard and resistant laminate moulding. This is intended to minimise the well-known problem of chipping edges and veneers. The floor boards are also more robust than before and are now screwed to the floor bearing throughout. Although this means that the gaps are slightly larger, the boards lie firmly in the boat and no longer cause annoying creaking.
Fairly comprehensive basic package
In terms of price, the Sun Odyssey 455 has to face a direct comparison. The competitive environment is clearly defined: In this class, Jeanneau is up against Bavaria, Beneteau, Dufour and Hanse. The price structure of the five large series shipyards is close together. There are hardly any major upward or downward outliers. However, with a base price of 420,000 euros, the 455 is positioned at the upper end of the range.
However, this figure should not be viewed in isolation. Jeanneau delivers the 455 with a comparatively high-quality and complete package even in the basic configuration. This includes a solidly dimensioned deck equipment, well-placed and sufficiently large winches and a fitting layout that is not only made practical by numerous additional options. The 455 is therefore not the cheapest boat in its class, but its standard equipment is well priced overall.
The Sun Odyssey 455 continues the proven Jeanneau formula: plenty of space on and below deck, an innovative cockpit design, good storage space solutions and noticeable progress in the interior design. Small shortcomings remain, however, and the YACHT test is only of limited value due to light winds and technical problems with the test boat. Nevertheless, as the new flagship of the Sun Odyssey range, the 455 impresses with a well-rounded, practical cruising concept.
The first part of the Sun Odyssey 455 test from the exclusive test in the south of France focussed on the sailing characteristics, the concept, the construction and the sailing characteristics. The article was published online by YACHT last Friday, 5 June. Here is the link.
Equipment and prices
- Base price ex shipyard: 420.300 €
- Standard equipment included: Sail, engine, sheets, railing, navigation lights, battery, compass, sails, cushions, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, sailcloth (lazy bags), fire extinguisher, electric cooler, holding tank with suction.
- For an extra charge: Anchor with chain €1,270, fender/mooring €690, antifouling €4,435, clear sailing handover €6,870
- Price ready to sail: 433.565 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 3/3 years
- Surcharge for comfort equipment: Line adjustment, Hole points included, Traveller not available, Electric windlass included, Tube kicker included, Backstay tensioner €4,500, Jumping cleats included, Sprayhood €4,665, Teak in cockpit included, VHF radio electronics package, log and echo sounder electronics package, anemometer electronics package, autopilot electronics package, electronics package €10,980, charger €550, shore power connection with RCD incl., 230-volt socket (one) incl., 12-volt socket in the sat nav incl., heating €7,140, pressurised water system incl., hot water boiler incl., shower WC room incl., cockpit shower incl.
- Comfort price: 461.400 €
As of 2026, how the prices shown are defined, read here
Shipyard
Chantiers Jeanneau, 85500 Les Herbiers (France) / www.jeanneau.com/d
Distribution
International dealer network / www.jeanneau.com/contact
YACHT review of the Sun Odyssey 455
The new Sun Odyssey 455 scores points with its enormous amount of space on and below deck as well as many cleverly realised details. The boat undoubtedly has a lot of potential under sail, but was only able to demonstrate this to a limited extent during the YACHT test in very light winds.
Design and concept
Consistent concept sales
True to line optics
Innovative walkaround cockpit
Missing handrails inside
Sailing performance and trim
Very good trimmability
One-handed cockpit layout
Poor tuning of the steering gear on the test boat
Living and finishing quality
Large and functional pantry
Many usable storage spaces
Generously planned wet rooms
Neat large series finish
Equipment and technology
High-quality deck equipment
Convertible rig concept
Control system very easily accessible
Two tables in the cockpit
Similar, but not the same. This is the competition in the current market environment
Bavaria C 46
Comfort and volume are the focus of the 14-metre model from Bavaria Yachts. The ship from Giebelstadt impresses in the YACHT test under sail.
Beneteau Oceanis 47
With the new ship for the Oceanis cruise series, the market leader from France is presenting an attractive successor to the successfully sold Oceanis 46.1.
Dufour 48
The very voluminous Felci construction shines in the test with strong sailing characteristics. The large width also benefits the interior design with a wide range of variants.
Hanse 460
The first ship from the latest Hanse generation from Berret-Racoupeau. The space available below deck is also considerable for a great deal of comfort on the competitor from Greifswald.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
