Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455Setting new standards in below-deck layout

Michael Good

 · 07.06.2026

Living with a view. The large windows in the hull and superstructure ensure plenty of light and an open feel below deck in the saloon.
Photo: YACHT / Michael Good
In the YACHT test, the new Sun Odyssey 455 demonstrates what it has to offer below deck as the new flagship of the cruising range: plenty of space, a flexible interior layout, a large and functional galley as a highlight, and noticeable improvements in the quality of the fit and finish. And when it comes to price, this versatile French yacht has nothing to be ashamed of either.

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When it comes to the interior layout, Jeanneau follows the standard configuration for this size class. The focus is on the owner’s version, which features a very spacious forward cabin, two aft cabins and a total of two bathrooms. For the charter market, the 455 is also available with four cabins and four bathrooms. This variation is typical of the class. Jeanneau even offers a five-cabin layout, in which a small room with Pullman berths is fitted in place of the aft wet room. In practice, however, this version is unlikely to catch on; it has never been ordered before.

Jeanneau is setting new standards when it comes to the galley

The highlight below deck is the large U-shaped galley. It is unusually spacious for this class, offers more worktop space than many rival models and impresses with its practical storage solutions. The U-shape also provides good support when at sea. It also offers space for optional refrigeration and freezer units.

With a split foredeck and
four cabins, each with
its own bathroom, the
boat is also ideal for
charter use. However, the standard
layout for owners is
a three-cabin configuration with
two large bathrooms.  The aft bathroom can also be used as a walk-in storage space if preferred.Photo: YACHT / N. CampeWith a split foredeck and four cabins, each with its own bathroom, the boat is also ideal for charter use. However, the standard layout for owners is a three-cabin configuration with two large bathrooms. The aft bathroom can also be used as a walk-in storage space if preferred.

What is missing below deck are sturdy handrails on the ceiling. Whilst the raised skirting boards in the galley and navigation area do provide useful handholds, the saloon has an open layout and the passageways are wide. Anyone moving around the room when the boat is heeling or in rough seas needs additional handholds above head height.

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The shipyard has raised the bar in terms of quality

Overall, the impression regarding the quality of the fit and finish is positive. Jeanneau has clearly made improvements to the furniture components. The front edges of cupboard doors and storage compartment lids, for example, are no longer covered merely with thin wood veneer, but are fitted with a hard and durable laminate strip. This is intended to alleviate the well-known problem of chipping edges and veneer. The floorboards are also more robust than before and are now screwed down continuously to the floor joists. Although this means the gaps are slightly larger, the boards sit firmly in the boat and no longer cause any annoying creaking.

A fairly comprehensive basic package

In terms of price, the Sun Odyssey 455 has to stand up to direct comparison. The competitive landscape is clearly defined: in this class, Jeanneau goes head-to-head with Bavaria, Beneteau, Dufour and Hanse. The price structures of these five major production boatbuilders are very similar. There are hardly any significant outliers either above or below this range. With a base price of €420,000, the 455 nevertheless positions itself towards the upper end of the market.

However, this figure should not be viewed in isolation. Even in its basic configuration, the Jeanneau 455 comes with a comparatively high-quality and comprehensive package. This includes well-sized deck fittings, well-positioned and sufficiently large winches, and a hardware layout that is practical without the need for numerous additional options. The 455 is therefore not the cheapest option in its class, but its standard specification appears to be well-balanced overall.

The Sun Odyssey 455 is a logical evolution of the tried-and-tested Jeanneau formula: plenty of space on and below deck, an innovative cockpit design, good storage solutions and noticeable improvements in the fit-out. Minor shortcomings remain, however, and the YACHT test is of limited significance due to light winds and technical issues with the test boat. Nevertheless, the 455 impresses as the new flagship of the Sun Odyssey range with a well-rounded, practical sailing concept.

​​The first part of the exclusive review of the Sun Odyssey 455 in the South of France focused on its sailing performance, design, construction and handling. The article was published online on YACHT last Friday, 5 June. Here is the link.


Facilities and prices

  • Base price ex-shipyard: €420,300
  • Standard equipment includes: Sails, engine, sheets, railings, navigation lights, battery, compass, sails, upholstery, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, sail covers (lazy bags), fire extinguisher, electric cool box, waste water tank with pump-out.
  • Subject to an additional charge: Anchor and chain €1,270, fenders and mooring lines €690, antifouling €4,435, ready-to-sail handover €6,870
  • Price, ready to sail: €433,565
  • Warranty/against osmosis: 3/3 years
  • Surcharge for comfort features: Adjustable sheets, cleats included, traveller not available, electric windlass included, kicker included, backstay tensioner €4,500, cleats included, sprayhood €4,665, teak in cockpit included, VHF radio electronics package, log and depth sounder electronics package, wind gauge electronics package, autopilot electronics package, electronics package €10,980, charger €550, shore power connection with RCD included, 230-volt socket (one) incl., 12-volt socket in the navigation unit incl., heating €7,140, pressurised water system incl., hot water boiler incl., shower and toilet compartment incl., cockpit shower incl.
  • Special offer price: €461,400

As of 2026, you can read about how the prices shown are defined here

Shipyard

Chantiers Jeanneau, 85500 Les Herbiers (France) / www.jeanneau.com/d

Sales

International dealer network / www.jeanneau.com/contact


YACHT review of the Sun Odyssey 455

The new Sun Odyssey 455 impresses with its generous space both on and below deck, as well as its many clever design features. The boat undoubtedly has great potential under sail, but was only able to demonstrate this to a limited extent during the YACHT test due to very light winds.

Design and concept

Consistent concept-based turnover

Classic look

Innovative walkaround cockpit

Missing handrails on the inside

Sailing performance and trim

Very easy to trim

One-handed cockpit layout

Poor calibration of the steering system on the test boat

Housing and build quality

Spacious and practical galley

Plenty of practical storage space

Spacious bathrooms

A neat, high-volume finish

Equipment and technology

High-quality deck fittings

Modular rigging system

Controls are very easy to reach

Two tables in the cockpit


Similar, but not the same. That’s what competition looks like in today’s market

Bavaria C 46

Bavaria C 46: Length 13.95 m; width 4.70 m;
weight 12.7 t; from €386,870 / Photo: EYOT / L. FruchaudBavaria C 46: Length 13.95 m; width 4.70 m; weight 12.7 t; from €386,870 / Photo: EYOT / L. Fruchaud

Comfort and spaciousness are the key features of this 14-metre model from Bavaria Yachts. The boat, built in Giebelstadt, performed impressively under sail in the YACHT test.


Beneteau Oceanis 47

Beneteau Oceanis 47: Length 13.65 m; Beam 4.50 m;
Weight 11.0 tonnes; from €412,930 / Photo: Beneteau / M. HorlavilleBeneteau Oceanis 47: Length 13.65 m; Beam 4.50 m; Weight 11.0 tonnes; from €412,930 / Photo: Beneteau / M. Horlaville

With the new yacht in the Oceanis range, the French market leader is introducing an attractive successor to the highly successful Oceanis 46.1.


Dufour 48

Dufour 48: Length 14.32 m; Beam 4.85 m;
Displacement 13.9 tonnes; from €422,450 / Photo: Dufour Yachts / J.-M. LiotDufour 48: Length 14.32 m; Beam 4.85 m; Displacement 13.9 tonnes; from €422,450 / Photo: Dufour Yachts / J.-M. Liot

The very spacious Felci design impresses in tests with its excellent sailing performance. The generous beam also benefits the interior layout, offering a wide range of options.


Hanse 460

Hanse 460: Length 13.87 m; Beam 4.79 m;
Weight 12.6 t; from €391,510 / Photo: EYOTY / A. LindlahrHanse 460: Length 13.87 m; Beam 4.79 m; Weight 12.6 t; from €391,510 / Photo: EYOTY / A. Lindlahr

The first vessel in the latest generation of Hanse yachts by Berret-Racoupeau. The competitor from Greifswald also offers plenty of space below deck, ensuring a high level of comfort.

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Michael Good

Michael Good

Editor Test & Technology

Michael Good is test editor at YACHT and is primarily responsible for new boats, their presentation and the production of test reports. Michael Good lives and works in Switzerland on the shores of Lake Constance. He has been sailing since childhood and, in addition to his professional activities, has also been an active regatta sailor for many years, currently mainly in the Finn Dinghy and Melges 24 classes. He is also co-owner of a 45 National Cruiser built in 1917. Michael Good has been working for the YACHT editorial team since January 2005 and has tested around 500 yachts, catamarans and dinghies in that time.

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