Sun Odyssey - hardly any other model name is so synonymous with the bread-and-butter business under sail. Since the end of the 1980s, the French shipyard has launched more than 50 new cruising yachts under this name; around 18,000 boats are said to have been sold under this designation. Impressive figures.
The programme has reinvented itself time and again: from the classic family cruiser to the DS models with deck saloon to the walkaround models of the eighth and now ninth generation. There have been no radical changes to the concept. Instead, the Sun Odyssey range stands for a continuous evolution of what Jeanneau has always understood a modern cruising yacht to be: plenty of living space, easy handling, safe routes on deck and enough performance to be taken seriously under sail.
More from the shipyard:
The Sun Odyssey 455 is now following suit, replacing the previous Sun Odyssey 440 and 490 models and assuming the role of flagship within the cruising range as a 14-metre yacht. Jeanneau now assigns everything above this to the more upmarket Jeanneau Yachts line. The 455 therefore sits at an interface: large enough to fulfil the requirements and comfort of a top model, but still clearly planned as a Sun Odyssey, i.e. as a series-produced, uncomplicated cruising boat for owners and for use in yacht charters. 50 units have already been sold since the market launch at boot in Düsseldorf, around 70 per cent of them to owners and around 30 per cent to charter companies.
With walkaround cockpit, of course
With the Sun Odyssey 455, Jeanneau is now also changing its design partner for the larger yachts in the series over twelve metres in hull length. For the new 455, the French company has commissioned the Marc Lombard Yacht Design studio, which is already responsible for all the smaller models in the range, for the first time in this segment. The predecessors Sun Odyssey 440 and 490, on the other hand, were designed by Philippe Briand.
The continuity of the series is most evident on deck. The walkaround cockpit has now become the trademark of the Sun Odyssey range, and the new 455 also consistently adopts this layout. This refers to ramp-like lowered side decks that lead aft to cockpit level. This creates an almost barrier-free passageway from the cockpit to the front without having to climb over benches or high coamings. Jeanneau first brought this idea to mass production in 2017 with the Sun Odyssey 440 and received a lot of attention and awards for it. It is particularly noteworthy that the walkaround cockpit has not only proven itself on the larger models. The innovative layout is now also a standard feature on the smaller boats in the model range.
Perfect layout, easy handling
The large sheet winches for the mainsail and genoa on the 455, as on its predecessors the 440 and 490, are located on internal pedestals to the side of the helm stations. They are largely free-standing, are within easy reach of the helmsman and can also be operated efficiently and at a good height by the crew directly from the cockpit. Halyards, reefing and trim lines are led to winches on the side of the companionway. They are well bundled there, but at the same time separated from the helm station. The layout thus follows a clear division of tasks: sail trim and manoeuvres aft, halyards and outhauls at the front of the superstructure. Even single-handed sailors can manage this well, but they should still opt for the optional installation of an autopilot.
The cockpit layout with two tables is new. What was mainly reserved for larger yachts a few years ago is now also becoming the class standard for cruising boats from 45 feet. The advantage is obvious: there is a clear passage through the cockpit between the two tables. The path from the companionway aft to the bathing platform or steering positions is not blocked by a large centre table.
Two tables, more options
At the same time, the cockpit gains in variability. The two tables can optionally be ordered in a lowerable version. This turns the dents into a spacious sunbed with a length of 1.85 metres and a width of 1.05 metres. In addition, the table tops can be folded along their length so that the lockers under the dinghies remain easily accessible - a good idea from Jeanneau.
The split cockpit brings further practical advantages. The Sun Odyssey 455 has a large, wide and watertight storage compartment aft under the cockpit floor. An optional generator for the on-board power supply can be installed there, otherwise the space can be used as a voluminous locker for fenders, mooring lines or additional sails. Further forward, there is an integrated compartment for a life raft and safety equipment. The box is part of the cockpit hull and thus remains sealed off from the interior.
YACHT test under difficult conditions
The YACHT tests take place off Cannes in the south of France, in conditions that unfortunately give the 455 little opportunity to demonstrate its maximum potential. Only six to a maximum of eight knots of wind are available, sometimes less. The test boat is only equipped with the simple standard sails: conventional mainsail and overlapping genoa, both in simple Dacron quality. To make matters worse, there is a technical handicap: the two rudder blades on the test boat are obviously not aligned with each other and generate noticeable and audible resistance even at low speeds. The shipyard wants to look into the causes.
Ultimately, the steering feel also suffers from this shortcoming in model number three. The helmsman on the test boat hardly gets any feedback from the double wheel steering; the system feels spongy and indirect. The standard three-blade fixed pitch propeller also causes a not inconsiderable braking effect during the test run. The voluminous boat manages just 4.2 knots in 6 to 8 knots of wind on a course of 45 degrees to the true wind. Even with code zero or gennaker, the performance data remains modest and falls short of expectations.
Sailing performance (without drift/current)
Wind speed 6-8 kn (2-3 Bft), wave height: smooth water
* with Code Zero
| 45 degrees | 4.2 kn |
| 60 degrees | 5.2 kn |
| 90 degrees | 5.9 kn |
| 120 degrees * | 6.4 kn |
| 150 degrees* | 4.7 kn |
Extra performance in a package
The findings from many previous YACHT tests of models from the Sun Odyssey range speak a different language. The designs from Marc Lombard's studio in particular are known for their very solid performance potential and balanced sailing characteristics. This should undoubtedly also apply to the new Sun Odyssey 455 - provided that the steering is properly tuned and there is perhaps a little more wind.
If you want to get more out of the boat, you can upgrade the performance potential with a performance package, including better sails, halyards and sheets made of Dyneema as well as a hydraulically adjustable backstay for better trimming of the mast and sail profiles. At the other end of the options list are a self-tacking jib or furling mast, which primarily simplify handling. With the standard rig, the boom is set very low at the front of the mast. This makes it easy to hoist the mainsail into the lazy bag - even without risky climbing at the front of the mast.
The second part of the Sun Odyssey test deals with the interior below deck, living space and comfort. Plus the complete price list, the YACHT rating and an overview of the competitor boats. Part 2 will be published on YACHT Online on Sunday, 7 June.
Technical data Sun Odyssey 455
- Designer: Marc Lombard Yacht Design
- CE design category: A
- Hull length: 13.74 m
- Total length: 14.78 m
- Waterline length: 13.58 m
- Width: 4.49 m
- Draught/alternative: 2.35/1.75 m
- Mast height above WL: 20.80 m
- Theoretical hull speed: 8.9 knots
- Weight: 11.23 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 2.69 t/24 %
- Mainsail: 54.0 m2
- Furling genoa (120 %): 49.0 m2
- Self-tacking jib (optional): 35.0 m2
- Engine (Yanmar): 42 kW/57 hp
- Fuel tank: 190 litres
- Fresh water tank: 380 litres
- Holding tank: 190 litres
Prices
Base price ex shipyard: 420,300 euros
Price ready to sail: 433,565 euros
Comfort price: 456,900 euros
(All prices gross, incl. 19% VAT. The complete price overview follows in part 2)
Hull and deck construction
Hull: GRP full laminate, built with vacuum infusion. Deck: GRP sandwich, vacuum injection (RTM)
Performance package
The performance upgrade comes with better laminate sails, flat-deck furling system, hydraulic backstay tensioner, Dyneema sheets and halyards, additional winch on the companionway. Surcharge: 19,670 euros.
Motorisation
Standard: Yanmar 4JH57 Common Rail Diesel (42 kW/57 hp), Saildrive, three-blade fixed pitch propeller. Optional Yanmar 4JH80 (59 kW/80 hp, surcharge: 7,970 euros gross.
Energy supply on board
Service batteries: 2 x 95 aH (AGM), starter battery: 1 x 50 aH (AGM).
Shipyard
Chantiers Jeanneau, 85500 Les Herbiers (France) / www.jeanneau.com/d
Distribution
International dealer network / www.jeanneau.com/contact
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
