Just two weeks ago Jeanneau held its 60th year International Dealer conference in Greece and while some new announcements were expected, what emerged for the yachting range is truly ground-breaking and extremely exciting.
For the sailing range there will be three new models introduced to the Sun Odyssey range being the Sun Odyssey 319, Sun Odyssey 440, and Sun Odyssey 490. The 440 is the first in a completely new generation of Sun Odyssey yachts, a series that now goes back 27 years over 7 generations, 48 models and over 17,000 yachts built!
So, the 440 isn’t just a new take on their legacy of well-built cruising yachts that sail well. It’s a game changer! This extraordinary new design has so many innovations that it’s hard to know where to start!
Firstly, the hull design is ultra-modern with a full length chine and broad powerful sections forward and aft. The deck design is a revelation! The wide side decks with substantial GRP bulwarks slope back down past the helms where they join the aft of the cockpit allowing ease of movement around the yacht never seen before. Then the cockpit seating to starboard is L-shaped and both that and the port side seat fold out to form sun-loungers. The helm positions are excellent with the mounting for the plotters angled out for perfect viewing from them, and the backstays inboard away from the skippers back.
In terms of the sail plan the rig is a lighter section with what’s called a cathedral rig, which is where there are two upper diagonals that give additional support to the rig and allow a lighter section increasing stability. Combined with full width chain-plates this results in a very securely supported rig, and for those looking for a new level of performance a taller mast offering 10% more sail area will be an option. So expect this to be an extremely stiff yacht.
Down below is a very modern look, but with proper well rounded cabinetry and lots of hand-holds appropriate for a yacht intended for serious offshore sailing. The space on-board for a 44 footer is extraordinary. The saloon is enormous with a proper full sized nav’ station to port in front of which is a very large U-shaped galley, and opposite a large U-shaped settee with pedestal that moves out of the way when not required. The main bulkhead is offset, as forward of the galley is the master cabin shower and head. The owners cabin forward is accessed through double doors and floors throughout there yacht are all on one level. The guest cabin, or cabins, are remarkably spacious considering how the side deck slopes down to the cockpit.
By the time of the Sydney Show we will have full specifications, a provisional brochure and Australian pricing on this amazing new design, so be sure to ask for details.
Both the 440 and the new 319 will both be available to us ex-factory in January, with the larger 490 available several months later in 2018. Details on these other two designs will also be available at the Sydney Show.
