2019 Sun Odyssey 490

An Australian registered cruising yacht that would very much suit a new boat buyer as it’s had just one Med summer use before being shipped back here over the winter. The Sun Odyssey 490 is a remarkable passage maker and this version being a Performance model has increased sail area and upgraded sails and running rigging. It features the patented sloping side-decks that allow ease of movement from the cockpit onto the side decks, but this example also has the fold-out cockpit coamings to create sun-loungers in the spacious cockpit.

The sail inventory is made up of a conventional Mylar-Taffeta X-Grid fully-battened mainsail with batten cars and a low boom to make access for packing the sail easy, a furling Mylar-Taffeta X-Grid 120% genoa, and a furling Mylar Code 0. The Code 0 is stowed in the large bow locker for ease of access.

The yacht uses the Integrel system to charge a 48v bank of batteries using the engine and supplies enough power to run the fully air-conditioned 3-cabin twin head interior, and an electric cook-top. This is a common option on many cruising catamarans, but is relatively new to monohulls.

Down below there is an enormous feeling of space with the saloon to starboard and U-shaped galley to port forward of the conventional forward facing nav’ table and a short lounge. The day head is to starboard and can also be accessed directly from the starboard guest cabin, which is symmetric with the port cabin, both with fully rectangular Queen-sized doubles.

Forward is the owners suite, with a dedicated toilet to port, then there is a centrally located shower cubicle and to starboard a sink/vanity unit. There is a considerable amount of stowage space throughout the owners cabin, including two sizeable hanging lockers, a show cupboard, and book shelf.

The 490 is a beautifully balanced cruising yacht that is responsive and a delight to helm. Being an infused hull it’s a relatively light displacement and will simply eat up the cruising miles. With this performance version you will still spend most of the time sailing, even when fully loaded for extended cruising in lighter airs. However, even for local use the amount of useable space, both on deck and below, make this an exceedingly comfortable yacht to spend those holidays onboard.