This year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show delivered one of the strongest displays of sailing yacht interest in recent years, with a clear emphasis on performance cruising and innovative design. All major sailing monohull and catamaran brands were represented, but Jeanneau attracted particular attention with one of the largest dedicated sailing yacht display at the event.

Jeanneau showcased three models from its popular Sun Odyssey range: the Sun Odyssey 440, Sun Odyssey 380, and the Asia-Pacific premiere of the all-new Sun Odyssey 415. Despite challenging conditions throughout the show, with persistent wind and intermittent showers, the weather provided an ideal opportunity to demonstrate one of the range’s key design strengths, the patented walkaround side decks and fully enclosed canvas configurations available across the line-up. These features allowed visitors to appreciate the ease of movement, safety, and comfort that define the Sun Odyssey concept, even in less than ideal conditions.

The Sun Odyssey 415 generated exceptional interest across the entire show, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors and industry professionals alike. Sharing the proven underwater hull of the well-regarded Sun Odyssey 410, the new 415 continues a respected sailing pedigree known for balance, stability, and performance under sail. On deck, the cockpit layout was widely praised for its comfort and usability, while the interior redesign drew strong approval for its practical and modern approach to cruising comfort.

Below deck, the Sun Odyssey 415 introduces a thoughtfully reworked layout featuring an L-shaped galley, U-shaped dinette, and a comfortable settee opposite with a dedicated navigation table and workstation. Accommodation is equally well resolved, with all cabins featuring fully rectangular berths, and a spacious forward owner’s cabin offering generous storage and a sense of openness that enhances extended cruising comfort.

Looking ahead, anticipation is already building for Jeanneau’s next major release, the all-new Sun Odyssey 455. The first Australian example is currently on the water and is expected to arrive next month, marking the next evolution in the Sun Odyssey cruising range and continuing the brand’s strong momentum in the Australian market.

Lee Condell

Why the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey Range Continues to Lead Modern Cruising

The modern cruising sailor expects more from a yacht than ever before. Performance under sail, ease of handling, onboard comfort, and intelligent design all need to come together in a way that feels effortless.

This is exactly where the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey range has built its reputation.

For decades, the Sun Odyssey line has evolved alongside the needs of sailors, refining what a true performance cruiser should be. Today, it remains one of the most respected and widely chosen cruising yacht ranges in the world.

Designed for the Way People Actually Sail

One of the defining strengths of the Sun Odyssey range is its versatility.

Whether it is a couple planning extended coastal cruising, a family enjoying weekends on the water, or an owner stepping up into more serious passages, these yachts are designed to adapt.

Models such as the 350, 380, 415, and 455 each bring a slightly different balance of size, capability, and onboard living. What they share is a focus on simplicity and usability, making them approachable without sacrificing performance.

A standout feature across the newer models is the walk-around side deck design. By eliminating the need to step over coamings, movement forward from the cockpit becomes safer, easier, and more natural. It is a small detail that makes a big difference, particularly for short-handed sailing or when conditions pick up.

Twin wheels, clean deck layouts, and thoughtful cockpit ergonomics all contribute to a sailing experience that feels intuitive from the moment you step aboard.

Performance Without Compromise

While comfort is a key part of the appeal, the Sun Odyssey range has never drifted away from its performance roots.

Hull designs are optimised for stability and speed, delivering a responsive feel at the helm. This translates into a yacht that is not only enjoyable to sail but also efficient over longer distances.

For many owners, this balance is the deciding factor. You are not choosing between a cruiser and a performance yacht. You are getting both in one package.

Comfort That Extends Your Time on the Water

Step below deck and the focus shifts seamlessly to liveability.

Natural light, generous headroom, and well-planned layouts create interiors that feel open and inviting. Cabins are designed for real use, not just occasional overnight stays, and galleys are equipped for extended cruising rather than minimal functionality.

This is where the Sun Odyssey range stands apart. It is not simply about getting from one destination to another. It is about enjoying every moment in between.

A Model for Every Stage of Ownership

Another reason the Sun Odyssey range continues to lead is its clear progression between models.

• The 350 offers an accessible entry point into modern cruising
• The 380 introduces next-level ergonomics and innovation, including the walk-around deck layout
• The 415 expands capability for longer trips and growing crews
• The 455 delivers the space and refinement expected for extended time aboard

This natural step-up pathway makes it easier for owners to evolve within the range, rather than needing to switch brands as their ambitions grow.

Backed by Experience in Australia

Choosing the right yacht is only part of the equation. Having the right support behind you is equally important.

Performance Boating Sales has represented Jeanneau in New South Wales for more than 20 years, working closely with owners across every stage of their journey. From initial selection through to handover and beyond, that experience ensures buyers are matched with the right model for their needs.

It is this combination of product strength and local expertise that continues to make the Sun Odyssey range such a compelling choice.

A Proven Leader in Modern Cruising

The success of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey range is no accident. It is the result of continuous refinement, real-world feedback, and a clear understanding of what sailors value most.

For those looking to step into yacht ownership, upgrade their current vessel, or simply explore what modern cruising has to offer, the Sun Odyssey range remains a benchmark worth considering.

View the full range…

© Performance Boating Sales

The new Jeanneau Yachts 55 had its Australian premiere at the recent 2024 Melbourne Boat Show

Recently Lee Condell and Andrew Collingridge from Performance Boating Sales were on hand at the Melbourne Boat Show to attend the Australian launch of the new Jeanneau Yachts 55.

Lee Condell gives his first impressions…

It really doesn’t matter how many images and video reviews you see online, the only way to fully appreciate any yacht design is to see one in the flesh and experience the design as it is intended.

The Jeanneau Yachts 55 was no different and it looks amazing! This really is a ground-breaking design with ideas that make so much sense when you consider how a cruising yacht of this size is likely to be used.

Jeanneau have been class leaders in production cruising yachts between 50 and 65 feet for some time now, and throughout that history these designs have come from the uber talented Philippe Briand and his design office in London. In more recent years stylist Andrew Winch, who has partnered Briand in Superyacht design for over 20 years, has been brought into the fold and as a team they have had considerable success with the Jeanneau 51 and 54, and subsequently with the 64/65, and the newer 60. All of these yachts have been the biggest selling in their class.

The 55 is an innovation in that it’s the result of a lot of feed-back from previous Jeanneau Yacht owners about how they use their boats and what would make time onboard more enjoyable.

This new model incorporates the acclaimed sloping side-decks for ease of movement around the deck, and the helms have been brought forward in the cockpit for better protection from the weather. This has resulted in the entire stern area of the yacht being dedicated to leisure, whether it is alfresco dining, sun-lounging, socialising over sundowners, or taking in the water activities that are happening at anchor.

The aft deck can also be quickly configured from sun-loungers to twin dinettes, and all with surrounds seating with comfortable backrests all the way out to the lifelines. It’s an enormous space more like what you would expect on a catamaran.

Unique and just behind the helms are two symmetric companionways opposite each other into private guest cabins, each with their own ensuites! It’s luxury, both from the point of view of allowing the main cabin area to be a dedicated to the owner, and to enable guests to have their own private spaces.

Another plus of this cabin arrangement is that if owners don’t have guests onboard, either of these cabins can be used for convenient storage, along with the transom garage for toys and three cockpit lockers, as well as the enormous climb down bow-locker.

Forward of the helms there is a nav’ station to port, and dinette to starboard, either under a substantial spray-dodger as on the example on display, or the hardtop option. The dinette table also drops down to form a lounger, what a great place to sit out of the weather and enjoy your surroundings!

Stepping down below we find the saloon dinette to port and a long galley with return to starboard, which has a console for additional stowage. It’s a great open space for entertaining in inclement weather, or as a private apartment style space for owners to spend time in.

Moving forward is the master cabin covering the full width of the yacht with the queen sized double to port and locker and seating to starboard, and as you would expect there is a spacious ensuite. Traditionalists may struggle with so much that is different on this yacht, but when you imagine life onboard in your favourite cruising grounds it doesn’t take long to realise just how comfortable and enjoyable time onboard would be. It’s a yacht that begs to take on adventures!

Click here for more on the Jeanneau Yachts 55…

For John Tilley and Kristina Costalos, the idea of learning how to sail and one day sailing off over the horizon was something they always knew they wanted to do.  When the Covid pandemic came along, they found themselves unable to work. Instead of a setback, they took this as an opportunity, and they looked at each other and said, “Why wait? Why don’t we just go now?”

WHY WAIT? WHY DON’T WE JUST GO NOW

A thrilling two-year adventure unfolded, during which they purchased Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50DS, Tucana, and sailed her along the Australian coast from Melbourne to the Whitsunday Islands and Lizard Island and back. Along the way, they chronicled their journey on their YouTube channel, Kristina’s Travels, which quickly gained popularity. So much so, that today, Kristina’s Travels has been viewed over 26 million times, making it one of the most popular sailing channels on YouTube!

In October 2022, Jeanneau America’s Paul Fenn received a text message from Kristina, announcing that she and John would be attending the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis as part of a YouTube promotion and would love to finally meet in person. Paul and Kristina had been communicating back and forth for several months but had never actually met so this would be exciting for both of them. Coincidentally, Paul Blanc, the newly appointed Director-General of Jeanneau, also happened to be attending the show. So all four of them got to sit down and talk about John and Kristina’s grand adventures aboard Tucana.

Paul and Paul soon learned that John and Kristina had sold Tucana and were now thinking about their next boat and their future. During their conversation, the idea arose that John and Kristina might enjoy spending a few weeks sailing around the Mediterranean aboard the new Jeanneau Yachts 55. Paul Blanc explained that the JY 55 was a very different type of Jeanneau with a unique design, ideally suited for live-aboard couples, and he hoped they could put it through its paces and provide first-hand feedback. He went on to explain that having an experienced couple providing feedback after sailing and living aboard it for an extended period of time, would provide great insight for the designers of the boat, Philippe Briand and Andrew Winch as well as Jeanneau itself.

Fast forward to July 2023, and John and Kristina are waving goodbye from the cockpit of the new Jeanneau Yachts 55 as they depart downtown Barcelona for Palma de Mallorca. Over the course of their six-week adventure, John and Kristina plan to visit Corsica, Sardinia, Nice, and several stops along the French coast before returning to Barcelona. It will be another grand adventure for sure. And while it’s unclear what John and Kristina’s future plans are right now or what their next boat may be, one thing is for sure, for now, they certainly are loving living aboard the all-new JY 55.

Be sure to follow John and Kristina’s amazing adventure by subscribing today to Kristina’s Travels. You’ll be glad that you did!

PBS will host our own Jeanneau Sail Show at Middle Harbour Yacht Club August 4-6 in conjunction with our Jeanneau Power associates who will have their range on display nearby at the D’Albora Marina. Our show will coincide with the Darling Harbour Boat Show, so for those visiting Sydney we look forward to seeing you at Middle Harbour.

On display will be the:

• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
• Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300

Despite a reschedule the current lockdown means that yet again we’ve had to cancel the final race of the Jeanneau Cup season. We would like to thank Middle Harbour Yacht Club for trying their best to accommodate us, and for hosting us for the first two races.

Congratulations to David and his co-owners on the JOD35 “Starstruck”, which with a 3^rd and a 1st took out the win. They race the yacht really well and it’s great to see it have a new lease of life under their ownership. Hard luck to the co-owners of the Sun Odyssey 440 “Ca Va” who missed out on the podium on a countback!

Results:

1^st           Starstruck            JOD35                  David Ferguson                 4.0 points

2^nd          Pinta Bay             SO349                  Frank Milner                      6.0 points

3^rd          Galan                    SO409                  Mike Gallagher                 7.0 points

4^th          Ca Va                    SO440                  Peter Lewis                        7.0 points

5^th          Eau Well              SO349                  Lee Hawksley                    11.0 points

6^th          Arawai                 SO349                  Derek Minihane                15.0 points

7^th          Beyond Cool      J51                        Mark Clement                   17.0 points

8^th          Imagine               42DS                     Tom Ayrton                        19.0 points

9^th          Elysium                SO349                  John de Meur                    20.0 points

10^th        Slac-N-Off           SO39i                    Martyn Colebrook           22.0 points

A total of fifteen entries was a great turnout in the circumstances, with a wide diversity of models, eight in total taking part. A special mention for Frank Milner who brought his 349 down from Pittwater especially for both races. On the subject of 349’s we are delighted to have confirmed our 28^th order to NSW, so the fleet continues to build!

We would welcome feed-back from owners re events for next season. A dedicated 349 event is on the cards, and perhaps our own courses for a 3-race series out of MHYC, keeping to the ocean side of the Sydney Harbour bridge. Email info@performanceboating.com.au .

We had intended to show-case the new Sun Fast 3300 at this weekends last race. This is a really phenomenal racing yacht, so keep an eye out on Sydney harbour as there are two here now which will be racing out of the CYCA once the restrictions are lifted. We believe that there could be five of them doing the Hobart this year, four of them 2-handed.

Jeanneau’s have continued with club racing success with reports from owners of division wins in multiple clubs all around NSW, from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Pittwater and Sydney Harbour.

** The overall series trophies will be delivered to the award winners as soon as possible.

Despite a miserable weekend of weather and all of the concerns re the current crisis our annual owners get together on the weekend of the 14th & 15th of March was a roaring success. Returning to Sydney Harbour for this year’s event with the fleet overnighting in Darling Harbour was a popular choice, and despite multiple understandable cancelations in the week prior we still had 33 yachts attend, 22 of which made it into Darling Harbour while a full gale blew outside.

Those yachts that sailed down from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Pittwater on Friday afternoon had champagne sailing and made their way to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia for a breakfast briefing on Saturday morning.

The morning was bleak with rain and winds gusting 35 knots, so prudently the decision was made to cancel sailing on the harbour, and for those confident to berth in Darling Harbour to do so.

The CYCA was a perfect venue for the morning briefing and we would especially like to thank The Quays Marina for sponsoring it. Also thanks to the staff at the club for being so accommodating and finding space for all of our yachts.

While we were very disappointed to have cancelled the sailing for the first time ever for a Rendezvous a very enjoyable afternoon was spent by everyone inspecting each other’s boats and sharing ideas and experiences.

And so before we knew it was time to walk to the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel where we had a large function area to ourselves which was perfect for the 139 attendees. The food was terrific and atmosphere with live music and lots of banter was quite special. In attendance from Jeanneau was Mathilde Dalfour, the Asia/Pacific sales manager and we would like to thank her for taking the time to be a part of the event.

As usual we had a draw for spot prizes and we would particularly like to thank The Quays Marina for offering two $1500 antifouling vouchers, SB Marine Trimming for two $500 vouchers, Vacuwash a $500 voucher, three $300 vouchers from On Deck Rigging, $300 voucher from Marine Tune, $300 from Skinner Shipwrights, $200 voucher from Michaels Boat Detailing, Champagne from Boatstripes, a marine stereo and speakers from Ocean Phase, Hood Sails discount voucher, two Club Marine insurance vouchers, and multiple spot prizes from boatcrew.gear.com, Harken, and Yaffa Media. I’m sure that I speak for all of our owners when I say how much we appreciate the generous support of the industry around us.

So, despite multiple challenges the day was a great success based on the feed-back that we’ve received, and I would personally like to acknowledge the huge amount of work that Jay McEvoy here at PBS put into making it so.

An enjoyable night was spent at Darling Harbour and leisurely morning before the bridge opening at 10am. For those yachts heading back North a brisk S ’Easterly made it an exciting sail and a great way to top off the weekend.

It’s with great pleasure that PBS has just been awarded Jeanneau Dealer of the Year, a great team effort over the past 12 months, so thank you Jay, Nicola and Damian. This is the third time PBS has been recognised for a combination of sales achieved, owners feed-back to Jeanneau, the promotion of the brand, and our commitment to our valued customers in servicing them and putting on events to help them to enjoy their yachts to the maximum. Noted in the letter we received was the Rendezvous rally that we held in May on Sydney Harbour, culminating in a Jeanneau Rendezvous fleet overnighting in Darling Harbour, the biggest such gathering noted anywhere in the World, so a big well done to all of you who came and participated and made that event such a great success!

We strive to improve our systems and marketing all of the time and have recently updated our computer system to a cloud based technology, though until the NBN is available in our location next year we won’t be able to benefit from the full functionality of this technology.

With the latest generation of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey yachts breaking new ground we are excited about the future with Jeanneau and very much looking forward to the next new design in the series, the Sun Odyssey 410, arriving in May of next year.

We also hope to be making an announcement about a major new venture for the business in coming months. Onward and upward!

We want your feedback! With spring now here we’re already planning events for this coming season. Here are the proposed dates and we welcome your input before these are finalised:

Sun Odyssey 349 event – Australia Day 26^th January. Based on the successful SO349 event held back on the June weekend owners are keen to have a re-match, so we will again avail of the facilities of MHYC and run three races on the day.

Jeanneau Rendezvous 2019 – March 30^th cruise in company to Newcastle from Pittwater. All Jeanneau owners will be invited with harbour based boats likely to sail to Pittwater on the Friday for an impromptu get together at Coaster Retreat, then the fleet sail to Newcastle on the Saturday to stay overnight at the yacht club where a function will be held. For those yachts heading for Sail Port Stephens the following weekend a bus service will be booked to bring you back to Sydney on the Sunday morning so that you can resume your delivery to Port Stephens the following weekend. The remainder of the fleet will return to Pittwater/Sydney on the Sunday. Yachts from Lake Macquarie will also be invited to come and join in the occasion with a sail in company.

For any comments, suggestions or questions please send an email to info@performanceboating.com.au

The Quays Marine Centre on Pittwater has been our facility of choice for commissioning new Jeanneau yachts on Pittwater in recent year, and on the basis of the level of service that PBS has experienced we are now using their services for more and more work which we have carried out on customers yachts, including annual antifouling and other service work.

Contact Damien Goff our PBS Service Manager to arrange and coordinate any of your servicing requirements on Pittwater or Sydney Harbour – service@performanceboating.com.au

The Quays marina operates a one-stop shop called Q Service, and here Marina Manager Stephen Hosking outlines the latest news at the marina.

“Our persistent search for improvement, innovation and expansion within Q Service never ends, and with that in mind, we are very pleased to announce that we have just placed an order for a NEW 35 TONNE TRAVEL LIFT which will replace our existing machine. We expect to see the new Travel Lift up and running early in January next year. This new Travel Lift has a greater capacity than our current machine and the reason is that we have more exciting new plans for the future of Q Service. These plans, to be introduced over a number of stages, will expand our service offerings here. We’ll keep you posted as we go along the way.

Now, a little reminder about Q Service and what’s on offer here ……

Q SERVICE was established some years ago with the ethos of the business being, firstly, a ‘One Stop Shop’ for boats and their owners. The main objective being that everyone can have their maintenance work for their boat attended to, as well as the odd bit of unscheduled work, diligently, professionally and at a competitive price. Secondly, we wanted to create an environment full to the brim of talented people who are the ‘best of the best’ in their respective fields within the marine game.
Judging by the constant feedback we are getting, we have succeeded in our aspirations.
The backbone of Q SERVICE is a dedicated team of people who operate, manage and maintain the yard and hardstand area. These are the guys, rain hail or shine, who lift your boat out of the water, set the boat down in preparation for the antifoul and any other work that may be scheduled in for our other trades to attend to. They also pride themselves on the appearance of your boat when completed and also love to hear the stories about how well the newly antifouled yachts and powerboats perform after some TLC.

WHO’S AT Q SERVICE

As a reminder, here are the people, and the businesses, that call Q Service home:
Jason Bott – Marinetech Engineering
Probably the most respected and sort after diesel Engineer in Sydney.
Darren Skinner – Skinner Shipwrights Services
Extremely talented individual with a bevy of skilful tradesmen around him.
Scott White – Marine Performance Services
The petrol motor genius; precise & professional. Also home to the ever reliable Tohatsu Outboards
Tim Dempsey & Shaun Quinn – Total Marine Electrical
Gifted and accomplished Marine Electricians
Marc Eady – On Deck Rigging
Extremely knowledgeable and accomplished with all things rigging
Jenny & Emma – Top Quay Trimmers
Skilled and deft in their work with covers, clears and all things material
Buffman & Rubbin – Detailers
With an eye for detail, Morgan Downey-Price is a well credentialed Detailer with many years experience

These people make up an offering that is without peer in Pittwater and probably Sydney wide. They are gifted individuals that have chosen to call Q Service home and will always be attentive to your needs – Stephen Hosking”

Contact Damien Goff the PBS Service Manager to discuss and arrange any of your Jeanneau servicing requirements – service@performanceboating.com.au