Feb CY Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
Jan 10, 2018
The February issue of Canadian Yachting is out and packed with boat reviews, just in time for boat show season. Here’s a taste of a great review of the new Sun Odyssey 410. Pick up the magazine for the complete tale of a twin helm cruiser.
By Zuzana Prochazka
Last year, Jeanneau turned the sailboat deck layout on its ear with the introduction of their Sun Odyssey 490 and 440, and the concept of the ‘walk-around deck’. Now, these topsides have made their way to the new 41-footer. In case you think it’s all the same stuff in a smaller package, know that designer Marc Lombard threw in a few creative features to make things interesting on this, the third model to join the new French revolution.
Design
The most notable new distinction is the inverted or “negative” bow. Not only is the stem raked slightly aft at deck level, but also the foot of the bow has a bit of rocker so it clears the water by a few inches. That should reduce drag in light winds. Some may say it’s purely for aesthetics – and maybe so – but it sure makes the 410 look like a racing rock star.
A hard chine runs the length of the hull down low to help keep her on her feet in a blow and her maximum beam is brought all the way aft. Twin rudders keep her maneuverable even when heeling, and a powerful, retractable bow thruster provides confidence in close quarters. Forward is an optional integrated composite bowsprit that adds an attractive elongation to the hull as well as a place to stow the anchor and attach a gennaker. All in all, this model is built for speed and is easy on the eyes.
On Deck
Standing at one of the twin wheels, you can walk all the way to the bow without stepping or climbing over anything, least of all a cockpit coaming. You can then walk all the way aft down the other side and arrive at the other wheel with no obstacles. The deck slopes gently up and onto the main side deck. Drains by the pedestals are there to gather up any water spraying up over the bow and rushing down toward the driver. Best of all, you can drive facing forward, which will be appreciated by anyone who has had to crane their neck for hours on a long watch.
Nice bullwarks all around provide a foothold when heeling, and there are no jib tracks to stub your toes on due to the use of friction rings on the headsail sheets. With the various packages available, Jeanneau ensures the 410 has numerous options to suit any style of sailing. The standard version inlcudes a tradititional hoist mainsail and a 115% genoa, but you can also get in-mast furling and a self-tacking jib with a track just ahead of the mast. This plus a Code 0 makes perhaps the best combination for easy, short-handed sailing on any point of sail.
Versatile Accommodations
The 410 can be configured with two or three cabins and one or two heads. The interior is the work of Jean-Marc Piaton, a designer new to the Jeanneau team, and he’s added a few out-of-the-box thoughts. One example is the “day bed” in the saloon. Positioned on the centreline just aft of the compression post, this versatile lounge does three things: It extends aft to add seating to the fold-out dinette, it forms an additional sea berth with stowage below, and in its natural state, it’s a cozy lounge that would be my go-to spot when off watch.
Performance
Like many boat outings, our test day was a mix of good and bad. It was nice to be on the flat waters of the Chesapeake, but the wind gods were busy elsewhere and we had a breeze that occasionaly gusted to nine knots. Still, we managed to have fun and point high. At 35 degrees apparent wind angle, we squeezed out 5.2 knots in nine knots of true breeze. When we cracked off to 120 degrees, we still carried 3.7 knots of boat speed and then we came back up to five knots at 65 degrees as the puffs grew few and far between. With the thoughtful cockpit layout, it’s feasible to tack the boat single-handed without an autopilot and not get flustered.
Overall Impressions
Jeanneau has built 18,000 similar yachts with continuous improvements; it’s nice to know they’re not resting on their laurels. As the new deck design proliferates throughout the Sun Odyssey offering, the company is still adding twists and incremental improvements. Some of these changes may no longer be truly revolutionary, but these evolving French models can still say, “Let them eat cake.”
