48°N Test Sail
By Richard Hazelton
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 won
the European “Family Cruiser” Yacht of the Year Award for 2010-2011, so we’ve been anxious to have one arrive in the Northwest so we could take a test sail. Replacing the 39i, the 409 incorporates modern design changes inside and out.
The boat is quite pleasing to
the eye, its elongated windows and low cabin profile gives it a sleek appearance. Stepping on board, the cockpit is spacious, with the design clearly aimed at shorthanded sailing. Jib sheets, traveler and mainsheet are all run to winches at the helmstation. Our boat had traditional winches, however, Harken’s new Rewind Radial Electric winches are an option. Sails can be adjusted in or out at the touch of a button. Mast lines are covered on deck and lead to the cockpit. Between the twin wheels is an instrument pod which rotates, enabling
Length overall Hull length Hull beam Light displ
viewing from either wheel. The stern has a traditional closed in feeling, but the transom can be lowered for a swim step. In front of it, there’s a compartment that can house a liferaft, or it’s a perfect place for those sandy shoes and other stuff you’d rather keep out of the cockpit. When going below, I was struck at
how spacious it was. There are three interior options and our boat was the one with one head aft and one stateroom aft. Taking the head out of the forepeak certainly gains you a lot of space. The hard chine of the boat also allows for more volume so the interior can “carry aft” a bit more. Of course, opting to leave out the second berth aft, opens up a huge area for storage, called “the garage.” The interior woodgrain runs
horizontal, rather than the usual vertical. Optically, this also adds to the perception of more room. The L-shaped
Standard keel Fuel capacity Water capacity CE Category Designer/s
12.34 m / 40’ 11.98 m / 39’ 4 m / 13’
7450 kg / 16390 lbs 1.55 m / 5’
200 L / 53 US GAL 530 L / 140 US GAL A8
P. Briand / Jeanneau
Standard sail area 78.9 m² / 849 ft² Motor
29KW / 40HP CV sail drive
galley is surrounded by cabinets. The latches on doors were hidden and easily accessed. Across from the galley is a nav station which has a door which you can close to hide the electronics when not in use. Ther saloon table received quite a bit of notoriety for it’s one-touch raising and lowering capability. We left Elliott Bay Marina and headed for wind by West Point. The
Left: Electronics can be hidden behind a nav station door. Many portlights and light wood brighten the cabin. Right: L-shaped galley is walled by cabinets. Guard protects guests from splashes.
48° NORTH, JULY 2011 PAGE 48
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