Every year at the Boot salon in Düsseldorf, the Boat of the Year is selected. Only a boat that entered the market the previous year and is expected to be the most desired among buyers in the current year can be chosen as the Boat of the Year.
The jury selecting the Boat of the Year consists of journalists from nine of the largest European nautical magazines. They independently test the boats at two locations and provide their opinions. In the category of sailboats, the selection is divided into five different categories:
- Family cruising sailboats:
- Performance cruising sailboats:
- Luxury cruising sailboats,
- Multihull sailboats, and
- Special sailboats
Among the winners of each category, the jury selects the boat that brings the most innovation and will be the most desirable in the coming year. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 competed for the award in the family cruising sailboats category. The competitors in this group were the Bénéteau Oceanis 51.1 and Hanse 548. Due to its numerous advantages over the competition, the Sun Odyssey from the French shipyard Jeanneau was declared the Boat of the Year.
Let’s take a look at why
The Sun Odyssey 440 earned the title due to highly interesting solutions never seen before. Its design and innovations are considered pioneering and will undoubtedly be incorporated into future boats from this shipyard, soon to be copied by competitors as well.
The boat is innovative both on deck and below. It introduces new solutions compared to previous models from this shipyard and within the market of family cruising sailboats. Let’s examine the interior innovations. The 440 is available in three- or two-cabin versions. Upon descending the stairs into the salon, there is a bathroom on the right and a navigation station on the left. The stern has two cabins, but the two-cabin version features one larger cabin and a storage area. There are no major innovations in the stern section. However, the bow section of the salon offers noticeable changes. The U-shaped galley is positioned along the port side, with a bathroom in front of the owner’s cabin. A spacious seating area extends from the aft bathroom to the forward owner’s cabin on the starboard side. The salon includes a folding table, which can be lowered to create a double bed. The forward owner’s cabin features large, double-leaf doors. When both doors are opened, the owner’s cabin and salon become connected. Although still somewhat separated, the large opening ensures excellent ventilation between the front cabin and the salon.
Side benches or sunbeds
The salon design is innovative, unlike anything previously seen from Jeanneau. However, it’s the deck innovations that are truly breathtaking. The first striking feature upon stepping on deck is the continuous passage from the stern to the bow, free of steps. From the helm position, it’s possible to walk all the way to the bow without encountering a single step. More exciting innovations await those who enjoy relaxation and sunbathing at anchor. The side benches above the aft storage compartments are foldable. While sailing or dining aft, they function as backrests, but at anchor, they fold down to create two large sunbeds along each side. The entire crew can enjoy comfortable sunbathing on deck. Additionally, the helm seats have been redesigned. The outer sections of the benches extend forward. Steering is simple and comfortable both from the helm position and the side position. In a seated position, the wheel is within easy reach, ensuring comfortable posture for the helmsman. Long-distance steering remains easy and safe, with instruments positioned for clear visibility. The chartplotter screen is mounted on the outside of the wheel console, making it visible from both seated and standing positions.
The deck layout also focuses on simplicity and ease of movement. It is designed on a single level, with gradual inclines toward the bow, eliminating the need for steps. The only step remains when transitioning to the swim platform while anchored.
The boat also offers comfortable sailing. The winches for the mainsail sheets are positioned on the inner side of the stern, right in front of the helm. A small crew or even a solo skipper will have no trouble managing the sails.
Technical specifications:
Length overall: 13.0 m
Length with bowsprit: 13.39 m
Beam: 4.29 m
Displacement (empty): 8,561 kg
Draft: (standard) 2.2 m, (shoal keel) 1.6 m
Ballast: (standard) 2,280 kg, (shoal keel) 2,670 kg
Fuel tank: 200 l
Water tank: 330 l
Optional water tank: 200 l
Mainsail area: 45.15 m²
Genoa (12%): 45.15 m²
Code Zero: 81.85 m²
Engine: Yanmar 45 HP
Source: enavtika.si
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