PERFORMANCE HULL AND OPTIONS
Enjoying occasional regattas is very much in the remit of the modern
production cruising yacht, with manufacturing processes continually
improving the power-to-weight ratio of vessels. Having said that, the Sun
Odyssey 410 is traditionally built in hand-laid monolithic GRP, which is a
simple and easily repaired structure, with the addition of an inner grid to
give support and rigidity.
Insulation requirements mean that the deck is balsa laminated,
which also helps sound proofing and optimises the weight for an overall
displacement of 7,900kg, good for a 42ft cruising yacht.
Hull shape includes that distinctive cut-back forefoot on the bow to
reduce the wetted surface, and the rounded aft sections finish in a hard
chine to give directional stability when heeled.
The yacht can be set up for racing with Jeanneau’s option list, the main
items being a taller Z Spars deck-stepped mast with large fully battened
mainsail and 115 per cent genoa. Then there’s the standard bowsprit
which creates good separation to fly a Code 0 spinnaker, controlled by two
extra winches in the cockpit.
The final and essential item is the Flex-o-Fold three-bladed folding
propeller. Performance with these options, according to the Polar Chart,
Length overall (w/bowsprit)
12.95m (42ft 6in)
Beam 3.99m (13ft 10in)
Draft deep keel 2.14m (7ft 2in)
Draft shoal 1.60m (5ft 3in)
Displacement 7,900kg
Mainsail* 42.8sqm / 46.7sqm
Genoa 34.3sqm
Self-tacking jib 30.15sqmCode 0* 81.85sqm / 88.27sqm
Fuel 200 litres (53 US gallons)
Water 530 litres (140 US gallons)
Cabins 2-3
Berths 4-6 (+2)
CE category 2 cabins: A6 / B7
/ C9 / D9
CE category 3 cabins: A8 / B9 /
C10 / D10The forecabin’s V-berth benefits from the tall topsides and an en-suite is an optiongives seven knots boat speed at a 45-degree wind angle with the breeze at
14 knots – ideal for both the race track and swallowing those long cruising
mileages, which this model is ideally set up for.SAILING FROM CANNES
Spring time on the Mediterranean is my favourite season because a
strong breeze or even a harsh Mistral howling down from the nearby Alps
is common, and so it was for my sail on hull number seven.
After motoring out from the busy port, requiring diligence and heavy
use of the bow thruster as we left the dock, we hoisted the mainsail in the
growing breeze that initially showed 16 knots on the B&G wind instruments.
As I turned us into the wind, a crewmate operated the electric controls for
the Harken winch to guide the sail clear of the lazyjacks.
With this done I turned the yacht off the wind to help the genoa
unwind itself before it was sheeted in as I crouched at the helm, a slightly
uncomfortable position because of the twin backstay, but snug behind the
large sprayhood that’s an essential option over the semi-flush decks.
However, my feeling of discomfort was replaced by glee as the yacht
heeled to 30 degrees before accelerating strongly into the wind and
waves, showing a speed of eight knots in the 16-knot breeze with the bows
pointing 45 degrees.
Tacking proved fairly easy, with one crewmate winding-on after I
eased the sheets on the weather side, and the yacht drove round hard on
its twin rudders, as I made my way unobstructed between the twin helms.
The breezy day meant no chance to hoist a Code 0 out on the integrated
bowsprit, but this would be an advisable option for warm-water sailing to
avoid the drone of the diesel engine.
More was to come as the wind gusted up to 20 knots, which would be
the time most similar yachts would reef, but due to the twin rudders and
hard chine hull, the yacht weathered the stiff breeze and tracked straight,
reaching a tad under 10 knots – impressive.
Off the wind, double digits were seen on the plotter, but its placement
required the steerer to poke fingers dangerously through the wheel spokes.
On the plus side, the helm felt beautifully balanced and foot chocks were
ideally placed as the Sun Odyssey 410 heeled hard over with our bows
aimed for Saint Tropez.http://www.jeanneau.com* Figures for standard mast / performance mastDECKS
& SPECS