- Price: from 6,000 euros
- Built from 1993 to 1999 in 779 units
The Sun Fast 20 is the predecessor of the famous Sun 2000; its program is moreover almost identical, except that the former, with a much lighter displacement, logically adopts a more dinghy-like behaviour. Because it was produced exclusively in this configuration - only 25 cm of draught, high centreboard. Along with the Sun Fast 17, her little brother, the 20 is one of the first Jeanneau yachts built in Poland, and her architect is Polish. Over there, sailing is essentially lake sailing: the Sun Fast 20 is perfectly suited for use on closed water - easy to transport, dismasting kit.
Good potential to be exploited
On paper, the Sun Fast 20 is significantly heavier, but no heavier canvas than a Microphone. But it is longer... On the water, the little Jeanneau can move around easily in light winds - provided you take care of the hull and have nice sails. Its asymmetrical 25 m2 spinnaker gives it wings from full to full, but it is more difficult to get good downwind results. In the breeze, the boat is relatively heeled, but remains manageable, even with a small crew. On the other hand, to maintain good speed, a good crew recall is essential. The hull is sensitive to chop; a good centering of the weights is not superfluous.
Large cockpit and XXL skirt
The cockpit extends almost halfway across the deck plan. A wise choice for a sailboat on which you spend most of your time outside. It is also a good way to center the weight of the crew. The rounded transom is reminiscent of the last IOR regatta sailors. Here, it allows the fitting of an imposing transom skirt. Of course, the external rudder (controlled by a huge tiller) and the engine (also well away from the helmsman) make it a bit difficult to move around when swimming or going down to the sand. The fittings are basic - nothing to be embarrassed about given the small sail area to manage.
Rustic Cabin
Measured freeboard and discreet deckhouse result in a maximum headroom of 1.38 m. The yard, given the small volume available, refrained from using any bulkheads; the accommodation is therefore limited to four berths - a double spike at the bow and the two side benches that act as a saloon. A few crew, nothing more... apart from a mini galley block and a chemical toilet (they were available as an option).
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
Overall, the Sun Fast 20 ages well. A few points of the fittings and rigging (halyard sheave) will be changed. The ballast cake, bolted to the outside of the hull, can be attacked by corrosion and the hull/ballast joint often needs to be revised. Nothing prohibitive, but an essential job to guarantee performance. If the sail set is original - it was already of poor quality - it will have to be replaced.
The advantages
- Performance at all speeds
- Reduced draught and easy transportation
- Ease of implementation
Disadvantages
- Lack of stiffness to the canvas
- Self-steering solent not easy to adjust
- Motor away from the helmsman
But what is he missing?
Apart from a little extra stiffness to the canvas (the daggerboard would have deserved 40 or 50 kg more), the Sun Fast 20 has only advantages for him or almost.
The equivalent today?
The Maxus 22, the Sailart 19 and the Blue Djinn are certainly the small cruisers whose programme is closest to the Sun Fast 20 - without bringing much more.
