The ergonomics of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 is well designed for easy maneuvering. The coaming winches, near the steering stations, are easy to handle standing up from the side decks or directly by the helmsman. The lowered boom at the gooseneck allows children to pass reefing bumps or simply close the lazy bag. Thanks to the level deck, several steering positions are possible.
The downwind sails are hoisted on a bowsprit that supports the anchor. It is very well done, just a pity that the low shrouds hinder a little the progression towards the front deck.
Support options
The Sun Odyssey comes standard with a full set of Harken hardware, including a furling genoa and mainsheet that return to the coaming winches. A slightly taller (60 cm) performance rig is available, but the options of electric winches, furling mast and self-tacking jib are there to remind us that the primary vocation is quiet cruising.
Two engines
Equipped with a Yanmar 3JH of 40 HP of 3 cylinders as standard, we prefer the supplement of 1 800 euros HT which allows to benefit from the 4 cylinders of 45 HP of the same brand. Both engines are mounted with shaft lines, but the rounder sound of the more powerful one improves the sound comfort. The cruising speed is at 2 500 rpm and at a speed of 7.5 knots the autonomy will be about 250 miles.
A promising test in 8 to 10 knots of wind
It is a child's play to hit the mainsail halyard thanks to the low boom, and we hoist it effortlessly with the electric winch. In this light breeze we reach almost 7 knots upwind. On the windward side, the calm conditions make us roll out the code 0 without hesitation. If we keep the speed on the beam (60° to 80° of the apparent wind), the speed drops by one knot once on the beam and we have to switch to the asymmetric spinnaker to keep the speed up. Gybes are easy, as the tack on the bowsprit keeps the luff of the furled genoa well away.
A very playful control at the helm
The helm is very neutral at all speeds, providing good handling and suggesting that the pilot won't have to push too hard. Women and children will be able to enjoy it even more.
It's a pity that we couldn't verify these good abilities with stronger wind and a bit of sea. The double rudders and this powerful, stable hull, well relieved on the water entries, must behave wonderfully.
