One might have thought that the solution of inclined gangways, which allow access to the foredeck without ever having to climb a step, could not be applied to units smaller than the 41-footer ( Sun Odyssey 410 ). Jeanneau proves us wrong by launching the Sun Odyssey 380 . This cruising yacht, designed like the rest of the range by Marc Lombard, has a similar deck plan.
Walkways without steps
Thus, on the Sun Odyssey 380, you pass behind one of the two helm stations before attacking the "climb" of the side decks. We will criticize in passing that the lower shrouds block the way, forcing a small contortion to reach the foredeck. This is due to the huge spreaders which are necessary because of the absence of backstay.
During this visit to the bow, we note the presence of a fixed bowsprit (a piece of polyester) which is used to moor the headsails (code zero or gennaker) and above all to clear the anchor so that it does not hit the vertical bow. This bowsprit is an option which, according to the shipyard, has become almost unavoidable for the owners (why leave it as an option?).
A marine sail plan
In its basic version, the sailboat is delivered with a self-tacking jib, but it is possible to install a genoa with a larger overlap. In this case, the clews are 3D adjustable friction rings. We note that the shipyard goes to the end of the logic with a real 3D adjustment (with 2 hoists) while its cousin Bénéteau offers only one adjustment (to save money on a hoist and a blocker?).
Innovative development plans
It is on the interior that the construction site has really worked well. And once again, they have come up with innovative solutions. Quite classically, this yacht can accommodate 3 cabins and 2 bathrooms. But it is in the 2 cabin version that it will be the most interesting. Indeed, the forward cabin adopts the double bed offset to starboard (as on the 410). This leaves a large space at the foot of the bed, which can either be occupied by a toilet or be used for storage.
At the rear in the 2-cabin version, the Sun Odyssey 380 gains a large hold, but above all a real shower cabin independent from the WC (with 2 separate doors). This is really unusual on a yacht of this size. This shower also has a large waxing cupboard, proof that Jeanneau does not only envisage sailing in good weather..
A lifting keel for grounding
Jeanneau offers this sailboat with 3 possible appendages: a large draught at 2.00 m, a small draught at 1.56 m, and above all a lifting keel that varies the draught from 1.29 to 2.70 m. In this last version, the yacht can run aground by adopting crutches. The keel system that takes up space at the end of the saloon table is an option marketed at around 20,000 euros.
Last trick, the shipyard is testing a bow thruster tunnel in an arc. Indeed, on these yachts whose forefoot is out of the water and whose lines are stretched backwards, the bow has very little footing in the water and does not facilitate thruster installations. Unless you choose a retractable model, but then the budget is very high. Here the tunnel is rounded to raise the thruster. The thrust is no longer horizontal, but partly inclined downwards and is less efficient, but the first tests are quite promising according to the yard.
Announced at around 180,000 euros, this yacht should be in the charter fleets or even at the owners' from the 2022 season.
