JEANNEAU SUN ODISSEY 490: INNOVATION NAVIGATES UNDER SAIL

27 years if history cannot be altered by a single model but to balance tradition and innovation is essential in the world of sailboats. Jeanneau has successfully respected this principle and, after a series of great novelties in 2017, now preannounces an equally exciting 2018 with the launch of the new Sun Odissey 490.

Designed by Jean-Marc Piaton and Philippe Briand, this 14-metre boat introduces some interesting innovations.

First of all, the firth thing that astonishes is the great easy movement aboard. Designers, in fact, have preferred to remove any potential obstacle on the boat’s perimetre: side decks, for example, slope down to the cockpit walking surface with no steps. As a result, life and movements on board are simpler and even more facilitated by the separation of the shrouds with the vertical shroud located on the outside of the hull and inner diagonal shroud placed inboard for an easy passage forward and a large genoa.

The new side decks’ design allows for some advantages in terms of comfort. Backrests of side benches become  higher and more comfortable than average and can be placed horizontally to let guests lie against the coaming, now replaced by a raised surface which guarantees greater safety on board.

This affords greater comfort, including the opportunity to transform both two sides into huge sun pads.

Twin rudder wheels are served by columns that host on-board instrumentation, suitably oriented toward the outside of the wheel, exactly where normally you stand steering. A cabinet supporting the chart table hosts the remaining equipment.

The low location of the parrel enables crew members to work comfortably when collecting the mainsail on the boom.

The Sun Odissey 490 has been specifically designed to ensure easy handling even with small crew. All the sheets are lead back to the twin helm stations which remain uncluttered. The bowsprit hosts an integrated anchor roller and offers the possibility to install a Code-0 or a gennaker, too.

The boats promises to deliver extraordinary downwind sailing performances. However, the hull chine is expected to define a good personality of the new Sun Odyssey model even in terms of upwind performances.

Interiors perfectly reflect the typical refined style that has made Jeanneau well-known all around the world. Elegant design dominates both the fore cabin and the chart zone, which can be easily transformed into an exclusive lounge. The stern houses one or two additional cabins, confirming the shipyard’s pursuit of wide bright spaces on board.

The Sun Odissey 490 can be equipped with a Yanmar 80 hp engine. The 8th generation of one among the most successful lines in the field of sailboats is getting ready to join the market. And we’re ready to welcome it!

Jeanneau Sun Odissey 490 – Technical Specifications