Overview
The Sun Odyssey 40 is a cruising sailboat built by the French shipyard Jeanneau. It belongs to Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey range, which is marketed primarily for cruising rather than racing. The model was introduced in the mid‑1990s and was produced for several years before being succeeded by newer designs in the same size range.
Design and construction
- Designer: Jacques Fauroux, a naval architect noted for a number of production cruising yachts for European builders.
- Hull: Monohull constructed predominantly of solid polyester fiberglass with a cored deck (commonly balsa or foam) to reduce weight and improve stiffness.
- Keel: Fixed fin keel with a lead ballast bulb; optional shoal‑draft keel was offered in some markets.
- Rudder: Internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller or wheel, depending on the interior layout chosen by the owner.
- Rig: Masthead sloop rig with a deck‑stepped mast, aluminum spars, and a single set of swept spreaders. The standing rigging typically consists of stainless‑steel wire.
- Sail plan: Standard sail area is approximately 732 sq ft (main and 100 % fore‑sail), with provisions for a larger genoa and a furling or conventional spinnaker for downwind sailing.
Production
- Builder: Jeanneau (Les Herbiers, France).
- Years of production: 1994 – 1998 (exact end‑date varies by market).
- Number built: The precise production total is not publicly disclosed; Jeanneau’s sales literature and third‑party databases list the model as a “regular production” design during its run.
Technical specifications (representative figures for the standard deep‑keel version)
| Parameter | Value (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 39.6 ft (12.07 m) |
| Length waterline (LWL) | 34.6 ft (10.55 m) |
| Beam | 12.5 ft (3.81 m) |
| Draft (deep keel) | 5.9 ft (1.80 m) |
| Displacement | 18,050 lb (8,190 kg) |
| Ballast | 5,200 lb (2,360 kg) |
| Engine | Yanmar 3 YM30 or equivalent, ~30 hp diesel |
| Fuel capacity | 30 US gal (113 L) |
| Fresh water capacity | 53 US gal (200 L) |
| Sail area (main) | ~370 sq ft (34 m²) |
| Sail area (100 % foresail) | ~362 sq ft (34 m²) |
| Hull material | Fiberglass (solid hull, cored deck) |
Interior layout
The Sun Odyssey 40 was offered with several interior configurations, typically ranging from a three‑cabin layout (forward V‑berth, aft double berth, and a mid‑ship cabin) to a two‑cabin version with larger saloon space. Standard amenities include a galley with a two‑burner stove, refrigerator, and double sink; a separate navigation station; and a head with shower facilities.
Operational history
During its production run, the Sun Odyssey 40 was marketed in Europe, North America, and other regions as a comfortable coastal cruiser suitable for short offshore passages. Reviews in sailing magazines of the era highlighted its balanced handling, moderate displacement, and ample interior volume for its length. The model has been used for both private cruising and charter operations, and many examples remain active in the second‑hand market.
Related models
- Sun Odyssey 39 (predecessor)
- Sun Odyssey 40 DS (deck‑salon variant introduced later)
- Sun Odyssey 41 (successor in the Jeanneau cruising line)
References
- Jeanneau official brochure archives (1994‑1998).
- Sailboat Data, “Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40” entry (accessed 2024).
- Cruising World magazine reviews, 1995‑1997 issues.
Note: All data presented are based on publicly available manufacturer specifications and reputable marine reference sources.
