JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 440  

The very first of the multi-award-winning Sun Odyssey 440's to come on the second-hand market in Australia and a $300,000 saving on a new order to the same specifications!

The Sun Odyssey 440 broke new ground in offering a mid-sized cruising yacht using the latest in cruising hull forms to provide a vast amount of room for its size. Not only did it introduce the patented sloping side-decks to the World, but it is still remarkable for offering full Queen sized fully rectangular beds in both the forward owner's cabin, and in the aft cabins. Justifiably, it won European Yacht of the Year, Sail Best Boat, and Cruising World Boat of the Year.

This example is a two-cabin, so has a huge pantry/workshop aft to port, while the starboard aft cabin has the full Queen-sized double, plus storage on the inboard side of that. There are double opening doors to the owner's cabin forward which is quite remarkable. It has lots of floor space, the aforementioned Queen double, lots of natural light with double overhead opening hatches, two long hull windows and has an ensuite with dedicated shower. It really is quite luxurious.

The centre of the yacht has a full sized forward-facing nav station aft to port, in front of which is a large wraparound galley which has been upgraded with a Force 10 cooker. The domestic style fridge is complemented by a 40 Litre fridge/freezer in the pantry/workshop, adjacent to which are four custom storage drawers and a microwave. Opposite the galley is a U-shaped dinette, with additional storage underneath on this example as the hot-water tank has been removed and replaced by a diesel hot-water system and heater.

On deck the cockpit seating is comfortable and high-backed since the sloping side-deck eliminates the need to climb over coamings to reach the side-decks to disembark, or to move forward. In the forepeak is a sizeable locker. The drop-leaf cockpit table incorporates stowage space, has the engine controls where they can easily be seen from the starboard helm, and aft of which are mounted a multi-display and autopilot control. At the starboard helm is a 9" MFD, bow-thruster control and throttle control, and unusually there are repeat throttle and bow-thruster controls at the port helm, so coming alongside is a breeze. There are composite steering wheels for a sporty feel at the helm.

This yacht has two significant custom options, being a Targa arch incorporating the Bimini, and davit system (which is removable). Both are superbly executed and really do enhance the yacht for extended cruising.
Other options of note are a Brunton Sigma drive coupling between the shaft and gearbox for smooth engine operation, and a substantial 800W bank of Lithium batteries. In addition, the yacht has two 150W flexible solar panels, and a 3000W Invertor and a battery monitor. In addition to the 9" plotter the yacht as a full linear drive autopilot with gyro, AIS and a VHF radio.

The conventional mainsail drops into a boom that is set very low at the mast, making it easy to pack the sail away into the boom-bag. The 122% overlap headsail provides plenty of power for off the wind sailing in most conditions, but for a boost in downwind sailing this yacht has a Furling AO which flies off the GRP bowsprit.

The SO440 is renowned for its stability, balance and sailing ability. This is a capable cruising yacht that is supremely comfortable, both on deck and below, and is equally at home spending summer weekends away as it is for more extended cruising and even those fun events.