Je ne sais quoi

New boat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey DS42

That certain something, as they say in French, is what makes the new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey deck-saloon 42 a stand-out boa, reports Kevin Green.

The new three-cabin version of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey DS42 launched at several of the big European boat shows recently and the first of this revamped cruiser has just arrived in Australia.  

The middle-weight performer in a fleet comprising of the SO 39DS, S0 45DS and SO 50DS, the new deck-saloon 42 offers cruising sailors space and comfort but at a size a couple can still comfortably handle.

French builder Jeanneau, well known for its stylish yachts, has refined the interior, previously available as only a two-cabin, and now offers the option of a three-cabin layout. Australian importer Performance Boating estimates more than 300 of the original design have been sold world-wide and 24 locally. These are impressive numbers. Race designer Marc Lombard penned the fine lines of the sleek hull and the Italian design flare of Vittorio Garroni created the stylish interior. The result is a boat that really stands out, both on the marina and on the water. From the curved cockpit combings that gracefully fuse into the teardrop coach roof, cleverly hiding the cavernous deck saloon space below, to the fine entry of the hull with its elongated windows, this is undoubtedly one of the best-looking boats around. Taking a popular design and improving it maybe sounds like a no-brainer but not all builders actually get it right. Other improvements on the new 42DS include additional hull windows in the forward V-berth, larger windows in the saloon and aft cabins and some redesign work on the deck.

Three cabins

Below the big change is the optional three-cabin layout, a variation of the large single aft cabin with the popular king-sized island bed. The two stern cabins are similar and offer comfortable double beds, greatly increasing the accommodation. The owner would probably prefer portside, with the adjoining head and navigation station handy. Up front the V-berth is functional with enough storage space for most couples and has an ensuite, though some might prefer the optional electric head to the manual one fitted.

The saloon’s light-coloured teak veneered interior feels welcoming yet ultra-modern, perhaps reflecting the computer-aided processes that Jeanneau prides itself in using. Lounging on the L-shaped starboard settee is comfortable, with plenty of headroom and, sensibly, the fold-up table wings double up as an additional bed space. Opposite, the starboard settee leads back to the navigation area with its sliding chart table.

This arrangement allows the settee to be a navigation seat or a fixed wooden stool is available; a useful idea. Systems here include controls for the Bose music system.

Across the way, the starboard L- shaped galley comes with a gimballed double-burner stove and oven, next to the rotomoulded top-opening fridge. With the possibility for a big crew, the double sinks are welcome. But I’m not a fan of their glass-attached backing plate, a feature on many Jeanneaus. In a seaway the potential for someone or something crashing into is not worth the risk. However, on the plus side, strong handrails in the saloon are a good safety feature around various doors. Door surrounds, using Moabi hardwood, finish off things nicely and underfoot the laminated floorboards feel firm and precisely cut so that lifting them up to reveal the keel bolts is easy. The cast-iron keel is held by hefty bolts and surrounded by a very deep bilge that could easily take a few slabs of beer; their depth is also a good safety feature for keeping excess water at bay. These compartments looked strongly glassed in as well.

Deck

The 42DS’s spacious cockpit has wider seating now and the area is a big selling feature for me with gently stepped combings nicely clad in teak, surrounding a hardwood folding table with lots of drink-holder storage and deep centre locker. This should be a comfortable lounging area at anchorage, with smooth bulkheads separating the two helms and twin Harken primary winches the only sailing gear intruding into the area. On the review boat, destined for a semi-retired cruising sailor, an electric Harken twin-speed winch adorned the cabin top to control the in-mast roller furling mainsail. Up forward an uncluttered deck and coachroof, thanks to all lines running under gutters, finished off a clean topside profile. At the bow the deep anchor well and electric windlass with remote ensure serious cruisers are well catered for.

On the water

With the Pittwater afternoon breeze filling in, my host for the day, Lee Condell from Performance Boating, cranked up the 54hp Yanmar shaft-drive and we made ready. With the cross breeze threatening to blow us, Lee used the Max Power tunnel bow-thruster to keep us straight as we left the berth. Taking the helm, I throttled up the engine as the Raymarine ST70 instruments and E80 plotter flashed on, which prompted me to pile on more power as the sleek hull surged forward. It felt fast, with the combination of fixed three-bladed prop, slippery hull and 54hp Yanmar pushing us to an impressive 9.1kts SOG at 2800rpm. As we slowed and rounded into the wind I clicked the autopilot on and went forward to winch the mainsail outhaul, then returned to the helm to sheet in the unfurling genoa we made sail in the 16-knot southerly breeze.

With the powerful 122-percent genoa set and the leech of the unbattened mainsail tightened we set off at a good pace and I began to see why the brochure’s claim of the 42DS being a “sailor’s boat” rang true.

The 42DS is a complete boat, for the cruising couple or family, and with enough speed to ensure that wherever you’re voyaging you get there in style.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length12.93m

Hull length12.59m

Overall beam4.13m

Draught deep keel2.13m

Draught shoal keel1.60m

Displacement8925kg

Engine Yanmar 54hp

Mainsail35 sqm

Genoa42,4 sqm

Spinnaker122 sqm

Water capacity355L

Fuel capacity130L

Holding tank capacity85L

Berth4+2 / 6+2

Cabins2 or 3

CE category A-8 / B10 / C12

DesignerV Garroni / M. Lombard

Price: $380,000 (review boat)

Australian Distributor:
www.jeanneauaustralia.com