When you introduce a new range and the first two models win every major award it’s hard to better that, but there’s no doubt in our minds that this is what has been achieved with the new Sun Odyssey 410, which we will have on display at the Sydney International Show in early August. The downside of that is that this model is selling fast and so there are only two examples available to Australia between now and February 2020.
The SO410 incorporates the phenomenal walkaround sloping side decks of the larger SO440 and SO490 that make movement around the yacht like nothing you’ve experienced before, and it also packs in a forward sail locker, life-raft locker and four other cockpit lockers, including one designed to be able to take an optional diesel generator!
The helm seats allow you to sit either behind the wheels, or comfortably outboard with a superb view forward, and the bench seats are protected by a high coaming which gives superior back support. As per the other designs the engine control panel is clearly visible from the starboard helm. The swim platform is large with an electric remote option, for ease of access, either on the marina or when approaching from your tender
In terms of sail plans there are a multitude of combinations to suit every potential use, including a larger rig option with 6% more sail area than the standard sail plan, for those looking for sparkling performance. The standard furling genoa is just 110% overlap, for ease of handling, and of course there is the self-tacking jib option also available.
Marc Lombard, who has penned many of Jeanneau’s most successful models of recent times, such as the SO36i, 42DS and the current SO349, is at the very forefront of modern yacht hull design, as his office is designing some of the very fastest mini-transit, Class 40 and IMOCA 60 offshore racing designs. The amazing benefit of this latest in hull design is that it lends itself perfectly to cruising yachts, as the characteristics of better form and directional stability simply make cruising yachts easier to handle across a broad spectrum of conditions. We would argue that the 410 is the most sophisticated modern cruising hull available today. It maximizes cruising speed, stability and balance, but in a hull form that will behave beautifully at any angle in a sea.
Down below there are similarities with the larger models, remarkably even managing to offer fully rectangular doubles in all cabins that will use conventional bedding! But, yet again, Lombard has stepped up with a brilliant saloon layout that incorporates a central saloon lounge that extends to form a full-length bench seat to the deluxe saloon table option, a chez lounge, or a sea berth. Simply brilliant!
The galley is a central wrap-around galley using a conventional marine fridge which is available with a front loading door, and there is a very clever shelf at the forward side of the galley counter that can simply be used to house a microwave, while the double-sink lid lifts to form a splash-back to the full sized forward facing nav’ table. Another practical yet simple solution that to me indicates just how much thought and detail has gone into this design.
Large hull windows and lots of opening hatches maximize light and ventilation into a n interior that has all floors on one level and cabin doors to the floors, so safe and easy to move around, especially with the furniture incorporating secure hand-holds that are easily accessible to people of any height.
For a video walk-around review of the SO410 click here