The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40

Keel & Rudder Configuration: L-shaped keel with a single spade rudder
Hull Material: GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester)
Length Overall: 12.2m / 40'0"*
Waterline Length: 10.0m / 32'9"*
Beam: 3.95m / 13'0"*
Draft: 1.95m / 6'5"*
Rig Type: Masthead sloop
Displacement: 7,590 kg / 16,730 lbs*
Ballast: 2,460 kg / 5,423 lbs*
Water Tank Capacity: 320 litres / 85 US gal
Fuel Tank Capacity: 136 litres / 36 US gal
Hull Speed: Approximately 8.1 knots
Designer: Daniel Andrieu
Builder: Jeanneau
Year First Built: 1997
Year Last Built: 2005

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

Draft: Buyers could choose between a standard deep draft of 1.95 meters (6'5") and a shallow draft version, which was approximately 1.50 meters (4'11").

Interior Layouts: There were several interior layout options, including two-cabin and three-cabin versions. The two-cabin layout featured a larger aft cabin and more spacious storage, while the three-cabin layout provided additional sleeping quarters, making it suitable for larger crews or families.

Later versions of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 sailboat were produced, each with distinct differences:

• Sun Odyssey 40 DS (Deck Saloon): Introduced in 2000, this version featured a raised deck saloon for increased interior light and headroom, and an elevated seating area in the main saloon for better visibility. It had a slightly different displacement and draft compared to the original model.

• Sun Odyssey 40.3: Introduced in 2004, this version included updated interior layouts and design improvements, such as a more modern aesthetic and enhanced comfort features. The hull design remained the same, but the interior saw significant updates to meet contemporary standards.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

• I (Fore triangle height): 15.15m / 49'8"
• J (Fore triangle base): 4.23m / 13'11"
• P (Mainsail luff length): 13.05m / 42'10"
• E (Mainsail foot length): 4.8m / 15'8"

• Mainsail Area: 29.7m² / 320 ft²
• Genoa Area: 46.4m² / 499 ft²
• Upwind Sail Area: 76.1m² / 819 ft²
• Downwind Sail Area: 137.7m² / 1482 ft²

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 16.5
Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 32%
Displacement/Length Ratio: 185
Comfort Ratio: 23
Capsize Screening Formula: 2.1

The following analysis of the design ratios gives an indication of the boat's likely sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): This ratio indicates reasonably good performance. Boats with an SA/D between 16 and 20 are considered to have a good balance of power-to-weight, suggesting that the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 should perform competently under sail, offering satisfactory speed and power in a variety of wind conditions but not being overpowering.

• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): While a ratio of 40 or more is considered indicative of a stiff boat, a B/D ratio of 32% suggests that the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 will have adequate, but not extraordinary, stability. It will likely handle well in common coastal cruising conditions but may not be as stiff or resistant to heeling as boats with a higher B/D ratio.

• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): This falls into the "Light Displacement" category (100-200). Light displacement boats require less sail area to reach their design hull speeds and are generally faster and more responsive. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 should feel lively and react well to wind changes, making it a fun and sporty boat to sail.

• Comfort Ratio: A Comfort Ratio of 23 places the boat in the category of a somewhat lively motion, typical of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability. The boat should provide a ride that is not overly harsh but may exhibit more movement than heavier, bluewater cruising boats. Suitable for coastal and near-shore cruising, but might be less comfortable in heavy seas for prolonged periods.

• Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): A CSF of less than 2.0 indicates good bluewater capability. With a CSF of around 0.96, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 is well-suited for ocean passages, suggesting it has a low vulnerability to capsizing in rough seas.

Summary:

• The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 offers good performance and speed potential with a reasonably balanced power-to-weight ratio.
• It has moderate stability, suitable for coastal cruising and casual sailing, though not as stiff as some ocean-going designs.
• The boat's light displacement means it will be responsive and easy to handle, contributing to an enjoyable sailing experience, but perhaps a bit more "lively" in motion.
• Its Comfort Ratio suggests it will be relatively comfortable for coastal cruising, though it may not be the best choice for extended bluewater passages.

Overall, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 is a versatile cruiser that balances performance and comfort, making it a solid choice for coastal and some offshore sailing adventures.

But the Design Ratios are Not the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

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