The Jeanneau Sun Magic 44 Sailboat
(aka the Sun Odyssey 44)
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Jeanneau Sun Magic 44

Underwater Profile: Fin keel with spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 43'9" (13.3m)

Waterline Length: 34'9" (10.6m)

Beam: 13'11" (4.2m)

Draft: 7'0" (2.1m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 22,050lb (10,002kg)

Designer: Daniel Andrieu

Builder: Jeanneau (France)

Year First Built: 1987

Published Design Ratios for the Jeanneau Sun Magic 44

Based on the published design ratios provided for the Jeanneau Sun Magic 44 sailboat, these are the theoretical sailing characteristics:

• The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio indicates the power-to-weight ratio of the sailboat. With a value of 17.4, the Sun Magic 44 falls into the category of reasonably good performance. It suggests that the boat has enough sail area to perform well in a variety of wind conditions, making it suitable for both cruising and some level of competitive sailing.

• A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 37.4 indicates that the boat has a moderate level of stiffness and power to stand up to the wind. While it is not as stiff as boats with a ratio of 40 or more, it still provides a good balance between stability and performance. However, this ratio does not account for the location of the ballast. If the ballast is concentrated lower in the keel, the boat will be stiffer compared to a boat with a higher ballast but distributed higher up.

• With a Displacement/Length Ratio of 201, the Sun Magic 44 is classified as a moderate displacement boat. This means it strikes a balance between being light enough to be easily driven by its sail area and heavy enough to provide a comfortable ride. It will require a moderate amount of sail area to reach its hull speed, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and longer passages.

• The Comfort Ratio of 29.8 suggests that the Sun Magic 44 offers a moderate level of comfort, typical of a coastal cruiser. It indicates that the boat will have a relatively stable motion in moderate sea conditions, making it comfortable for extended cruising but not necessarily ideal for very rough ocean conditions.

• A Capsize Screening Formula of 1.9 indicates that the Sun Magic 44 is well-suited for bluewater sailing. This low value suggests that the boat has a low risk of capsizing in rough seas, making it a safe choice for ocean passages.

While these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance and characteristics of the sailboat, they have limitations. Foe example:

• Ballast/Displacement Ratio: This ratio does not consider the distribution of the ballast. A boat with a lower ballast concentrated at the bottom of the keel can be stiffer than a boat with a higher ballast distributed higher up. Therefore, the actual stiffness and stability can vary significantly based on the design of the keel and ballast placement.

• Comfort Ratio: Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio tends to favor heavy displacement, narrow-beamed vessels with long overhangs. Modern light-displacement, beamy cruisers with plumb bows may not score well on this ratio, even though they can offer good comfort and bluewater capability. The ratio does not fully account for advancements in hull design and construction that can enhance comfort in newer boats.

Overall, while these ratios provide a useful starting point for understanding the Jeanneau Sun Magic 44's sailing characteristics, they should be considered alongside other factors such as hull design, keel configuration, and overall build quality to get a complete picture of the boat's performance and suitability for different sailing conditions.