The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49, an aft cockpit fractional sloop, was designed by Phillipe Briand and built in France by Jeanneau.

A Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

Published Specification for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

Underwater Configuration: Bulb keel & spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 49'2" (15.0m)

Waterline Length: 42'4" (12.9m)

Beam: 14'9" (4.5m)

Draft: 7'9" (2.4m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 27,778lb (12,600kg)

Designer: Phillipe Briand

Builder: Jeanneau (France)

Year First Built: 2003

Owners Association: Jeanneau Owners Network

Published Design Ratios for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.6

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 28.9

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 164

4. Comfort Ratio: 26.9

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49

The Sun Odyssey 49 sailboat exhibits impressive performance capabilities as indicated by its Design Ratios.

The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.6 suggests that the Sun Odyssey 49 is indeed quite powerful and would perform impressively even in breeze conditions. This ratio indicates how much power or "horsepower" a boat has to drive it in light winds. The higher the number, the more sail area a boat has in relation to its displacement.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 28.9 signifies the craft's stability and stiffness, especially while carrying sail. This ratio shows the percentage of the boat's weight carried in the keel. With a ratio of 28.9, the Sun Odyssey 49 has a good righting moment and would maintain a strong stance in heavy sea conditions.

The Displacement/Length Ratio, at 164, indicates a moderately light boat. This ratio is a measure of the boat's speed potential - lower values generally mean higher speed potential. While the Odyssey is not a high-performance racer, this number suggests a boat that is still capable of impressive cruising speeds.

The Comfort Ratio is 26.9, signalling a cruising vessel well-suited for long passages in moderate to rough conditions. This ratio indicates how comfortable a boat would be in a seaway. The higher the number, the more comfortable the ride will be.

With a Capsize Screening Formula ratio of 1.9, the Sun Odyssey 49 falls into the safer category. This ratio provides a risk indicator of a boat's likeliness to capsize - a lower value indicates a more stable, less likely to capsize vessel. Thus, a figure of 1.9 suggests that this craft has a good resistance to capsize.

In conclusion, the Sun Odyssey 49 displays strong performance numbers; it is a lighter, more powerful cruiser that provides a comfortable ride and great stability, making it suited for blue-water cruising.

The essential eBook for potential boat buyers...

Interior Layout

The Sun Odyssey 49 sailboat boasts a blend of comfort, functionality, and style with its interior design and layout. The yacht is typically offered in two versions: three or four cabins, all designed for maximum comfort and convenience.

In the three-cabin version, the master suite is located at the bow, featuring a double bed, lots of storage space, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Two additional double cabins are positioned aft, each equipped with storage spaces and near the second bathroom, also equipped with a shower.

In the four-cabin version, it features two forward cabins and two aft cabins. All cabins are fitted with a double bed and have adequate storage space. Two bathrooms are shared among the inhabitants of the cabins – one located at the bow and the other at the stern.

The main saloon area is vast and well-lit, featuring a U-shaped seating area to port side around a wooden dining table. Directly across to the starboard side, there's a linear settee which can also serve as a sea berth while underway.

A fully equipped galley is on the starboard side of the yacht, designed to prepare meals comfortably while at sea. The galley is usually equipped with a gas stove, oven, large refrigerator, double stainless steel sinks, and ample storage spaces for cookware and provisions.

There is a navigation desk to port where navigational and communication equipment are installed. Amenities such as the stereo and electrical panel can also be found here.

Throughout the Sun Odyssey 49, the woodworking, upholstery, fittings, and fixtures are of a high standard, reflecting the boat's overall quality and elegance. Natural light and ventilation are well-provided for via the multiple hatches and portholes.

Other Versions of the Sun Odyssey 49

The Jeanneau shipyard produced several versions of the Sun Odyssey 49. They include:

Sun Odyssey 49i: This model was designed with improvements and variations. It has an innovative interior design, with a brighter and more spacious living area.
Sun Odyssey 49 DS (Deck Salon): This model features a raised deck saloon which ensures panoramic views from the interior. It was designed for cruising with a heightened level of comfort and luxury.
Sun Odyssey 49 Performance: This version is geared towards sailors seeking a high-performance cruising yacht without compromising on comfort. Its design features optimized sail and keel areas for maximized speed.

It's essential to note that while each version has some unique features, all maintain the balance of performance, comfort, and seaworthiness that characterizes the Sun Odyssey 49 series.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com