I am really not that much into Jeanneau, you know it. I am biased, to be honest: If I´d had the choice, I´d always prefer the Beneteau over the sister brand. Why? For me, a Jeanneau was always lacking the grandeur, the beauty and even the iconography of the boats made in Saint Gilles Croix d´Vie. Jeanneau boats tend to appear bulky, boasting more volume and … I don´t know, it´s just that I could never really excite myself for the boats made in Les Herbiers. Nevertheless, it´s interesting to look at them.
After all these boats make a big portion of Groupe Beneteau´s turnover and of course they have a beloved customer base who would fight me any time over my leading-in to this article. Jeanneau, part of the Beneteau group since 1995 after the company went through financial turmoil, is a well respected brand. Especially charter fleets often opt for these boats (in favor of Beneteau) because of the bigger volume a Jeanneau (at least used to) offer. This may have changed now with the new brand strategies, so let´s start our walkthrough.
Marc Lombard Design Group … but a bit austere
I am still very sad writing about boats designed by Marc Lombard Design Group because I used to know him personally and often had a chat, apart from the always interesting and information rich interviews he agreed to do with me for NO FRILLS SAILING.com – his spirit lives on and so it´s a crying and a smiling eye, looking at the new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415 floating during Cannes Yachting Festival 2025.
Since Marc Lombard took over principal design of Jeanneau yachts these boats received a “boost” in modernity, in my opinion. Since then, with the Sun Odyssey 410, the predecessor of the new 415, the bit of awkward looks of the older versions has been straightened out. I especially disliked the “bulgy” coachroofs which in my view made older boats look like expired joghurts where the covering lid is becoming more and more bent outwards. Now, the new Jeanneau looks sleek and modern with her slightly negative stem.
But still, the boat shown in Cannes didn´t really attract me. I mean, the big stickers at her sides were nice and surely a good attention factor, but otherwise, she looked a bit … naked. Or, let´s face it: Cheap. Why not showcasing a trade fair boat with a proper deck? I mean, this was the world premiere, as I understood, so why didn´t the shipyard invest in an “all-in boat” that showed the most attractive version both in terms of equipment and specs but also in terms of visual attractiveness?
The simple cockpit of the new Sun Odyssey 415
Stepping aboard I was instantly reassured why I am just not a Jeanneau-guy. I mean there is everything you need to sail this yacht – wheels, a plotter, secondary displays – and also everything to have a good time aboard, like a cockpit table to put snacks and drinks and seats to make yourself and you’re your guests comfortable. But there are just no sparks flying. At least for me.
Everything is there, bit there is no “yeah” or “wow”. It´s a decent sized central cockpit table, but still the old design which we know from the 410. There are two seats facing each other, offering space for at least six people sitting, two people laying flat enjoying the sun. But again, nothing special. I found the backrests on the coamings very low so that, especially for the ones sitting near the wheels, there is almost no support in the back. Not very cozy.
The nice, edgy modern new design by Marc Lombard is – in many details – contradicted by the older and dated looking round shapes. For example, look at the GRP posts where the wheels are mounted. The round shape appears somewhat out of place in regards to the otherwise edgy and angular shapes, don´t you think? The old cockpit table should have received a makeover a long time ago, at least that´s what I think. There´s a strange feeling creeping up into my head …
The thing with the walkaround cockpit
This feeling is a conjecture: This isn´t a completely new boat! I mean, comparing the raw data of the new Sun Odyssey 415 with the “old” 410, the numbers are the same! 12.35 meters length by 3.99 meters width, the measurements are exactly the same. I check an article (and the unused raw material) I´ve made about the then new 410 and at least the outside appearance is … the same. Mmmh. Okay.
Back in the cockpit I take a closer look at Jeanneau´s much advertised “walkaround cockpit”, which is marketed as the new thing we all waited for in a sailboat. At last we can go to the front to do something without … well, without making a step, I guess. Looking at it I indeed can confirm that the helmsman can now walk behind and around the wheel to proceed to the front part of the boat. Without bothering the people in the cockpit area. But there´s a catch. Or two.
First, the winch layout of this boat still has the working winches on the coachroof to both sides of the entryway down into the boat. So you have to “bother” your guests anyway when working with the boat´s lines. Secondly – and you will see it later when I show the aft cabins – the volume created up on deck to make happen the walkaround is taken away underneath from the aft cabins. And I find, it´s a significant portion of ceiling that is gone. Well, you could argue that down there people are only sleeping anyway, sure. What I also see is that neither the helmsman´s seat right behind the wheel nor besides it is big enough to sit on. I still don´t get this, I don’t know.
Nice details though
But don´t get me wrong: This should not be seen as a kind of Jeanneau-bashing here. The Sun Odyssey is a well-respected, good selling line up of boats that definitely has its place in the leading brands within the “big five” of production yachts. As Beneteau and Jeanneau for many types share the same production facilities, quality wise both are the same. Which of course is the reason why you have a house of brands: Get down costs with a shared purchasing department, building facilities and workforce.
But also, keep alive the distinct features and characters of each brand. The fact that I am more drawn towards the Beneteau brand means objectively nothing. It´s just my personal taste – yours may be different. The good thing is, quality wise, both brands are identical. Or let´s say, near identical: I haven´t seen details like Outils Oceans-products on a Beneteau so far: This is definitely a nice thing. Next to each working winch on the coachroof a large rope bag is supplied. So never again will an owner have the rope salad here or a cluttered cockpit. It´s quite a nice idea and I am thinking of adopting these for my own new boat as well.
There are also Outils Oceans products for the whole cockpit, be it holders for the winch cranks or surplus rope bags. These are nicely stitched and branded with the Sun Odyssey name and definitely put up a notch the look and feel of the otherwise a bit dull cockpit. I don´t know if they offer this on the price list, but by having these bags offered in a few different colors alone could significantly enhance the individual appeal of each boat. Another detail I do not like so much, on the other hand:
The inner shrouds of the mast are pretty much blocking the way forward to the bow, you cannot simply walk on the side deck passing by. You have to take a side step onto the coach roof, which is not only enervating but can be unsafe when there is lots of waves and motion in the boat. If a mast or rigging is like that, I would always opt for the inner shrouds to be diverted to the deck, like they have done with the old Oceanis 46.1 or in the new Oceanis 47. This is definitely more than just enervating.
Under deck: Classic cruiser feeling
Okay, let´s check out the cabins and saloon of the new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415. For my last article on Jeanneau´s 40-footer I called it the “Happy Boat” because the saloon back then kind of conveyed an open, light-suffused, colorful, nearly playful … happy feeling, to me. This has changed, at least for the boat on display in Cannes. Colors are gone almost completely, the boat communicates a warm, reduced, “calmer” character. Maybe there are more colorful interior choices though.
As the boats outside appearance may not have changed at all, the more did its interior! If you check out my old article on the Sun Odyssey 410 you will notice that I´ve kind of criticized the interior layout of this boat: The longitudinal galley was a pro, but the weird placement of sofas and the even weirder placement of specific stowage solutions (for example the tray for cutlery) was something I couldn´t understand. This is all now gone and Jeanneau returned to a classy, “normal”, interior layout.
The galley is now your usual L-kitchen with one medium sized sink, a decently sized fridge (top and side loading) and the standard two-flame gas stove with oven. Nothing special, but nicely done: The white Corian worktop corresponds nicely with the white lacquered furniture, bringing a beautiful touch of light into the otherwise pretty classic saloon.
Forward of the galley area the large main dinette is located to port side. It will offer much space for four adults easily, I am sure you could sit two more there if the others make it possible. The table is simple as well, no folding options, but it can be lowered so that a nice large lounging area will emerge. What I really liked was the amazing thickness (and hence: comfort level!) of the cushions! I mean, look at these massive cushions. That´s something other production boat companies could learn from, 13 centimeters of thickness is unheard of, at least for me. Well done, Jeanneau!
Combined nav-station and Captain´s chairs
Another nice touch is the opposite area of the dinette: Let´s call it the nav station. It features a small table that will work both as chart table and coffee table, and two facing stools to either side. Again, look at these amazingly thick cushions, both for the seating and the backrests! I am sure that these, let´s call them “Captain´s Chairs” will be the prime spot for skippers in the morning to check the weather and plan today´s sailing leg.
The chart table itself is fixed and cannot move. I´ve seen this on other boats and, apart from a maybe flimsy mechanics and the wear and tear over time, this could be a cool idea: Have the table up and use it as … a table. Or bring it down (maybe mounted to two sliding rails), put a cushion on top and, voilá: Here´s your new three seater sofa facing the dinette. But anyway, the design of this configuration is really nice and a true step forward to the predecessor´s saloon.
The main switch panel is simple and covers the most used functions, like internal and external lights, bilge pump and other functions. The two round and clearly retro-style elements, a clock and simple baro- & hygrometer are a nod to seafaring and add a little touch of style. Definitely also a step forward, compared to the old grandpa´s style cabin lamps in older generation Jeanneaus. So, all in all I quite like the new style and it´s definitely a thumbs up for the layout. But then there´s the owner´s cabin …
The issue with Jeanneau´s front cabins
First things first: Jeanneau offers a 2-cabin 1-bathroom “owner´s-version” which is definitely the one I would go for. Because, if you choose the second bathroom, you will get a front cabin like this: A small and kind of cramped bow cabin with an offset bed to portside. Nope, that is definitely a dealbreaker for me personally.
I mean, you are inside a 40-feet yacht. 40 feet, this is for me the beginning of calling a boat a yacht. But now you end up with an owner´s cabin that may be the cramped front cabin of the whole class! Other brands can fit an island bed in here, you will lay down put offset to the longitudinal axis. And this is all because you want to have your own toilet – right next to the poor one who gets to sleep on the left hand side.
Again, there is the possibility to get your Sun Odyssey 415 with a classic front cabin as well, thus, not an island bed, but definitely more real and conceived volume for its occupants. On the other hand, for the charter companies, two bathrooms are a vital selling point so of course I understand why they offer it. Yet, look at Beneteau´s Oceanis 40.1 – much better in my eyes in terms of cabin-layout.
And, again, I have to complain about cheap bathroom appearances. Although the Sun Odyssey´s bathrooms offer everything you´ll need, from sink to toilet to shower, it looks barren and cheap. I don´t understand why so many manufacturers don´t fit simple gratings to the bathrooms: These would instantly enhance the perceived quality and by the way are feeling much better when taking a shower. What could the cost be? Quick win, but widely ignored.
2- or 3-cabin version?
For the aft cabins there is not much to say. You could order your Sun Odyssey 415 with the full 3-cabin layout sporting one or two bathrooms, or you go for the owner´s version. Here you will get a full owner´s front cabin with a small hand washbasin, one (starboard side) aft cabin with a large aft bathroom. This one will have to be used by all crew aboard as it is the only one. Vis-à-vis the second aft cabin can be left empty. Here, owners find loads of volume for stowing away cockpit cushions, spare sails and other stuff that would otherwise have no space to be put. People with handcraft skills may fit a washing machine in here or a small “workshop”.
If you look closely on the picture above you will notice the down sloping of the ceiling. This is – seen from above – the upsloping walkaround deck area. As I stated at the beginning of this article, every time you add something on a boat, you will have to take away the same amount. It´s like Ying and Yang. I find that the walkaround effect is way too small on a 40-footer like this to justify the loss of internal volume, but I guess that´s a question of personal taste as well.
I leave the boat´s interior and think of it. Compared to the old 410 this new version is a step forward, for sure. The interior is “grown up”, the weird design choices are gone and everything looks and feels much more classy. The thickness of the cushions are a definitive highlight and bigtime plus for this yacht. But all in all …
It´s just not so much my boat.
I am sorry, but Jeanneau couldn´t convince me with this proposal. I still prefer the Oceanis over the Sun Odyssey, although especially for the 40-footers I would always prefer the L-galley (Beneteau only features a longitudinal galley for the 40.1) and I definitely envy the comfy cushions. Sailing wise the hully of Marc Lombard have never disappointed so I guess she will be fun to sail, more so facing the fact that a large portion of the Sun Odysseys produced are utilized for coastal charter cruising.
In any case, it was worth taking a look at this yacht. I would wish for Jeanneau to take some bolder steps, abandon the silly walkaround cockpit-concept (at least for the smaller sized yachts) and define a more “French” look for their yachts. Although the interior of the new Sun Odyssey is much better than that of the 410 (at least from my point of view), there are still some “open wounds”, like the offset owner´s cabin.
You might also be interested in these related articles:
Talking with Marc Lombard about designing 40-footers
Aboard the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
The funny boat: Jeanneau Yachts 55