Jeanneau’s 42 – Optimum Deck Saloon Cruiser
AS A concept, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey Deck Saloon range needs little introduction. From the 54DS still a personal favourite – right down through the range to the 39 footer, it is a series which represents an attractive, well executed variation on modern, comfortable cruising. They form the benchmark range when it comes to maximum space, maximum light, high levels of comfort and good value for money, writes YL racing editor Andi Robertson. What is there to recommend about the 42 in particular? One of the reasons that it is a Jeanneau top seller at the moment is the size. As Euroyachts’ Angus Scott notes sagely, ’42 is the new 36’. By that he means that the average sized cruiser is now 42ft when it was previously 36ft. That is down to the improved value for money prompted by modern manufacturing techniques, the economies of scale, and of course competition. And 42ft is what you might call a ‘good’ size. It is big enough to accommodate a family or two couples in real comfort, can still be easily handled by a couple – retired per chance, and big enough to go virtually anywhere with care. The 42DS has been a good seller for Euroyachts. They have sold 12 boats since it was launched a couple of years ago and, true to the concept, they have gone to areas as diverse as Skye to Montevideo and Turkey. Truly this is a boat which would be good in all climates, from the warmth of the Med to the occasional chill of Scotland. The design is a collaboration between Open class designer Marc Lombard and the Italian Garroni Design Group who are responsible for the styling and interior. And whereas I remain sceptical about how well the 39 works for the concept – it looks squashed and too compact, the 42 works well, although with its broad, beamy look and big coachroof area, does not always look its full 42ft 5in. The 42 is solely conceived as a comfortable owner’s boat, making no real concessions to maximising the number of berths. There is just one layout available and that means ensuite double forward and ensuite owner’s stateroom aft. The living space is generous and the ambient light levels second to none thanks to those big bug-eyed windows. The hull is the same as the Sun Odyssey Performance which has a bigger rig and a deeper keel. Time was of the essence on our test sail. Euroyachts’ supremo Angus Scott is not one to let the grass grow under his Dubarry’s and with a brisk, chilly south westerly blowing up the Largs Channel we lost no time in getting afloat. Had we the option, with gusts to 25-28 knots, then we might have hung off a bit to see if the breeze might drop, or we might press gang a few more bodies afloat. But in truth the 42DS acquitted herself beautifully, and true, Angus may have had to put in a little more physical effort – but sweat was never broken and brows never furrowed. Two up and single-handed, the 42DS was easily worked, from getting away from pontoon to berthing, even in the boisterous conditions. Facnor roller furling headsail and in-mast reefing are standard on the twin spreader Selden spar which makes sail handling easy and virtually infinite in terms of achieving a balance. We started off with a little too much sail and although the 42DS was hard pressed we never lost steerage nor came close to broaching. It proved a pleasingly stiff boat, and with the hatches battened down and everything stowed properly you would have relished a long beat in these winds. The cockpit is big, dry, safe and well protected and the bow sections naturally spill the waves and spray away from the back of the boat. With a big sprayhood up, the sails better balanced and not another boat in sight, we could have happily put her on autopilot and headed off. Upwind the boat was well balanced. The helm was not light – indeed the steering cables maybe needed a little adjustment – but she tracked nicely with a big, wide groove to steer to. The 42DS would never be considered close winded, but we made excellent progress upwind, untroubled and in well protected comfort. The twin wheels give good forward vision and there is ample working space for the helm, plus good forward access to the jib sheet winches. The cockpit is big enough to provide ample space, but compact enough – with the large table in the middle – to feel safe with plenty of hand and foot holds. Moving around the deck, in and out of the cockpit felt safe and relatively easy in the conditions. Despite the large coachroof footprint there is still loads of deck space, and certainly enough to sunbathe when you do find the weather. There are big deep lockers in the stern either side of the transom opening. The stepped transom is excellent. All of the main sail controls, other than the jib sheets, are led to the clutch bank on the back edge of the coachroof. This keeps the cockpit clutter free, but it does place a real premium on being able to set the sails and pretty much leave them. As we found this seemed to be relatively easy I was very much left holding the wheel rather than needing to chase the sails or keep her driving. Off the wind the 42DS was happy with sail power, making good speed with very little effort. Again with a little initial effort it was a straightforward task to find a perfect balance and virtually leave the wheel. You can imagine that the only thing an SO 42DS customer yearns for is perhaps a bigger SO! Down below the 42DS is mightily impressive. It is a true live-aboard boat as opposed to simply inhabit and survive. There is space in every area so you can get ‘me’ time away from the hubbub in one of the cabins and still not feel isolated. The light level in the main saloon is that of your average household conservatory and even when the weather outside is inclement then it is refreshingly airy below. To port is a large scalloped settee, and to starboard the big fold out main saloon table. This is a boat designed for comfortable entertaining and you can imagine long enjoyable evenings no matter where you are. The forward cabin is also excellent, boasting a good sized double with a big hanging locker to port and en suite heads and shower room to starboard. But there is ample living space too. And the aft cabin is superb. The cockpit sole encroaches a little, but there is a neat touch in using the cockpit table moulding as a large hatch/window which brings in extra light and really opens up the cabin. Otherwise the centreline berth is massive and you would, as they say, quickly forget this is a 42ft aft cockpit boat you are on. • Overall the 42DS represents a great package. It is built to a price, but it sails well and offers excellent space and comfort for not a lot of money at about £141k inc VAT, delivered Clyde.