Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.1

A former Jeanneau cruiser of 14.15 m with a big owner's cabin and easy-handling furling rig, built for couples and families who cruise far and entertain often.

Jeanneau no longer builds the Sun Odyssey 45.1, but on the used market she's worth a close look if comfort for longer trips is high on your list. The owner's cabin is the standout: it's large, light and quiet, and the shower has its own compartment across from the owner's head rather than sharing the space.

The saloon dinette seats up to ten around its central table, which makes it a proper family room in poor weather. She came with either 3 or 4 cabins, carries 600 l of fresh water and 205 l of fuel, and is rated for a maximum of 8 people.

Up top, the cockpit is lined in Burmese teak and laid out around a big table, so it can be used as a separate living area. Twin wheels keep the centre line open, and a gate takes you through to the transom extension. The swim ladder has its own locker, so the extension stays uncluttered, and the backstay is split to make it easier to move in and out of the cockpit.

For sailing, she was set up to keep things simple. The main and genoa both furl, there's a rigid vang, and the engine controls and instruments sit on the helm console within easy reach and sight. She's quick and holds her trim well, and the helm is light enough that the autopilot can steer even with the spinnaker up.

Overall length is 14.15 m on a 13.8 m hull, with 2 m of draught, so it's worth bearing that depth in mind for shallower anchorages.