Sun Odyssey 409 sails away with coveted award

The award-winner has been welcomed into Sunsail's charter fleet. Photo / Supplied

Jeanneau's new Sun Odyssey 409 has won the coveted European Yacht of the Year award.

The award, selected by a jury of representatives from many of Europe's biggest boating magazines, was the initiative of the German magazine Yacht. However, it is run in co-operation with other leading European magazines, including Yachting World, Fare Vela, Waterkampion, Batnytt, Yacht Revue, Seilas, Yate, Voile Magazine, Yacht, Badnyt and Marina.ch.

The award-winning Sun Odyssey 409 was quickly welcomed into Sunsail's international charter fleet, where it is rebadged as a Sunsail 41.

As a charter yacht, the Sunsail 41 comes in a three-cabin, two-head layout, with a contemporary interior described as light, open and spacious. Other features include the latest navigation equipment from Raymarine and, exclusive to Sunsail, an expanded swim platform.

According to the charter company's chief operating officer, Cheryl Powell, the new Sun Odyssey 409/Sunsail 41 is a superbly balanced boat that offers a spacious cockpit with twin wheels, a generous sail plan and sleek lines.

"These combine to give an outstanding performance under sail. The Sunsail 41 is not only fast, but incredibly easy to handle, making it a charterer's dream."

The Sunsail 41 is available for charter from Sunsail bases in the British Virgin Islands, St Martin, Australia, Turkey, Croatia and Greece.

It is also available for sale through Sunsail's Yacht Partnership Programme, which Powell says is the "best and most cost-effective way" to own a new yacht.

"With two ownership options, the Sunsail Yacht Partnership Programme allows buyers to enjoy the benefits of yacht ownership without the usual drawbacks."

Those keen to join might have to hurry, however; the company says over 75 per cent of the fleet has already been purchased by new owners and a possible sell-out is expected.