Sun Fast 42 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Sun Fast 42 is rooted in Jeanneau's rich history, which saw the company, founded by Henri Jeanneau in 1957, rapidly embrace fiberglass construction and innovative manufacturing techniques. By the 1990s, when the Sun Fast 42 was introduced, Jeanneau had already established itself as a global force in yacht building, known for collaborating with distinguished naval architects like Philippe Briand, who had been a key figure in Jeanneau's design efforts since 1977. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized elegance, modern lines, and a commitment to producing "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities, even down to the smallest detail. The Sun Fast 42 was a product of "many years of research by Jeanneau and Philippe Briand", designed to open "new concepts in ocean navigation". While no significant variations like "MkI" or "MkII" were prominent during its production run, specific configurations, such as a "race version with 4 single berths in the front cabin," suggest some flexibility in layout offerings.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 42 exhibits characteristics of a capable performance cruiser, a hallmark of Philippe Briand's designs and the Sun Fast line. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.72, she demonstrates respectable light-air performance, indicating her ability to move well in lighter breezes and offer an engaging sailing experience. Her ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.388 suggests a good level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, a crucial factor for both comfortable cruising and competitive racing. Furthermore, her displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 194.46, places her on the lighter side of the cruising spectrum, hinting at a boat that is relatively agile and responsive compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers. The Sun Fast range, to which the 42 belongs, is specifically "designed for speed, sensations, and winning", while also prioritizing "reliability, ease of handling, and safety at sea". Generally, Briand-designed boats of this era were "known as being at their best" in terms of sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior finishes of the Sun Fast 42 are not extensively documented in available data, Jeanneau's overarching design philosophy ensures a focus on creating "liveable boats" with "clever layouts" and "comfortable amenities". The Sun Fast 42 was typically offered with a 3-cabin layout, providing ample space for cruising with family or crew. While specific materials like wood trim or fiberglass applications would align with Jeanneau's standards for the late 1990s, the general arrangement would include a functional salon, a well-appointed galley for meal preparation, and comfortable sleeping quarters, including a V-berth forward and potentially aft cabins. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout the vessel to accommodate provisions and personal gear for extended voyages.