Sun Odyssey 30 I Perf. (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Sun Odyssey 30 I Perf. in 2008 marked another milestone in Jeanneau's long history of sailboat innovation. Designed by Marc Lombard, a naval architect known for his race boat-inspired designs, the Sun Odyssey 30 I Perf. was conceived to offer exceptional performance and handling within a manageable 30-foot hull. 5, 6, builder article Jeanneau, with over six decades of experience, has consistently embraced new technologies, and the "i" in the 30i designation specifically refers to the boat's injection-moulded deck, a construction technique that contributes to a lighter yet stiffer structure., 15]

During this era, Jeanneau, under Groupe Beneteau's ownership, continued to prioritize quality, innovation, and comfort in its cruising yachts, emphasizing "liveable boats" with clever layouts. The Sun Odyssey range itself is celebrated for its balance of seaworthy qualities and onboard comfort, designed for pleasurable sailing. While the specifies a fixed bulb keel, a lifting keel (dériveur) version of the Sun Odyssey 30i was also available, offering versatility for shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30 I Perf. is designed to deliver an engaging sailing experience. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 195, she falls into the lighter end of the cruiser spectrum, suggesting a boat that can be responsive and lively under sail. Her sail area to displacement ratio of about 16.3 indicates moderate sail power, hinting at decent performance, particularly when the wind fills in. While her ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.24 is relatively low, often found in designs that rely more on form stability from their wide hulls, reviews suggest she maintains "impeccable handling with good performance."

Sailors often praise the Sun Odyssey 30i for its "exceptional performance" and its "ease of handling and safety at sea," which is a hallmark of the Sun Odyssey range. Anecdotal reports suggest that "handling has never been easier" on this model, providing a confident and enjoyable experience for various skill levels. This blend of responsiveness and ease of control makes her a pleasant boat to sail in a variety of conditions, capable of delivering exciting performance without being overly demanding.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact size, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30 I Perf. is lauded for offering an interior layout that is remarkably spacious and comfortable for a boat of its length. Many sources highlight that the interior "is very spacious for a 30-footer" and provides "a level of interior comfort unusual for her size category." The design ingeniously creates "three living spaces," maximizing the usability of the limited hull volume.

While specific details on the typical arrangement require further individual boat inspection, the common layout for a vessel of this size would generally include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a compact galley, and an enclosed head. Emphasis is placed on clever layouts and comfortable amenities, reflecting Jeanneau's design philosophy of creating "liveable boats." Owners frequently comment on the quality of the general finish and the thoughtful use of materials within the interior, which aligns with Jeanneau's reputation for elegant and modern lines.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 30i generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, often praising the balance of performance and comfort that the boat offers. Many highlight the boat's solid construction and its capabilities as a family cruiser, emphasizing its "impeccable handling" and pleasant motion under sail. The "Performance" designation in the model name is frequently confirmed by owners who appreciate its lively sailing characteristics. The ease of handling is a recurring positive, making it an approachable boat for diverse sailing experiences. While common issues across the entire production run of the Sun Odyssey 30i are not widely reported, the active Jeanneau Owners Forum provides a valuable resource for discussions and support among the community.