Sun Odyssey 33 I Perf. (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Odyssey 33 I Perf. entered production in 2008, a period when Jeanneau, under the ownership of Groupe Beneteau, continued its tradition of innovation and quality in yacht building. Marc Lombard, a historic design partner for Jeanneau known for designs inspired by race boats, crafted the hull and sail plan for this model, aiming for a swift and delightful sailing experience 1, 2, 3, Builder Article. The yacht was produced until 2014, making it a relatively contemporary offering in Jeanneau's extensive Sun Odyssey line. During this era, Jeanneau emphasized creating "liveable boats" with clever layouts, a philosophy evident in the 33 I Perf.'s interior design. The "Performance" designation indicates a version equipped for enhanced sailing capabilities, notably featuring a traveler as standard, distinguishing it from a potential standard model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33 I Perf. is designed to offer a balance of performance and ease of handling. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.08, she suggests good performance, particularly in lighter air, indicating that she can be responsive and move well even when the wind is not strong. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.32 (32%) provides a decent level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a moderate breeze. Further supporting her performance-oriented nature, the displacement to length ratio of approximately 168.4 places her in the lighter, more agile category for a cruising monohull of her size.

Sailors consistently describe the Sun Odyssey 33 I Perf. as having intuitive handling with light and reactive wheel steering. The design ensures that all sail handling lines are easily accessible, contributing to a stress-free experience on the water. The cockpit features low coaming tops, angled to provide a comfortable seating position while sailing to weather. These design elements combine to make the yacht a "delight to sail," appealing to those who appreciate a responsive boat.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 33 feet, the Sun Odyssey 33 I Perf. is noted for a surprisingly spacious and welcoming interior. The layout typically includes an amazingly large and bright owner's cabin located aft, offering a comfortable retreat with ample space and numerous portholes for natural light and sea views. The design prioritizes comfort, featuring a good-sized enclosed head and shower, which is a significant amenity for a boat of this size. Throughout the interior, one can expect a rich feel, characteristic of Jeanneau's commitment to quality and thoughtful detailing, which aims to enhance the onboard living experience. Each comfortable cabin features large hanging lockers, indicating good storage solutions for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33 I Perf. frequently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. The yacht is often seen as a true "owner's yacht," appreciated for its surprising interior volume and practical layout, especially the spacious aft cabin. The responsiveness of its steering and the ease of managing sails are consistently highlighted as strengths, making it a joy for single-handed sailing or family cruising. While generally well-regarded for its overall quality, some discussions among owners have occasionally touched upon minor considerations, such as the presence or absence of a steering wheel brake as standard equipment, which might require aftermarket solutions for some preferences. Overall, the consensus among owners points to a boat that successfully blends performance with a comfortable and liveable cruising platform, delivering on Jeanneau's promise of an enjoyable ownership experience.