Sun Shine 36 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Sun Shine 36 in 1982 marked Jeanneau's continued presence in the sailboat market, building on a legacy established with earlier successful models like the Sangria. Designed by Tony Castro, the Sun Shine 36 was specifically developed to meet the demanding specifications of the IOR One Ton class, a popular racing category that emphasized a balance of speed and seaworthiness. This design brief translated into a boat with sleek lines and a robust build, reflecting Jeanneau's manufacturing ethos of the era which embraced new technologies like fiberglass construction from its early days. While distinct, the Sun Shine 36 shares similarities with the Sun Shine 38 but is identifiable by its truncated stern. Jeanneau offered the Sun Shine 36 with a fin keel, providing a maximum draft of 6.3 feet, and also made available a keel/centerboard version, which offered a shallower draft for greater versatility in different cruising grounds while still maintaining performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Shine 36 is designed to deliver a rewarding sailing experience, balancing speed with stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.92, she exhibits good light-air performance, suggesting she can move well even in lighter breezes. The ballast to displacement ratio stands at roughly 40.8%, indicating a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 184.03 places her in the lighter, more performance-oriented class for a boat of her size, hinting at a lively and responsive feel at the helm. Owners consistently praise the Sun Shine 36 as a "very good walker in all conditions," noted for its pleasant handling and balance, making it a joy to sail whether racing or cruising.

Accommodations and Layout