Sun Way 21 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Way 21 was designed by the Slovenian firm J&J Design, with its creation dating back to 1988. Jeanneau's vision for the Sun Way 21 was to "bring new blood into the boating population" and welcome newcomers to the brand, emphasizing a renewal of sailing for a broader audience. During this era (1970-1990), Jeanneau, even under the ownership of Bangor Punta for a portion of this time, consistently focused on innovation and producing "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities, a philosophy evident in the Sun Way 21's design. The company's strong emphasis on the cruising market ensured a balance between performance and onboard comfort for their yachts. The hull and deck of the Sun Way 21 are constructed from hand-laid fiberglass, a testament to Jeanneau's early adoption and mastery of fiberglass manufacturing, which began in earnest in 1958. The model was also known for being unsinkable. While primarily offered with a wing keel, a swing keel version with a swing rudder was also available, providing flexibility for shallower waters with a minimum draft of 2.13 feet and a maximum draft of 4.27 feet for the swing keel variant. The fixed wing keel version has a maximum draft of 2.46 feet. The Sun Way 21 was recognized in France as "Boat of the Year" in 1989.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 21.33 feet and a waterline length of 17.88 feet, the Sun Way 21 is a nimble and responsive vessel. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring a main sail area of 110.44 sq ft and a foretriangle area of 84.72 sq ft, suggests a sail plan optimized for efficiency and ease of control, particularly in lighter to moderate winds. The boat's displacement of 1,852 pounds with 441 pounds of iron ballast provides a reasonable level of stability for its size. The wing keel design contributes to improved lift and reduced leeway, enhancing upwind performance, while the option of a swing keel further increased its versatility, allowing access to shallower anchorages and easier trailerability. Owners often describe the Sun Way 21 as a stable small cruiser that is easy to carry and handle.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Jeanneau Sun Way 21 is designed to offer a practical and livable interior, making it suitable for weekend cruising or day sailing. The boat typically features one cabin with the potential for up to four berths. The layout includes a V-berth forward, which serves as a sleeping area, and a saloon with two sofas that can also function as berths. A small galley area is integrated, providing basic amenities for meal preparation. The interior decor often utilizes mahogany, a hardwood known for its water-repellent properties, adding a touch of classic marine finish. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the design focuses on maximizing the available space, offering a comfortable environment for a boat of this size. Storage is likely distributed throughout the cabin, including under berths and in small lockers, to accommodate essential gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Way 21 frequently praise its solid construction and its capabilities as a stable small cruiser. Its trailerable nature and ease of handling are consistently highlighted as significant advantages, making it appealing to those seeking an unpretentious cabin boat for various water conditions. Forums and owner communities reflect discussions around maintenance and potential upgrades, such as replacing lazy jacks or considering compost toilet solutions to fit existing spaces. Owners appreciate the boat's design for accommodating an outboard engine, typically a 5 HP unit, further simplifying propulsion and maneuverability. Some discussions have also touched upon improving sail performance, indicating a community of owners keen on optimizing their sailing experience.