Sun Way 27 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Sun Way 27 traces back to Jeanneau's successful Fantasia 27, originally introduced in 1981. The Sun Way 27 emerged in 1987 as a refined evolution, specifically optimized for cruising with modifications such as different portlights and a slightly lighter displacement. In fact, some sources indicate that the Fantasia 27 was directly renamed the Sun Way 27 in 1988, highlighting their close lineage.

Philippe Harlé, the boat's designer, conceived the Sun Way 27 as a dedicated cruiser. His design philosophy, evident in the Fantasia 27 from which this model sprang, featured finely raked bow lines that extended aft to a broad stern section, contributing to the boat's balance and efficiency on the water. During the late 1980s, Jeanneau, under the ownership of Bangor Punta, was well-established as a major force in fiberglass boat production, having successfully mass-produced popular models like the Sangria. The company continued to embrace new construction technologies and maintain a strong focus on quality and innovation, ensuring their cruising yachts provided both performance and comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Way 27 is characterized by a design that prioritizes comfortable cruising over outright racing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.15, the boat is moderate in its canvas-to-weight ratio, suggesting a yacht that will perform steadily in moderate to stronger breezes, rather than excelling in light air. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.385 indicates a decent level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its sail plan effectively and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 225.8, the Sun Way 27 falls into the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing interior volume with reasonable performance. It features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, contributing to its directional stability and maneuverability. Overall, the Sun Way 27 is widely regarded as a "good sailing boat," optimized specifically for cruising enjoyment.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the interior layout of the Jeanneau Sun Way 27 are not extensively documented in broad public reviews, its designation as a "cruising sailboat of reference" for its size implies a well-considered arrangement designed for comfort and practicality. As a typical 27-foot cruiser of its era, it would most likely feature a conventional layout: a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a compact galley, and an enclosed head compartment. Given Jeanneau's long-standing design philosophy of creating "liveable boats" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities, even down to the smallest detail, the Sun Way 27 would have aimed to maximize its internal volume for its length. The interior finish would typically reflect Jeanneau's standard of the time, likely incorporating a blend of fiberglass liners with wood trim for a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment.