Design and Construction
The Sun Fast 43 shares its hull and interior with the Sun Odyssey 43, but Jeanneau gave this racer-cruiser a taller rig, deeper keel, and different deck-gear layout to improve performance.
The boat measures 13.21 m overall, with a hull length of 12.84 m. It displaces 9200 kg and has a standard keel draught of 2.55 m, with a listed weight of 2800 kg. A tester put the displacement-length ratio at around 180, which is quite light for a 43-footer.
Practical details help the crew move around under sail. The heavily radiused companionway steps are shaped for use when the boat is heeled, with a wide step halfway down for reassurance. Both helm positions have nicely cambered floors that provide support.
Rig, Deck Gear, and Handling
The mast has three sets of spreaders and is supported by discontinuous Dyform diagonals and single lowers. The rig also includes a hydraulic backstay and a gas-strut vang.
A mainsheet traveller sits low, just ahead of the twin helm positions, but is easy to step over. The split mainsheet leads to winches immediately in front of the helm stations, allowing the skipper to control the sheet while sailing. The primary winches are Harken 50s.
An optional Furlex headsail furler was available. However, an experienced racer specified the next hull delivered with the standard twin-groove headfoil.
The Sun Fast 43 is easy to steer and straightforward to handle. With an IRC rating of 1.090, it won under IRC at several major European regattas, including La Trinite and Spi Ouest.
Accommodation
The Sun Fast 43 was offered with two, three, or four cabins, and every layout has two bathrooms. The bow cabin is intended for the owner and includes a centreline bunk, a seat, a desk or vanity table with a mirror, and a full-height hanging locker. It also has its own en suite bathroom.
The aft cabins have large, almost square double beds and good locker space, with hanging storage on one side and shelves on the other. The divider between the two aft cabins can be removed, creating a full-width stateroom of massive dimensions.
The portside cabin is en suite with the main bathroom. A second door opens from that bathroom into the saloon, allowing it to serve the rest of the boat, and it includes a shower curtain.
To port, the navigation area is a good size. The L-shaped galley allows the cook to brace against the companionway structure on starboard tack. In the two-cabin arrangement, with a single cabin aft, the remaining space becomes a large cockpit lazarette.
Verdict
The Sun Fast 43 is a genuine racer-cruiser rather than a softened cruiser. Its Sun Odyssey 43 basis, combined with a taller rig, deeper keel, and race-oriented deck gear, produced regatta wins and a competitive IRC platform.
Below deck, it’s detailed and comfortable, with flexible cabin arrangements, a proper seagoing galley, and a useful navigation station.
Pros
- Sun Odyssey 43 hull and interior, paired with a taller rig and deeper keel for speed
- Light displacement-length ratio of around 180
- Flexible cabin arrangements, all with two bathrooms
- IRC wins at major European regattas
Cons
- The deep 2.55 m keel limits shallow-water cruising
