Design and Construction
The Sun Fast 43 uses the same hull and interior as the Sun Odyssey 43, but Jeanneau gave the racer-cruiser a taller rig, a deeper keel, and a different gear layout on deck to make it go faster anchor. At 13.21 m overall with a 12.84 m hull length, the boat displaces 9200 kg and carries a standard keel draught of 2.55 m with a listed weight of 2800 kg, and a displacement-length ratio the tester placed around 180, which is quite light for a 43-footer. Companionway steps are heavily radiused so they work when the boat is heeled, with a wide step halfway for reassurance, and both twin helm positions have nicely cambered floors for support.
Rig and Handling
The mast carries three sets of spreaders and is supported by discontinuous Dyform diagonals and single lowers, with a hydraulic backstay and a gas-strut vang. A mainsheet traveller sits low ahead of the helm positions but is easy to step over, and the split mainsheet is led back to winches mounted immediately in front of the helm stations so the skipper can control the sheet when sailing. Primary winches are Harken 50s, and an optional Furlex headsail furler was available, though the next delivered hull was specified by an experienced racer with the standard twin-groove headfoil. The boat is easy to steer and simple to handle, and with an IRC rating of 1.090 it took wins under IRC in several major European regattas including La Trinite and Spi Ouest.
Accommodations
The 43s offer a choice of two, three, or four-cabin layouts, all with two bathrooms. The bow cabin is intended for the owner, with a centreline bunk, a seat, a desk/vanity table with mirror, and a full-height hanging locker, plus its own en suite bathroom. Aft, the cabins have big almost square double beds and good lockers with hanging space on one side and shelves on the other; the divider between the two aft cabins can be removed to create a full-width stateroom of massive dimensions. The portside cabin is en suite with the main bathroom, which also serves the boat through a second door onto the saloon and features a shower curtain. The nav area is a good size to port, and the L-shape galley lets the cook brace against the companionway structure on starboard tack. The two-cabin setup with one cabin aft leaves room for a big lazarette in the cockpit.
The Verdict
The Sun Fast 43 is a genuine racer-cruiser rather than a softened cruiser: the Odyssey 43 basis with a taller rig, deeper keel, and race-oriented deck gear delivered regatta wins and a competitive IRC basis. Below, the boat is detailed and comfortable with flexible cabin arrangements and a proper sea-going galley and nav station.
Pros
- Odyssey 43 hull and interior with a taller rig and deeper keel for speed
- Light displacement-length ratio around 180
- Flexible cabin configurations, all with two heads
- Regatta wins under IRC in major European events
Cons
- Deep 2.55 m keel limits shallow-water cruising
