Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 vs Beneteau Oceanis 40.1: Which Charter Yacht for Croatia?

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 and Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 are both modern, well-engineered 40-foot monohulls from French builders. Yet they reflect different design priorities. The Sun Odyssey favours responsive sailing and nimble handling. The Oceanis prioritises beam, interior volume, and comfortable cruising for larger crews. Both are excellent; understanding their philosophies matters when choosing for your week in the Adriatic.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410: Overview

Introduced in 2018, the Sun Odyssey 410 represents Jeanneau"s commitment to sailing performance within the cruiser category. The design emphasises a walk-around cockpit (uncommon at this size), a central daybed saloon, and responsive, energetic helm feel. The boat is lighter than competitors, with finer hull lines and moderate freeboard.

We operate 23 Sun Odyssey 410s across our Croatia bases. Guests often tell us they appreciate the boat"s tightness on the helm and how the walk-around cockpit transforms the onboard experience—you can access all angles without clambering over the cabin structure. Our full Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 Review covers the model in detail.

Sailing Yacht "Bonjour" — View Sun Odyssey 410 on Yachtaris

Beneteau Oceanis 40.1: Overview

The Oceanis 40.1 arrived around 2020–2021, refreshing the Oceanis line with a beamier, more spacious platform. The design emphasises interior volume, extra headroom, and accommodating groups of four to eight. The cabin trunk is notably tall and freeboard generous—design choices that maximise volume below at the cost of a slightly higher centre of gravity.

The Oceanis 40.1 is widely available across Croatian charter bases. Based on feedback from last season, skippers and guests consistently praise the boat"s stability and the generous saloon—excellent for families and larger groups who spend significant time below deck. The Beneteau approach to French design here contrasts interestingly with how Beneteau"s larger Oceanis 46.1 compares against Bavaria at 46 feet.

Sailing Yacht "Kelani" — View Oceanis 40.1 on Yachtaris

Specifications Compared

Specification	Sun Odyssey 410	Oceanis 40.1	What It Means
LOA	12.35 m	12.87 m	Oceanis is 52 cm longer overall
Beam	3.99 m	4.19 m	Oceanis is notably beamier; significantly more interior volume
Draft (Deep)	2.13 m	2.27 m	Similar deep draft; minimal practical difference
Draft (Shoal)	1.57 m	1.68 m	Sun Odyssey accesses slightly shallower anchorages
Displacement	7,784 kg	7,984 kg	Nearly identical; no meaningful sailing difference
Sail Area	77 m²	73–82 m²	Comparable canvas depending on Oceanis configuration
Engine	Yanmar 40 hp	Yanmar 45 hp	Both Yanmar; Oceanis has slightly more motoring power
Water Capacity	330 L	235–330 L	Comparable; depends on Oceanis build year and configuration
Fuel Capacity	200 L	195 L	Nearly identical fuel range
Cabins / Berths	2–3 / 4–6	2–4 / 4–8	Oceanis handles larger crews across more layout options

Layout & Living Space

The Sun Odyssey 410"s signature is its central daybed saloon. Instead of traditional port and starboard settees, you get a generous double berth and lounge area facing the companionway—brilliant for couples and small groups. The cabin trunk is moderate, offering standing headroom in the saloon and adequate, not generous, access. The galley is starboard-forward, compact but functional.

The Oceanis 40.1 prioritises beam. The saloon is wider and taller, with exceptional headroom throughout. Cabin trunk height is substantial, and berth configurations vary: three-cabin, four-cabin (with saloon berth and convertible dinette), or two-cabin with larger individual cabins. The galley spans more area. Families with teenagers appreciate the Oceanis"s spacious, hotel-like interior.

Cockpits differ philosophically. The Sun Odyssey offers a full walk-around with protected helm seating port and starboard—genuinely innovative for a 40-footer and highly practical on passage. The Oceanis has a traditional large cockpit with helm forward and seating aft. Both are comfortable; the Sun Odyssey"s design offers more protection in rain or spray.

Sailing Performance

The Sun Odyssey 410"s lighter displacement and responsive helm make it quick off the line and energetic in 8–12 knots. The boat loves light-to-moderate conditions and rewards careful sail trim with immediate acceleration. In chop, the lighter frame sometimes feels a touch more lively than heavier designs—this is communication, not instability.

The Oceanis 40.1 is more stable and predictable. Its extra beam and slightly heavier weight provide smoothness in confused sea states. The boat needs a bit more breeze (12+ knots) to show its best performance, but once powered up it"s rock-solid and forgiving. First-time skippers and larger crews often feel more confident on the Oceanis precisely because of its planted, deliberate character.

For the variable Adriatic—thermal winds, afternoon squalls, light-wind passages between islands—the Sun Odyssey edges ahead for pure sailing engagement. For stability, comfort, and predictability across all conditions, the Oceanis wins. Our Jeanneau"s official specifications page has full technical details on the Sun Odyssey range.

Charter Value

Weekly rates are nearly identical: €1,900–€2,500 depending on season and boat condition. Both brands are well-represented across Croatian charter fleets and Yachtaris bases.

The Sun Odyssey suits couples and parties of three to four seeking an engaging sailing experience. The Oceanis accommodates families, larger friend groups, and clients prioritising comfort over sailing character. If you"re unsure which direction to go, our guide to the best 46-foot sailing yachts provides helpful context on how these French manufacturers approach different size classes.

Decision Guide

Choose the Sun Odyssey 410 if:

• You"re a couple or small group (two to four people) valuing sailing feel and modern design
• The walk-around cockpit and daybed saloon appeal as genuine lifestyle choices, not just specs
• Light-to-moderate wind sailing excites you more than guaranteed stability at anchor
• You want the shallowest possible draft for exploring tucked-away Dalmatian anchorages

Choose the Oceanis 40.1 if:

• You"re chartering with a family or larger group (four to eight people)
• Cabin space, headroom, and interior comfort matter more than sailing engagement
• You prefer stable, forgiving, predictable handling across varying conditions
• Your crew has mixed sailing experience or includes non-sailors who spend time below

Frequently Asked Questions

Which boat handles rough Adriatic weather better?
Both are certified seaworthy offshore cruisers. The Oceanis 40.1"s extra beam and weight offer slightly more stability in beam seas and chop. The Sun Odyssey is equally strong structurally; its lighter frame moves more dynamically in waves. Neither excels in severe conditions, but both handle typical Adriatic rough patches confidently.

Is the Sun Odyssey 410"s walk-around cockpit practical?
Yes, genuinely. The design lets you move freely around the entire deck without stepping over the cabin trunk, reach all lines easily, and position yourself for optimal visibility. Some skippers love it; others prefer a traditional open cockpit. It"s a considered design choice, not a gimmick.

How many people can sleep aboard comfortably?
Sun Odyssey 410: four people comfortably, six at a stretch. Oceanis 40.1: six people comfortably, eight with the right layout. The Oceanis"s extra beam and cabin flexibility make a meaningful difference for larger crews sharing a boat for a full week.

Are both boats good for learning to sail?
The Oceanis 40.1 is more forgiving and intuitive for novice skippers. The Sun Odyssey rewards good technique but demands more attentiveness. If your group includes non-sailors, the Oceanis is the more relaxed choice. If everyone has some sailing background, either works well.

Bottom Line

The Sun Odyssey 410 and Oceanis 40.1 are both modern, high-quality French yachts that serve different crews and purposes. The Sun Odyssey is the sailor"s 40-footer: responsive, stylish, and distinctive. The Oceanis is the family and group cruiser: spacious, stable, and comfortable.

Both deliver excellent weeks in the Adriatic. The choice depends on your crew composition, sailing aspirations, and how you value interior space versus sailing character. Neither is objectively better—context is everything. Contact our team if you"d like personalised guidance on which suits your specific crew and itinerary.

Browse available Sun Odyssey 410 boats or Oceanis 40.1 boats on Yachtaris.