By Katherine Stone

The Jeanneau 519 Sun Odyssey hits all four of the four main design development and innovation principals maintained by Jeanneau
Credit: Jean-Marie Lilot (or TBD)

When French naval architect Philippe Briandand the Jeanneau design team started working on the Jeanneau 519 Sun Odyssey, they took into account all the latest in design development and innovation plus the four main principals maintained by Jeanneau. This has created a sleek, well-built (especially the integrity of the grid laminated into the hull) comfortable, and luxurious flagship of the Sun Odyssey line that is good value for the money.

1. Provide a fantastic cockpit space for great deck life including lounging and entertaining
2. Ensure autonomy so that you have plenty of storage and tankage on long passages
3. Provide innovative below deck layouts with numerous ways to configure them
4. Stay true to the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey line with a balance of performance and stability

Shawn Bannon, of Navy Point Yacht Sales, and I took this queen of the Odyssey line outfor a quick sail this summer to test the principals laid out by Jeanneau. It is certainly well-designed for solo sailing or a sailing couple to easily entertain guests and enjoy deck life in a fantastically roomy cockpit with mega storage and water-tight lockers. The low profile deck and inboard shrouds allow all abilities and ages to navigate safely around the topsides. The chine hull and long waterline improve stability and better speed under both power and sail. The L-shaped cast iron keel is less exposed to seaweed and lines. The foredeck has plenty of lounging area. It also houses a huge, dedicated sail locker with steps for easy access.

The is one of the many available interior layouts – all of which are very spacious and bright.

Credit: Jerome Kelagopian

The standard sail plan has a full-batten main with lazy jacks integrated into the lazy bag and a 110% furling genoa. Upgrades move to an in-mast furling main and choices of a performance 140% genoa, self- tacking jib and/or a Code 0 sail. The introduction of a small bowsprit, integrated into the hull’s line, is designed for light-air Code 0 sail or an asymmetrical spinnaker. The bowsprit also carries the anchor quite a bit further forward, avoiding the chance of it damaging the gelcoat during anchor retrieval with the 1500w windlass.

All sheets lead back to the cockpit and under the combing with genoa self-tailing Harken winches. This affords an incredibly clean deck layout. The double-ended main and jib sheetcontrols all come back to the helm station keeping the cockpit area neat and tidy. Again, another wonderful safety feature with no lines to grab ankles and feet either in the cockpit or on the way to the bow.

A nice upgrade is the collaborative initiative by Harken and Jeanneau, the AST (Assisted Sail Trim) is an advanced system geared to making sailing easier for families, cruisers, shorthanded crews, solo sailors and those with limited mobility, exclusive to the 519.The Auto Tacking base package adjusts the headsail for the new tack while you steer through a manoeuvre. The push buttoncontrol, operated from the helm, engages Auto Trim and lets the system handle sheeting. The system monitors apparent wind for perfect trim while you relax at the helm. An integrated heel control detects gusts and limits heel setting for safety and passenger comfort. In the event of a power loss, all packages feature manual backup.

A clever use of space, this dinette seat reveals storage and a bottle rack.
Credit: Greg Nicoll

The starboard primary helm station houses all the controls for the bow thruster, windlass, auto pilot, compass, Ray Marine ES screens for navigation and the throttle, which is nicely mounted higher for easy adjustment.Now standard, are the back rest cushions for both helm stations. The twin wheels are finished off with leather wrapping for easy grip. Foot braces for the shorter and less stable helmsman are a welcome addition. The single, adjustable backstay comes down between the two steering stations, making it easy to snap on safety lines or grab onto when stepping from the cockpit to the fold-down boarding platform.On twin-wheel boats a split backstay often interferes with a lanky helmsman’s headroom.Thepatented Jeanneaufold-down transom with telescopic swim ladder is easily controlled from the stern of the boat by push buttons. The cockpit table is not only elegant, but very stable with easy-grab handrails and holders for bottles to avoid spillage. Two arms pull up to easily seat 6 adults for dining. Everything you need for care-free entertaining under sail or at the dock.

Adding to the safety below, thesleek light oak laminate cabin floor is completely even so there are no tripping hazards or steps, roundedcombings are nicer to hips, and there are plenty of integrated teak rails to grab on to. The gradual steps in the companionway allow a very easy entry. The openness and headroom space hits you as soon as you enter the salon. With a 15% positive shear line they have created a huge look below deck, even with a low-profile coach roof. Using the wide beam, nothing seems crowded.The soft, subtle LED lighting, hidden behind the joinery and unnoticeable at floor level, softens the leather upholstery and creates a sense of intimacy and sophistication when entertaining or just plain relaxing.

The incredibly versitile T-shaped galley allows numerous chefs access to food preparation at the same time to work their magic for easy entertaining. The covers for the double stainless steel sink all add to increased counter space. A large lift-out waste bin in the corner uses up dead space yet is easy to access. Exterior storage for plates and cutlery on the outside of T galley ensures that you won’t interfere with the cook when prepping the salad or setting the table!The top and side loading‘fridge and ‘fridge/freezer have easy access and storage. There is an option for an additional ‘fridge, dishwasher or wine cooler. Extra wine is easily stored under the nav settee.

It’s great to see so much refrigerated food storage onboard.
Credit: Greg Nicoll

The modularity of the layout allows for individual owner needs with 3 to 5 cabins or room for a washer/dryer. The aft axis of the port settee seat doubles as the seat of the rear-facing nav station where a huge area has been set aside for charts to be laid out and all the electronics have been centralized including the auto pilot, AC, and VHF.Four house batteries support the operation of all these amenities. The U-shaped settee sits opposite two comfortable arm chairs on the starboard side which are divided by a convenient side table housing a drink cabinet, complete with a pull-out drawer for bottles and glasses.

The table easily accommodates one to three couples for dining with its various configurations. The standard table with two removable aluminum legsis easily made up into an extra bed. The deluxe table also folds but with a central column with bottle storage. Hinged storage compartments can be found under the settee seating. In short, it is a very elegant setting for entertaining your guests during inclement weather.

The handsomely appointed cabins feature elegant lighting and abundant storage.

Credit: Jean-Jacques Bernier

The forward owner’s cabin is equipped with a queen size, rectangular, island berth. Window shadesslide easily in their tracks for privacy. The Jeanneau is truly set up to enjoy while cruising, with a starboard work station/vanity that can easily accommodate a laptop for catching up with work. The flip-open top features a large mirror and a handy light for make-up or body paint application! Plenty of storage abounds both under the berth and in the side lockers. The en suite headfeatures a shower area separated with a folding plexi-glass door, smart detailing and a molded sink that present a very modern look.

The T-shaped galley is highly functional.
Credit: Jean-Jacques Bernier

Massive guest cabins featurequeen size beds and plenty of storage. Personal space and privacy have not gone lacking in this boat, as there are reinforced partitions between the two aft cabins with additional sound proofing. This also helps to make the sound of the engine quieter.The 80 HP Yanmar engine is easily accessible for repairs or to check and change the oil. This holds true for all the water and plumbing systems.

Easily obtainable in Canada, visit Navy Point Yacht Sales in Toronto (Navy Point in Sacket’s Harbour), Marina Lennox in Quebec or Fraser Yacht Sales in British Columbia to try out yours today. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed by the amenities and options afforded on this boat.The Base Boat price landed in Canada with duty paid is $440,000 US dollars.

Specifications
Length overall: 15.75 m / 51'8"
Hull length: 14.98 m / 49'1"
Hull beam: 4.69 m / 15'4"
Light displacement: 13,900 kg / 30,644 lbs.
Standard keel draught: 2.28 m / 7'5"
Fuel capacity: 240 l / 63 US gal
Water capacity: 615 l / 162 US gal
Available Engines: 75HP
CE Category: A12/ B14/ C16
Base price: $440,000 USD

Test boat, specifications and pricing supplied by: Navy Point Yacht Sales in Toronto, navypointyachtsales.com