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Jeanneau staked an early claim to the deck-saloon concept, and its execution has evolved to a fine art.

When one steps aboard the Sun Odyssey 50 DS, an initial observation is the surprisingly clear view forward, even when one is seated behind the wheel (of which, in conformation to current trends, there are two). The designers have achieved this by keeping the profile of the deckhouse over the raised saloon relatively low and by elevating the cockpit a little, moves which have also enhanced the roominess belowdecks.

The hull of the 50 DS is the same Philippe Briand design as that of the SO 49i, and the interior forward of the saloon shares furniture components with that model. The key difference is the saloon, which in the DS has a U-shaped dining area to starboard and, to port, a settee with aft of it a sideboard and nav desk. The galley is half a step down to starboard and serves as a passage aft to either a full-width master stateroom or one of the twin doubles.

At 3,600 rpm, the 75-horsepower Yanmar pushed the boat to more than 9 knots, after which 7.2 knots at 2,000 rpm seemed tranquil. Sailing in the meager 11 knots on offer that day gave us 6.3 knots on the wind and a steady feel to the helm.

Aided by electric winches, an active sailor can comfortably tack single handed while the rest of the crew take their ease in the commodious and comfortable cockpit.
Jeremy McGeary

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Specs

LOA    49' 5"
LWL    43' 1"
Beam    14' 9"
Draft    7' 1"
Sail Area    991 sq. ft.
Displacement    29,542 lb.
Water    162 gal.
Fuel    63 gal.
Engine    75-hp. Yanmar
Designer    Briand Yacht Design
Price    $337,000
Jeanneau
(410) 280-9400
www.jeanneau.com

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