Philippe Briand’s design for the 44-feet Jeanneau yacht has taken home the award for European Yacht of the Year in its category.
Six months after its unveiling, the Philippe Briand-designed Sun Odyssey 440 has been named as Yacht of the Year in the Family Cruiser category at the prestigious 2018 European Yacht of the Year awards, held at the Flagship Night on the eve of the boot Düsseldorf boat show.
The awards are judged by a dozen specialist yachting journalists from across Europe, who carry out sea trials of the nominated yachts over the autumn prior to the announcement of the winners. The Family Cruiser category is comprised of yachts designed to be enjoyed with friends and family both on day trips and holidays as well as long-distance blue water cruising.
Philippe Briand’s work with Jeanneau spans more than 45 yacht models over the last 40 years. Collaboration on the Sun Odyssey range started in 2012, and this latest 44-feet (13.4-metre) model represents a new take on the distinctive elements that make the yachts so popular, with a number of innovative features that ensure its outstanding position within the category.
Briand introduced a bow form inspired by scow-hulled working boats that bring new heights in space and luxury to the owner’s cabin at the front of the living space below decks. A proprietary pivoting “transformer” cockpit backrest provides a number of configurations to maximise visibility at the helm while also offering a full-beam 330% extension of the overall cockpit zone to the rear when in horizontal position.
A design feature that was deemed particularly noteworthy by the award’s judges was the unimpeded deck surface, with its gentle sloping from bow to stern. The lack of barriers or steps enhances the safety for all those on board, especially children.
“I am proud and honoured that the Sun Odyssey 440 has be recognised by the panel of experienced judges as outstanding in its category. We approached the yacht’s design with a simplifying attitude firmly in our minds. Comfort and practicality was put before all other considerations, so every space was utilised to its maximum potential. Just like modern automotive design, ergonomic technology and comfort were paramount. I foresee that this new evolution of the Sun Odyssey range will still look fresh and current even in a decade’s time,” said Philippe Briand.
