Moody 379 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Moody 379 emerged during a transitional period for A.H. Moody & Son Ltd, a builder with roots tracing back to 1827 and a burgeoning reputation for GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) cruising yachts established in the 1970s. While the hulls were molded by Robert Ives (Boat Builders) Ltd, the final fit-out, embodying Moody's hallmark craftsmanship, was completed at their Southampton facility. The decision to collaborate with German Frers, a designer celebrated for his performance-oriented yachts, signaled a strategic direction to infuse contemporary design principles into Moody's traditionally sturdy platforms. This collaboration aligned with Moody's broader manufacturing ethos of the era, which prioritized durability and seaworthiness, ensuring their vessels could handle challenging sea conditions with confidence. The limited production run of just four units underscores its status as a highly exclusive model, potentially tailored to specific client demands or serving as a testbed for design concepts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody 379, despite its robust construction, exhibits a design that suggests a balanced blend of cruising comfort and respectable sailing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.67, she is poised to perform competently across a range of wind conditions, showing particular promise in lighter airs for a boat of her cruising pedigree. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 39.2%, indicates a good level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and maintain a more upright attitude, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 209.79 places her firmly in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly vessel that prioritizes stability and load-carrying capability over outright light-displacement speed. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.46 knots. Owners of similar Moody models often praise their predictable handling, good tracking, and solid feel under sail, characteristics likely shared by the 379 given the builder's consistent design philosophy for seaworthy cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the rare Moody 379 are not widely documented, it is reasonable to infer its accommodations and layout based on Moody's established reputation for comfortable and practical cruising interiors during the early 1980s. Moody yachts of this era were known for their quality traditional joinery, often featuring warm wood finishes that created a homely and inviting atmosphere. Given its nearly 38-foot length and 12-foot beam, the Moody 379 would typically feature a well-appointed interior suitable for extended cruising. This would likely include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that could convert into berths, a functional galley for meal preparation, and an enclosed head compartment. Storage would have been ample, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear necessary for long voyages, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and portlights. The design philosophy of Moody prioritized liveability and comfort below deck, making their yachts desirable for cruising families and couples.