Design and Construction
Lombard's hull pairs a plumb bow with a hard chine and beamy aft section that together give the 379 good stability and maximize interior volume by carrying beam well aft. The standard keel is a deep 6'4" bulb with a single spade rudder, while shoal-water cruising is served by a winged shoal-draft keel with a centerboard (4'11" board down) and twin short rudders for control and maneuverability. A drop-down transom provides a swim platform and good access to the water, and a wide midship gate in the lifelines eases side access and loading. The boat carries CE Category A8 / B9 / C12 certification, reflecting its offshore-capable design envelope.
Rig and Handling
The 379 is set up for straightforward handling with twin wheels and both genoa and mainsheets run aft to the helm, regardless of keel configuration. A fractional, high-aspect rig with double aft-swept spreaders supports a variety of sail plans: a 132% overlapping genoa, a self-tacking jib, or an in-mast furling mainsail. Genoa tracks sit well inboard for good sheeting angles, and the cockpit is organized around a fixed table that separates the two helm sides and houses stowage plus a place to mount a swiveling chartplotter. The combination of beam carried aft and hard chine gives the kind of form stability that keeps the boat upright and responsive under canvas.
Accommodations
Below, the 379 offers a two-cabin layout with the option of a third cabin, though it is limited to a single head in either configuration; both layouts provide a separate shower area. The salon has a U-shaped dinette to starboard and a straight settee to port, tied together by a drop-leaf table that seats up to six for dinner, and because the dinette also forms a berth the boat can sleep up to eight. The master stateroom is a standard V-berth. An L-shaped galley to starboard holds twin sinks, a two-burner stove, and a top-load refrigerator, with space for an optional microwave and quiet soft-close drawers. A compact aft-facing nav station opposite the settee is topped by a leather-covered handhold. Finishing touches include plenty of LED lights, solid wood moldings, and sliding privacy curtains on the hull ports, while a large access hatch opens to stowage below the cockpit seat.
Refits and Ownership
Owners considering a 379 will find a platform with modern ergonomics and a rig flexible enough to suit shorthanded cruising or a larger genoa for lighter winds. The shoal-draft centerboard version extends the boat's cruising grounds without altering the core accommodation plan. With a 34-gallon fuel and 53-gallon water capacity, the 379 supports extended coastal passages, and the drop-down transom with swim platform remains a practical asset for dinghy handling and swimming.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 379 is a thoughtfully laid-out 37-footer that trades a second head for a roomy, adaptable interior and a cockpit built around easy handling. Lombard's hull gives it stability and volume, and the multiple keel and rig options let buyers match the boat to their waters and crew.
Pros
- Plumb bow, hard chine, and beam carried aft deliver good stability and interior space
- Twin wheels with sheets led aft and self-tacking jib option simplify handling
- Flexible sail plans including in-mast furling and overlapping genoa
- Drop-down transom swim platform and wide lifeline gate aid water access
- Optional third cabin and berth-forming dinette extend sleeping capacity
Cons
- Limited to a single head in all configurations
- Deep-draft bulb keel restricts shoal-water use without the centerboard option
