Produced through 2015, the 379 spans 37'2" on its waterline-friendly plumb bow. It displaces 14,771 lbs on a 12'0" beam. Lombard kept the profile low, giving the boat a sleek, functional appearance. The overall design pays particular attention to easy sail handling, ergonomics, and modern aesthetics.
Design and Construction
Lombard’s hull combines a plumb bow with a hard chine and a beamy aft section. Together, these features provide good stability and maximize interior volume by carrying the beam well aft.
The standard keel is a deep 6'4" bulb keel paired with a single spade rudder. For shoal-water cruising, Jeanneau offered a winged shoal-draft keel with a centerboard—4'11" with the board down—and twin short rudders for control and maneuverability.
A drop-down transom forms a swim platform and provides good access to the water. A wide midship gate in the lifelines makes boarding from the side and loading gear easier. The boat carries CE Category A8 / B9 / C12 certification, reflecting its offshore-capable design envelope.
Rig, Cockpit, and Handling
The 379 is arranged for straightforward handling, with twin wheels and both the genoa and mainsheets led aft to the helm, regardless of keel configuration. Its fractional, high-aspect rig has double aft-swept spreaders and supports several sail plans: a 132% overlapping genoa, a self-tacking jib, or an in-mast furling mainsail.
The genoa tracks are mounted well inboard for good sheeting angles. A fixed cockpit table separates the two helm stations and provides stowage, as well as a mounting point for a swiveling chartplotter. Beam carried aft and the hard chine give the boat the form stability to remain upright and responsive under canvas.
Accommodations
Below, the 379 has a two-cabin layout with an optional third cabin. Both configurations are limited to a single head, but each includes a separate shower area. The master stateroom has a standard V-berth.
In the salon, a U-shaped dinette to starboard faces a straight settee to port. A drop-leaf table connects the two and seats up to six for dinner. Because the dinette also converts to a berth, the boat can sleep as many as eight people.
The L-shaped galley is to starboard and includes twin sinks, a two-burner stove, and a top-loading refrigerator. There’s also space for an optional microwave, along with quiet, soft-close drawers. Opposite the settee, a compact aft-facing navigation station is topped by a leather-covered handhold.
Finishing details include plenty of LED lighting, solid-wood moldings, and sliding privacy curtains on the hull ports. A large access hatch opens to stowage beneath the cockpit seat.
Cruising and Ownership
The 379 combines modern ergonomics with a flexible rig that can suit shorthanded cruising or carry a larger genoa in lighter winds. The shoal-draft centerboard version broadens the boat’s potential cruising grounds without changing the basic accommodation plan.
Fuel capacity is 34 gallons, while water capacity is 53 gallons, supporting extended coastal passages. The drop-down transom and swim platform are also practical for swimming and handling a dinghy.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 379 is a thoughtfully arranged 37-footer. It trades a second head for a roomy, adaptable interior, while the cockpit is organized around easy handling. Lombard’s hull provides stability and volume, and the choice of keel and rig configurations allows buyers to match the boat to their waters and crew.
Pros
- Plumb bow, hard chine, and beam carried aft provide good stability and interior space
- Twin wheels, sheets led aft, and an optional self-tacking jib simplify handling
- Flexible sail plans include in-mast furling and an overlapping genoa
- Drop-down transom, swim platform, and wide lifeline gate improve access
- Optional third cabin and convertible dinette increase sleeping capacity
Cons
- Only one head in either accommodation layout
- Deep 6'4" bulb keel restricts shoal-water use unless buyers choose the centerboard version
