“The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 replaces Jeanneau’s 389 and nestles into the middle of the other four models in the line. This Marc Lombard design features a hard chine that runs from stem to stern, twin rudders, twin wheels, and an optional lifting keel that draws 8ft 10in in the down position and promises fiery performance upwind. The result is an outstanding combination of boatspeed and comfort for those cruising sailors and daysailors who also like to get places fast.
The fractional rig includes a Seldén mast and no backstay, so you can spec a square-top traditional hoist main for more sail area. Add a 110 percent genoa on tracks, a reverse bow (the bottom of which sits just above the waterline at rest), and a bowsprit for a Code 0, and you have a performance-oriented design that’s easy to handle even when sailing short-handed. Jeanneau’s now famous “walk-around deck” has made it down to this size—another treat, as you can walk from one wheel all the way to the bow and then back to the other wheel without ever having to climb over the cockpit coaming. It’ll save your knees for sure. The drop-down transom extends a cockpit that is already impressively proportioned. Lines are led aft and the winches are close-at-hand allowing them to be tended from the helms.
Layouts include a choice of two or three cabins with one or two heads. The master is forward with an angled bed and an optional second head. Aft, there’s a choice of two cabins or a single cabin and large storage area. In the latter iteration, you can also specify a separate stall shower to starboard that doubles as a wet locker. The interior is bright and airy and combines traditional functionality with contemporary design. Who says you need to go over 40ft to have a yacht that ticks all the boxes? This is a fun, great-looking boat in an easy-to-handle LOA that looks to make a splash on both sides of the Atlantic.”