A modern and clear deck plan
The deck plan takes up the key points of the 380's predecessors that have made the new Sun Odyssey range so successful. The sloping gangways facilitate circulation on board and add a touch of modernity. They allow you to reach the foredeck without stepping over the coaming, but have the disadvantage of having to pass behind the helmsman to reach them.
It's a pity that the anchoring of the lower shrouds blocks the circulation and requires to step over it to reach the front deck.
The anchor locker is of good dimensions. The davit is topped with a delphinium to keep the chain away from the inverted bow and also to hit the downwind sails.
The rear skirt lowers to become a bathing platform. It then gives free access to the starboard trunk which receives the life raft. The port side locker is occupied by the gas compartment as well as by a large storage space that goes down to the bottom of the hull. It will need to be fitted out in order to be optimized. The gas box being flat on the deck, it will be necessary to kneel down to change the bottle.
The central cockpit is quite classic, with two benches in front of the helm stations, separated by a central table.
The helm stations are ergonomic, and offer a good position for safe winching
The whole is modern and aesthetic. Its lively chine, inverted bow and emerged bowsprit give the 380 an aggressive line that is pleasant to contemplate.
One hull, three pins
The Sun Odyssey 380 is offered with three different keel types. The standard model has a draft of 2m, while a shallow draft version reduces it to 1.56m.
A version with a lifting keel is also available. Equipped with a hydraulic system, it goes down to 2.7m in the lowered position and brings the draft down to 1.29m in the raised position. This last version will allow to frequent shallow ports or to run aground by equipping itself with two landing gear.
Lots of interior space for a 38-foot sailboat
Inside, the Sun Odyssey 380 is available in four different layouts. The forward cabin is equipped with a staggered bed on the starboard side and offers a rectangular bed, with the possibility of a toilet on the port side.
At the back, you will have the choice between two cabins, or a cabin and a large storage room. The shower room offers a real shower cabin independent of the WC, as well as a waxing cupboard.
The whole is sober and functional, but the light colored linings and the horizontal portholes bring a nice luminosity to the saloon. On the starboard aft bulkhead, there is the chart table with its back to the road. Repeaters will be installed above the electrical panel.
A balanced hull
Our test version was equipped with a furling mainsail with a set of Dacron Technical Sails. An 18-20 knot easterly flow with a short chop animated our outing, during which we reached 10 knots when unbridled and 6.8 when sailing upwind. Despite the large sections, the hull of the Sun Odyssey 380 goes well in the chop and falls back smoothly.
The Vendée shipyard offers a choice of a self-tacking jib or a large overlapping genoa. The conventional headsail carriage is replaced by friction rings allowing a three-dimensional adjustment.
At the helm, the exposed tiller offers a nice responsiveness and the boat remains easy and fun to sail.
Budget and balance sheet
The Sun Odyssey 380 is offered in a basic version at 206,280 euros TTC. Our test model, equipped with a teak deck, the "Preference" finish, electric winches and a furling mast, was priced at 295,492 euros TTC. This price places it between the Oceanis 38.1 or the Bavaria C38, which are more affordable, and the Dufour 390, which is in the basic version at 229,000 euros TTC.
With its modern design and clever amenities, the Sun Odyssey 380 has a lot going for it in the sub-40-foot coastal cruiser category.
