L’Arcona 380 is a sailboat of Swedish racing-cruising 11 meters. This elegant sailboat has character and is equally suited to racing and cruising. Launched in two thousand fourteen by the construction site Arcona Yachts (based in Gustavsberg, near Stockholm), it is signed by the naval architect Stefan Qviberg, a historical figure of the brand. This model replaces the Arcona 370 and follows in the tradition of sailboats fast, robust and versatilecapable of shining in regattas as well as in family cruising.
The Arcona 380 stands out for its high-end construction (Divinycell sandwich construction, vinyl ester hull, lead keel on a galvanized steel base), its rigging optimized for performance (external shrouds, taller mast, generous sail area) and its bright and functional interiorwith modular layouts (2 or 3 cabins). Classified Category A CE (offshore navigation), it is designed to face the most demanding conditions, while offering a remarkable comfort on board.
To remember
- Versatility : Ideal for race (especially in ORC) and the deep sea cruise, thanks to its balance between lightness, rigidity and stability.
- Construction : Divinycell 20 mm sandwich, hull and deck bonded with vinylester, lead keel bolted onto a galvanized steel beam. Guaranteed robustness and longevity.
- Performance : High critical speed (1.323 in SRS), capable of holding 7 knots upwind in light winds and to reach peaks of over 10 knots while surfing. Excellent wind resistance and responsiveness at the helm.
- Comfort : Interior bright and spacious for a 38-footer, with headroom of 1.95 m, a U-shaped kitchen, a fold-down card table and large sleeping areas.
- Price : Approximately €264,000 (standard version without sails in 2014) – $375,000 (estimated price in the United States). High value on the second-hand market due to its rarity and quality.
- Target audience : Experienced sailors (Not recommended for beginners due to its power and responsiveness). Perfect for couples or families looking for a boat at a time fast, safe and comfortable.
History of the boat
The Arcona 380 was born from a desire of the construction site Arcona Yachts to modernize its product range while preserving the brand’s DNA: High-performance, durable, and elegant sailboatsThe project was entrusted to Stefan Qviberg, the in-house architect, who completely redesigned the hull and interior layout to succeed theArcona 370, a successful model but whose lines were starting to look dated.
The first prototype was launched at Spring 2014, after a design phase marked by several innovations. The shipyard widened the hull of 20cm Compared to the 370, while maintaining a similar waterline length, this allowed for an enlarged cockpit and interior spaces. separate shower compartment in the bathroom and the sliding navigation (retractable card table) were welcome new features.
The Arcona 380 quickly won over the sailors and the demanding cruise passengers, notably thanks to its Category A certification (offshore navigation) and its racing performanceIt was produced until two thousand twenty-one, the date on which it was replaced by theArcona 385, which uses the same hull and rigging, but with redesigned interior fittings.
Competitors of the time :
The 380 was positioned to compete with models like theX-Yachts XC 38, THE JPK 39, THE Grand Soleil 37 or the Dehler 38, with a clear advantage over the Swedish build quality and his performance/comfort ratio.
Interior design
The Arcona 380 offers an interior bright, functional and neat, with Satin mahogany woodwork and quality fabricstypical of Swedish craftsmanship. The standard layout is in 3 cabins (1 front, 2 rear) with a bathroom including a separate showerA first for Arcona in this segment. A version 2 cabins was also available, offering more storage space and an enclosed shower in the toilet, ideal for long cruises.
THE living room is spacious for a 38-footer, with a retractable card table which frees up an additional berth to starboard. U-shaped kitchen, located at the entrance to the square, is equipped with a basket refrigerator, of a gas stove (with the bottle stored in the chain locker for safety reasons) and a double sink. THE headroom reach 1.95 mwhich makes life on board particularly pleasant.
THE beds are all large size (6 places in total), with thick mattress and integrated storage under the bench seats and in the cockpit lockers.access to the engine (Yanmar 30 hp) is facilitated by removable panels, and the water tanks (200 L) and fuel tanks (150 L) are centered to optimize weight distribution.
L’ergonomics was given particular care: the winches (Harken) are well positioned for easy maneuvering, and the cleats are accessible from the cockpit. cockpit with his two steering wheels allows a perfect visibility on the sails and a optimal comfort for the helmsman, even in rough weather.
Marine qualities
The Arcona 380 is first and foremost a performance sailboat, designed for navigate quickly and safely. Its slender hull and taut lines give it a excellent wind resistancewhile his significant ballast (2.4 tonnes, or 35% of the displacement) and its deep keel (2.40 m in standard version) provide him with remarkable stabilityeven in rough seas.
Under sail, the 380 reveals itself responsive and precise. There bar is light and direct, with a immediate feedbackwhich makes it a A treat for experienced helmsmen. THE rigging has been redesigned to maximize performance: the shrouds are attached to the outside of the hull (on yards), which allows increasing the sail area (mainsail of 47.5 m², genoa of 38.9 m²) without sacrificing the maneuverability. THE higher mast and the reduced front triangle (106% overlap) optimize the ORC rating, while offering a good versatility (from close-hauled to downwind).
THE cockpit East deep and secure, with ergonomic seats and solid footrests for the helmsman. The two steering wheels allow to The sails are clearly visible. and of pilot with precision, even in rough weather. The mainsail traveller is positioned on the cockpit floorwithin easy reach of the helmsman, which facilitates the settings during navigation.
In cruise, the 380 shows comfortable and reassuring. Its category A CE allows him to sail on the high seas without fear, and his robust construction inspires confidence. THE upwind performance are particularly impressive: the boat holds its way well And accelerates quickly amidst ridicule, without needing reduce sail earlier than its competitors.
Highlights at sea :
- Stability and rigidity : Few excessive listing thanks to a well distributed ballast and one hard shell.
- Reactivity : Sharp accelerations And precise turnseven in strong winds.
- Comfort : Little background noise (thanks to the soundproofing) and few sudden movements in navigation.
- Security : Closed cockpit, well-placed cleats, keel bolted to steel beam.
Boundaries :
- Limited storage : THE storage compartments under the bench seats are narrow, and the space under the floor is reserved for tanks and structure.
- Demanding maneuver : THE mainsail traveller can hook up the listening devices during gybes, which requires a increased alertness of the crew.
- High price : There Swedish quality has a cost, and the used Arcona 380 sell Dear because of their high rating.
Owner reviews
Feedback from owners and testers is unanimously positive, with recurring praise on the build quality, THE performance and the bar pleasureHere are some key testimonies and analyses:
Chris Benson (Yachting Monthly) :
“If the Arcona 380 were a car, it would be a Aston Martin : A great sports tourism, beautifully designed, luxurious and refinedwhich purrs with power and control. For anyone who loves really navigateThis boat is the referencePlace one arm on the smooth, check your position on the bar plotter, And Treat yourself to an unparalleled bar experience, unmatched among production sailboats. I challenge anyone to sailing on this boat without smiling when it leans gently in a breeze and lunges forwardIt’s from pure sailing pleasure. » ” He flies close. Its structural rigidity and its ballast distribution allow him to to sail one’s full sails when others must take a reefOn the downwind side, it glides majestically on the water, accelerating at each additional node, with the helmsman in total control. » “ This is not a boat for beginners. He has lots of power – easy to master if you know how, but it could frighten novices. With a mainsail traveller in cockpit, THE listening devices can catch during a gybe. And if you’re a beginner, first browse to something else for a few years to to appreciate its true value how much the 380 is exceptional. »
Michael Good (YACHT Magazine) :
“The Arcona 380 is 20 cm wider than its predecessor, the 370, for a hull length only slightly greaterThis translates to more interior space and a wider cockpit. THE separate shower compartment is a real more For comfort. ” THE rigging has been redesigned: the external guy wires eliminate the problems of Genoa overlap, and the higher mast allows to increase the sail area. THE spinnaker East shot in the top for one best ORC rating. »
Owners (forums and testimonials) :
- “ The best compromise between performance And comfort that I’ve ever had. I use it for both regattas only for family cruises. » (Swedish owner, Arcona Owners forum)
- “ Very stable in rough weather, even with 20 knots of wind. We can keep all sails open up to 18-20 knots, where others must reduce speed as soon as 15 knots. » (French owner, Hisse et Oh)
- “ The interior is superb : THE mahogany woodwork, THE quality fabrics and the finishing details make that spend a day down is not not a chore. » (German owner, Yacht.de)
- “ The only weak point : THE storage. It’s necessary optimize every spaceBut that’s the price you pay for a boat. as efficient. » (Tester, Sailing Magazine)
Recurring points in reviews :
✅ Unparalleled bar-handling pleasure (responsiveness, accuracy, feedback).
✅ Exceptional upwind performance (ability to to carry all sails under conditions where others reduce).
✅ Strong, durable construction (little structural problems reported).
✅ Interior comfort (light, space, quality of materials).
⚠️ High price (for both buying and reselling).
⚠️ Demanding maneuver (requires a experienced crew).
⚠️ Limited storage (sacrifice for the performance).
Arcona 380 Technical Specifications
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 11.28 m (37’ 0”) |
| Waterline length | 10.60 m |
| Width | 3.80 m (12’ 6”) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (shallow version) / 2.10 m (standard) / 2.40 m (deep) |
| Shift | 6,850 kg |
| Ballast | 2400 kg (35% of the displacement) |
| Sail area | Mainsail: 47.5 m² / Genoa (107%): 38.9 m² / Spinnaker: 138 m² |
| Mast height | 19.50 m |
| Engine | Yanmar 3YM30 (30 hp) with saildrive |
| Fuel | 150 L |
| Fresh water | 200 L |
| Hot water | 25L |
| Waste water tank | 80L |
| Headroom | 1.95 m |
| CE category | A (Offshore navigation) |
| SRS (Scandinavian Rating System) | 1,323 |
| STIX | 37 (stability index) |
| AVS | 124° (angle of stability) |
| Architect | Stefan Qviberg |
| Construction site | Arcona Yachts (Sweden) |
| Launch year | two thousand fourteen |
| End of production | 2021 (replaced by the Arcona 385) |
| New price (2014) | ~€264,000 (standard version without sails) |
| Used price (2026) | Between €220,000 and €300,000 depending on the condition and options |
| Materials | Divinycell 20 mm sandwich hull and deck, vinyl ester, lead keel on galvanized steel beam |
| Certifications | CE Category A, ISO 12215 |
| Number of cabins | 2 or 3 (standard version: 3 cabins + 1 bathroom with separate shower) |
| Number of beds | 6 (all large) |
| Bar type | 2 wheels (twin wheels) |
| Winches | Harken (2 primary lines for the genoa, 2 secondary lines for the spinnaker, 2 on the coachroof for the halyards) |
| Rigging | Fractional 9/10, external shrouds, Selden aluminum mast |
| Keel/Drift | L-shaped keel (standard) or T-shaped keel (shallow version), steel fin, lead ballast |
| Estimated max speed | 10+ knots (surfing) / 7-8 knots upwind (light wind) |
| ORC rating | Optimized for corrected time races |