Hood 38 (Wauquiez)

Description

The Hood 38 (Wauquiez), also known as the Wauquiez Hood 38, is a fiberglass bluewater cruiser designed by legendary American naval architect Ted Hood (founder of Hood Sailmakers and noted for performance-oriented yet comfortable offshore designs). It was built by Henri Wauquiez (Chantier Henri Wauquiez, France) from 1978 to 1989, with a Mark II version introduced in 1982 featuring improved cockpit-to-companionway access and a slightly revised interior layout for better flow and usability. Approximately 179 hulls were produced across both versions, making it a relatively common yet highly regarded classic from the era—often compared to "the Swans of France" for its heavy, high-quality construction and offshore pedigree. Features include a masthead sloop rig for balanced performance, a keel/centerboard (keel/CB) underbody with spade rudder for versatile draft (excellent for shoal waters while providing deeper performance when down), robust solid fiberglass hull (heavily built with no core in critical areas for durability), wide beam for stability and spacious interior volume (comfort ratio ~41.5, low capsize screening ~1.66), center cockpit in many examples for protection, and a practical, well-laid-out accommodations plan suited to extended cruising or liveaboard use (sleeps 6-7, multiple cabins/heads, large galley, good tankage/storage, and proven seaworthiness—many have completed ocean passages or circumnavigations while remaining comfortable in heavy weather without sacrificing speed).