John,
I am an ASA instructor and I have taught many times on a J-37. This year I taught a class in it and got caught in a storm in the San Juan Islands in WA. and had to sail in 60 knot winds and 10-15 foot seas. The boat handled very well under a double reefed main only. However we did get pretty darn wet even with the dodger. As far as comfort goes you won''t get much better in a fast boat. Because of the boats light construction it sails when most other boats are flaking their rags and motoring. I hope this helps, feel free to send more questions.
Keith