Dufour 455 GL, BARBASOL

Broker’s Comments

Sixty years ago, Michel Dufour established his shipyard in La Rochelle, France. Over time, the yard has produced numerous iconic sailboat models, each featuring forward-thinking design. The Dufour 455 Grand’Large, true to its name, exemplifies the elegance, performance, and comfort of the Grand’Large series, designed for swift offshore cruising.

Stepping aboard, you are greeted by a spacious open cockpit with dual wheels, offering excellent access and a clear view of the deck. The cockpit includes a fixed table and effortless access to the bathing platform, ensuring everything you need to enjoy time in the archipelago. Equipped with German sheeting, electric winches, and an ergonomic layout, the cockpit minimizes interruptions, allowing the helmsman to concentrate on navigation and boat handling. At the bow, a large sail locker provides ample space for sails, fenders, and additional equipment.

Below deck, a bright and airy saloon welcomes you, illuminated by hull windows, large deck hatches, and side portlights in the superstructure. To starboard, near the entrance, is the navigation station, fully equipped with essential systems, including AIS and radar. The longitudinal galley ahead offers practical features that simplify life onboard. On the starboard side, a spacious sofa and dining table create a comfortable social area. The master cabin, located forward, features a generous centerline double bed, ample wardrobes, and plenty of storage. It also includes a private toilet with a shower cabin. At the aft, two symmetrical cabins provide additional accommodation, with the portside cabin offering direct access to the second bathroom.

BARBASOL, with her two owners, has had the chance to explore both sides of the Atlantic. The current owner brought her home from Martinique in 2019 and has since sailed her in the Kattegat and Skagerrak. She comes with an excellent equipment list, perfect for extended periods at sea. Onboard, you’ll find a watermaker, generator, solar panels, and a washing machine.

If, like her owners, you enjoy using your yacht year-round, the charming onboard wood stove will be a delightful feature. BARBASOL has recently been updated with new cushions throughout the yacht, and all cabins are fitted with comfortable mattress toppers. The sprayhood and cockpit canopy are in excellent condition, and the yacht feels very homely. If you dream of spending more time on the water or have plans to cross the Atlantic, this is a yacht ready for the task.

Key Facts

• Conventional mast and boom.
• Volvo Penta D2-55 engine.
• Bow thruster, retractable.
• Double forestay with furling system.
• Electric winches from Harken.
• Electric windlass in bow and stern.
• Bowsprit with teak step.
• Teak in cockpit.
• Targa arch with solar panels.
• Sprayhood and cockpit canopy – 2020.
• New cushions in Alcantara – 2021.
• Generator from Fischer Panda.
• Watermaker.
• Plotter, radar and AIS.
• 2 x Autopilot.
• Davits for dinghy.
• Air Condition, reversible.
• Two owners.

Owner’s Comments

The Dufour 455 is a solid and seaworthy yacht with a slightly lower rig than the racing versions, making it well-suited for handling strong winds and rough weather. The yacht moves smoothly through the water and feels stable and secure. Most tasks can be managed directly from the cockpit, eliminating the need to go up on deck. It’s an extremely comfortable boat to live on, with ample storage and generous social spaces. We’ve even had a bit of dancing in the saloon!

We greatly value the windlass at the bow, which we’ve used extensively, especially in the scenic archipelago of Bohuslän. It allows access to beautiful, secluded coves without having to anchor too close to other boats. During colder seasons, the wood-burning stove has been a fantastic addition, enabling us to moor in remote spots without shore power. It creates a wonderfully cozy atmosphere.

We purchased BARBASOL in Martinique from a delightful French couple who had owned her from the beginning and maintained her with exceptional care. We transported her to IJmuiden, the Netherlands, and then sailed her home to Sweden. Both the previous owners and we have invested significant time and effort in upgrading and maintaining the BARBASOL to ensure she is ready for long-term, year-round cruising.