The Dufour 525 Grand’Large is a 52-foot sailing yacht that combines elegant design with robust performance. Introduced as the flagship of Dufour’s Grand’Large series, this vessel caters to sailors seeking both comfort and adventure on the open sea.
Design and Performance
Designed by Umberto Felci and Patrick Roséo, the Dufour 525 showcases modern aesthetics and functional excellence. Its sleek lines and balanced proportions not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its sailing capabilities. The yacht features a high freeboard and an almost vertical stem, which provide a dry and stable ride, even in challenging conditions.
The hull is constructed with reinforced materials, ensuring durability and strength. This robust build allows the yacht to handle various sea states, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and offshore voyages. The standard keel configuration includes a steel plate with a cast-iron bulb at the bottom, optimizing stability and performance.
Versatile Configurations
One of the standout features of the Dufour 525 is its versatility in configurations. The yacht offers multiple interior layouts, allowing owners to tailor the space to their preferences and needs. Whether prioritizing additional cabins for guests or expanded living areas for comfort, the Dufour 525 accommodates various lifestyles.
This adaptability extends to the deck and rigging options as well. Sailors can choose setups that align with their sailing style, whether it’s leisurely cruising or more spirited sailing. Such flexibility ensures that the yacht can evolve with the owner’s changing requirements over time.
Interior Layouts
Stepping below deck, the Dufour 525 exudes a sense of luxury and practicality. The interior is crafted with high-quality materials, featuring finishes in moabi and wenge woods, which create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The yacht offers several cabin configurations:
Three-Cabin Layout: Ideal for families or couples who desire spacious accommodations, this layout includes a generous owner’s suite forward and two guest cabins aft.
Four-Cabin Layout: Designed for larger groups or charter purposes, this configuration provides additional sleeping quarters without compromising comfort.
The saloon area is expansive, featuring ample seating and a dining table suitable for entertaining. Large windows and strategically placed hatches ensure the interior is bathed in natural light, enhancing the overall ambiance. The galley is well-equipped, offering plenty of storage and workspace, making meal preparation at sea both convenient and enjoyable.
On-Deck Experience
The deck layout of the Dufour 525 is designed with both functionality and safety in mind. The flat, uncluttered deck space allows for easy movement, while wide side decks provide secure passage around the yacht. The foredeck is clean and spacious, suitable for sail handling or relaxation.
The cockpit is well-proportioned, offering twin helm stations that facilitate excellent visibility and control. This arrangement allows for efficient sail handling, especially beneficial when sailing shorthanded. The cockpit also features comfortable seating and a large folding table, making it an ideal spot for alfresco dining or socializing.
A notable feature is the electrically operated swim platform at the stern, which provides easy access to the water and enhances the yacht’s leisure capabilities. Additionally, the transom garage can accommodate a 2.2-meter inflatable tender, even when inflated, offering practical storage solutions for auxiliary vessels.
Performance Under Sail
The Dufour 525 is not just about comfort; it delivers impressive performance under sail. Equipped with a 9/10 fractional rig and a well-balanced sail plan, the yacht accelerates swiftly out of tacks and maintains momentum with ease.
In a 15 to 20-knot southwesterly breeze, the yacht demonstrated commendable upwind performance, achieving speeds close to 7 knots at a true wind angle of 32 degrees. Off the wind, the Dufour 525 showcased its versatility, reaching speeds up to 10 knots on a broad reach.
The helm is responsive, providing sailors with a tactile connection to the boat. The yacht’s design ensures a balance between stability and agility, making it both a pleasure to helm and a reliable companion on extended passages.
Dufour 525 Price
The Dufour 525 Grand’Large was produced between 2010 and 2014. As it is no longer in production, interested buyers can explore the pre-owned market for available units. Prices for used models vary based on factors such as age, condition, equipment, and location. For the most accurate and current pricing information, consulting yacht brokers or specialized platforms is recommended.
Dufour 525 Reviews
The Dufour 525 has garnered positive reviews from both owners and industry experts. Sail Magazine highlighted its contemporary styling and seagoing capabilities, noting the yacht’s ability to accelerate quickly and handle various wind conditions effectively.
Cruising World recognized the Dufour 525 as the Best Full-Sized Cruiser in 2009, praising its elegant deck layout and ease of handling. The publication emphasized the yacht’s suitability for shorthanded sailing, attributing this to its well-thought-out design and sail control systems.
Conclusion
The Dufour 525 Grand’Large is a superb combination of luxury, performance, and versatility. Designed for long-distance cruising and comfortable living, it appeals to a wide range of sailors, from families to those who enjoy shorthanded sailing. With its solid build, elegant interiors, and top-notch sailing performance, the Dufour 525 continues to be a favored choice in the world of modern cruising yachts.
