Rubens (Dufour 390 Grand Large)

Who it suits This 2024 Dufour is ideal for families or small groups of four to six people wanting a relatively modern, well-equipped sailing experience without enormous complexity. The three cabins and solid spec make it comfortable for a week exploring Sardinia's coastline, though you'll want some sailing experience or be prepared to hire a skipper.

Standout features The electric winches and hydraulic gangway are genuine quality-of-life upgrades that take strain out of handling and boarding, while the teak cockpit and swimming platform add a touch of comfort. The chart plotter and solid electronics package mean navigation is straightforward, and the barbecue grill is a nice touch for al fresco entertaining.

Value question At three years old (2024 build), this is a fairly new boat with good standard equipment, but the operator's 3.3/5 rating across 19 reviews is a notable flag, that's below the reliability you'd hope for at this price point. You'll want to dig into those reviews closely before committing, as they may reflect maintenance, support, or communication issues rather than the boat itself.

Practical consideration Sardinia requires a long-haul flight for most US and northern European clients, so factor in airport transfers and check whether the operator offers English-speaking support and clear pre-charter communication, especially important given the mixed review score.

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