Aquila – Dufour 385 Grand Large (2005) | 40th Anniversary Edition
Aquila is a special 40th Anniversary edition of the Dufour 385 Grand Large, first unveiled at the 2005 London Boat Show. This desirable model features the popular three-cabin, one-heads layout, offering a generous owner’s cabin with a true double berth and additional storage.
As the official show boat, Dufour specified Aquila with an extensive range of factory-fitted extras. Consequently, she benefits from a higher level of equipment than many comparable examples. These upgrades continue to enhance comfort, usability, and overall cruising enjoyment.
Since 2011, the current owner has used Aquila exclusively as a private family cruising yacht. As a result, she delivers safe, fast, and predictable sailing in a wide range of conditions. At the same time, her bright interior and practical layout create a welcoming space both underway and alongside.
Throughout current ownership, Aquila has been based in Cardiff. From there, she has cruised widely across the Bristol Channel and the English Channel. In addition, she has visited the Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, and the UK south coast. Beyond this, her cruising history includes Brittany, Ireland, and the west coast of Scotland, clearly demonstrating her offshore capability.
Importantly, the owner has maintained Aquila to a consistently high standard. Over the years, they have invested in numerous upgrades, with particular focus on electronics, safety equipment, and cruising comfort. Therefore, her systems are well suited to extended coastal and cross-channel sailing.
Furthermore, Aquila is offered with a comprehensive documentation file. This includes the original sales brochure, owner’s manual, engine and electronics manuals, full service history, and clear evidence of UK VAT paid.
Overall, Aquila presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-specified and carefully maintained Dufour 385 Grand Large, ready for immediate cruising.
Construction White GRP hull and deck Displacement hull form Monohull configuration Aft cockpit layout Copper antifoul coating Rudder recoated December 2024 Keel re-bedded with new keel bolts in 2021 SSR registered – SSR146749
Machinery Volvo MD2030D diesel engine 30 hp Original engine installation Approximately 2,312 engine hours (recorded 28/08/2025) Saildrive transmission Bruntons Autoprop feathering propeller Original Volvo propeller retained as spare Rope cutter fitted Additional engine monitoring gauges for water temperature and oil pressure Diesel fuel system
Tankage Fuel capacity 160 litres in 1 tank Fresh water capacity 320 litres across 2 tanks Holding tank capacity 55 litres in 1 tank Full holding tank system installed
Electrics 12V onboard electrical system 220V shore power system 2 x 105Ah sealed lead-acid domestic batteries 1 x 75Ah sealed lead-acid engine battery (new 2025) Cristec 25A battery charger 100W solar panel with MPPT regulator New electrical switch panel Multiple USB and 12V charging outlets UK mains sockets in all cabins Fully integrated electrical systems throughout
Rig & Sails Fractional sloop rig Soromap mast and boom Double spreader mast Split backstays Deployable inner forestay Standing rigging replaced in phases, all under 10 years old Mast rewired in 2021 LED navigation lights LED deck floodlight VHF aerial TV aerial
Lewmar winches as follows 2 x Lewmar 44.2 ST genoa sheet winches 1 x Lewmar 32.2 ST on starboard side for mainsail and halyards 1 x Lewmar 32.2 ST on port side for additional halyards Spinnaker sheets run to genoa winches via aft turning blocks Snatch block and barber hauler included
Sail inventory includes Fully battened Kemp mainsail (2020), 31.5 sq.m, three reefs, sail cars and cunningham, serviced 2025 140% overlapping genoa, 42.6 sq.m, cockpit-adjustable sheet cars, serviced 2025 Gennaker with Karver furling system Removable bowsprit for gennaker Stackpack and lazy jacks fitted Running rigging washed annually and replaced as required
Accommodation Eight berths in total Three cabins Three double cabins Two saloon berths One heads compartment 7-inch pocket sprung mattress in owner’s cabin Mattress toppers fitted to aft cabins
Domestic Webasto Evo 40 diesel heating system (2023) Quick 20-litre calorifier with engine and shore power heating Nelson cooker with two burners, grill and oven Fridge fitted Smart TV DVD player Fusion stereo system Saloon table converts to large double berth suitable for two adults or three children Enhanced storage throughout
Deck Quick 1000W electric windlass Remote control and deck-mounted foot switches 22 kg Delta anchor 50 metres of anchor chain 30 metres of multiplait warp Kedge anchor with short chain
Navigation Raymarine Quantum radar Raymarine Axiom Pro 9 chartplotter Raymarine p70s autopilot EV1 sensor ACU-200 course computer Raymarine ST60 speed log Raymarine ST60 wind instrument Raymarine ST60 depth instrument Raymarine AIS650 Class B transceiver ICOM M423G VHF radio Cockpit command mic ICS Nav6plus Navtex Two binnacle compasses One handheld compass Onboard wireless network Samsung 10-inch tablet at navigation station acting as wireless MFD repeater and controller Primary navigation electronics installed new in 2019 and fully networked
Tenders Tinker Tramp tender available by separate negotiation Sailing kit included with tender Oars included ePropulsion electric outboard available by separate negotiation Additional items such as paddles, galley equipment, bosunry, warps and fenders available subject to separate agreement
Safety Six-man liferaft (service required) EPIRB fitted Four lifejackets Jackstays fitted Two lifebuoys One dan buoy One electric bilge pump One manual bilge pump Radar reflector Emergency tiller Gas alarm system Gas solenoid shut-off Bubble leak detector Gas system inspection certificate dated 2025 Two personal locator beacons (PLBs) One fire blanket Six fire extinguishers
