Dufour 460 Grand Large

This boat shows that it's been in charter service for several years, the woodwork lacks finish, and some stuff like that, but the essentials are sound. If you're familiar with boats that aren't brand new, and are comfortable with that, this is a great performing boat for a bargain price. She's roomy and fast and can handle a good blow, yet moves in relatively light wind. For four people, she's a great size; for four couples, I think things would be a bit cozy in the saloon and cockpit areas, but perhaps still manageable if you're good friends and wiling to make space.

The Sea of Cortez area is beautiful, and even though we took this boat out very much in "pre season" we still got to see some wildlife without even trying. Our timing meant that we weren't fighting for anchorage space (this area really doesn't have mooring balls or formal docking areas outside of La Paz itself. We did find ourselves in amongst super-yachts a couple of times, but the other four nights of our trip we were alone in exquisite waters.

All in all this is a great boat for sailors and an excellent location.

The staff on the base (notably Olga and Nelson) were great. In particular Olga's skipper's briefing was thorough and relevant and she answered all my questions, some of which were a bit off the beaten track shall we say!

There are good provisioning options in the area (we had a rental car and went to the WalMart on the other side of town but there are closer options too.

Ruby at Globe Sailor was fantastic as always (this was my third charter in just under 12 months). Frankly I pester her with never-ending questions and she's always quick to respond and infinitely patient.