boutique dufour yachts

Dufour 56 sailboat

Ocean calling.

Like you, we want to experience the ocean.

Every day, we strive to design yachts to make your dreams of offshore adventures a reality.

A peerless long-range sailing yacht with stunning aesthetics, the Dufour 56 is designed, first and foremost, for high-sea sailing . Fast, seaworthy and reliable in all circumstances, it embodies the very essence of a powerful, safe and easy-to-manoeuvre sailboat . With its tilling consoles equipped with commands for all winches and electric furlers, sailing on the Dufour 56 is child’s play.

Inside, the Dufour 56 sets a new standard for on-board luxury and comfort with a sophisticated design and high-end features.

As many owners report , the Dufour 56 will give you the most thrilling emotions and take you wherever you wish to go.

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Technical specs

Construction

• Architect: Felci Yacht Design
• Hull construction: Fiberglass / contact
• Deck construction: Injection

Technical specifications

• Overall length 17.15 m
• Waterline length 15.17 m
• Hull length 16.30 m
• Max beam 5.05 m
• Light displacement 17.625 kg
• Draft 2.50 m
• Keel weight 4.900 kg
• Fuel tank capacity 440 L
• Water tank capacity 730 L
• Engine power 110 (150 cv opt.)
• Sail area 141 m²
• Mainsail 72 m²
• Genoa 69 m²

In the Press

Sailing today – dufour 56 review, giornale della vela – dufour 56 review, voile magazine – 56 / 310 / 412 / 36 (french), voiles et voiliers – 56 exclusive (french), are you interested in the dufour 56 sailboat.

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Sailboat Review: Dufour 41

• By Herb McCormick
• September 17, 2024

When it comes to a discussion of the great European naval architects of contemporary times—and it’s a long list, indeed—certain names immediately pop to mind. Many are French. Philippe Briand made his mark creating boats for a roster of production builders (Baltic, Jeanneau, CNB) before pivoting to the superyacht set (Perini Navi, Royal Huisman). Jean-Marie Finot was more or less the father of an era of the best Vendée Globe solo round-the-world racers ever to compete in that grueling contest. Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost (VPLP Design) are the current masters of offshore multihulls. The talented tandem of Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau are ubiquitous as the creators of many French brands, and sit at the forefront of their profession. 

To me, however, one of the more underrated European ­design mavens, and one who definitely belongs in that rarefied grouping, is Umberto Felci. While Felci was born in Milan and still operates from his base in Italy, I’ve always considered him a huge influence in French ­boatbuilding­—largely because of his longtime association with Dufour Yachts, where he’s been the principal designer for some 15 years. 

During that time, I’ve sailed many a Felci boat, as he’s been a consistent presence in Cruising World ’s annual Boat of the Year contest . He has won multiple times with his Dufour entries, including the 560 Grand Large (2014), the 382 Grand Large (2015), and the 520 Grand Large (2018). All of these Grand Large boats shared a similar DNA, and the Dufour booths at the major boat shows were easily ­recognizable for their similar lines and matching beige canvas dodgers and sail covers. The only huge difference across the fleet was their respective sizes.

All that changed in a big way in 2019, after the Fountaine Pajot group acquired Dufour and decided to make each new offering a singular model in form and styling. Which brings us to Felci’s newest design, the Dufour 41. 

Aesthetically, it’s safe to say that the bright-blue Dufour 41 at this past year’s Annapolis Sailboat Show in Maryland was one of the more distinctive-looking yachts on display. It has a rounded bow, ample beam, and not one but two chines, both carried almost the entire length of the boat—one just above the waterline, another just below the reverse sheer line, which is accentuated by prominent molded bulwarks. This boat looks and feels much larger than its 41 feet length overall. Forward, an integrated bowsprit for the ground tackle and the tack point for the asymmetric kite heightens the futuristic vibe. As does the series of three sleek windows in the hull (along with the additional pair of windows overhead in the coachroof). There is not a stick of timber to be found anywhere. 

Topsides, the ­combination of wide side decks and outboard shrouds makes for easy egress when moving forward or aft. The emphasis on “outdoor living” is underscored by a generous cockpit with twin wheels (but, as with all Dufours, a single rudder, which makes backing down easier and with more control). There’s also wraparound seating, including a cushioned daybed, as well as a drop-down transom, which doubles as the porch/platform for the barbecue well aft. All this is revolved around a table—a pretty sweet, comfortable layout that lends the impression of lounging aboard a much bigger boat. 

All the related equipment is first-rate. There’s B&G instrumentation, including the chart plotter and autopilot; a Quick vertical windlass with helm controls for the Delta anchor; and a Side-Power (Sleipner) bow thruster, which I reckon is a luxurious touch on a 41-footer. Our test boat was set up with a nice set of Elvstrøm sails, including a traditional mainsail (an in-mast furling mainsail is available) with a cool stack-pack arrangement that tucks into itself and is secured with shock cords. For our Boat of the Year trials, we test all the emergency rudders, and the one on the 41 was exceptional. 

Construction is straightforward and robust. The hull is vacuum-infused with solid glass below the waterline and a foam core above. There are a pair of molded-in channels for the plumbing and electrical wiring. The plywood bulkheads are laminated to the hull. The keel is cast iron. And, as with every Dufour going back to the company’s origins, a wine rack is stashed under the floorboards. 

Ardizio Design is ­responsible for the belowdecks accoutrements, accommodations and floor plan. Its team used those aforementioned chines and, more specifically, the voluminous interior that the chines created, to wide advantage. As with Dufour’s other models, there are three packages of features, trim and equipment—on the 41, these are labeled Adventure, Ocean and Performance—depending on how the boat will be used (basic sailing, dedicated cruising or racing). With the 41, there are also two interior options: either three or four staterooms. Both have a straight-line galley to starboard, with the dining table and wraparound settee to port.

Our test boat had the three-stateroom layout, with a spacious master forward and a pair of double-berth staterooms aft. It also had three heads, which, to be honest, seems like a bit of overkill on a 41-foot boat. The second head, in the center of the boat, can be replaced with stowage, which is the setup I’d prefer. 

The 41 sports a double-­spreader rig with swept-back spreaders and a self-­tacking jib. The double-ended German-style mainsheet, anchored at midboom, is easily trimmed with a pair of electric winches (an optional electric winch for the mainsail is ­available). There’s no traveler; after all, this is a cruising boat. 

Under power, the 50 hp Volvo Penta with a saildrive configuration had us zipping along at better than 6 knots. This was one of the quieter boats, decibel-wise, in the 2024 fleet. But we were all itching to hoist the sails, and we were not disappointed. At first, in a fitful breeze that was just filling in, we still made over 5 knots in 6 to 8 knots of wind. Soon enough, the pressure built into the 10- to 12-knot range, just in time to hoist the boat’s big asymmetric kite. On a tight reach, we made an effortless 7.5 knots, and the helm was just delightful, with only a light three-finger touch required for full control. 

Those Grand Large prizewinners from years past were, of course, all Felci designs. While this new Dufour looks absolutely nothing like its older siblings, it sails just as well, if not better. Felci may have changed the recipe under the company’s new regime, but he hasn’t forgotten that what we really want is pretty simple: We want to go for a fine sail.

Dufour 41 Specifications

Did You Know?

French boatbuilders were pioneers in fiberglass-sailboat manufacturing. Naval architect/engineer Michel Dufour joined their ranks in 1964 with the launching of the Sylphe, a radical (for its time) 21-foot pocket cruiser with a masthead rig and fin keel with attached ballast bulb. More than 400 were built in a 10-year production run.

Dufour has ramped up its introduction of new models in the past five years, and now has nine in production ranging from 37 to 61 feet, with a 44-footer on tap to be introduced in the United States this fall. Of that collection, the company’s 41, 470 and 530 are all available with electric auxiliary-propulsion options.

Dufour has laid out an aggressive growth strategy, planning to introduce two models each year for the next several years, and replacing its entire fleet within four years. As for the 41, a company representative said that about a third of the run will go to private owners, a third will be purchased by charter operators, and a third will go into charter-management programs.

Herb McCormick is a CW editor-at-large and was a 2024 Boat of the Year judge.

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Dufour 44 review: More space but maintaining performance

• Rupert Holmes
• September 20, 2024

It’s not just volume that has changed drastically in production cruising yacht design, it’s how designers and sailors use it, which has been a clear focus on the Dufour 44

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

What makes the perfect saloon for a cruising yacht? Ask anyone of a certain age and they’re likely to start with safety aspects – snug, with at least a couple of good sea berths, plenty of handholds and no big, wide open spaces that might be dangerous when thrashing to windward. But as we’ll see, Dufour has thrown away the rule book allowing Ardizio Design to create an interior with a refreshingly different style to most.

I sailed a prototype boat from La Rochelle a few months ahead of the Dufour 44’s official launch at Cannes in September. The Umberto Felci-designed hull has beam carried well forward at both deck and chine level, though there’s lots of flare above the waterline, especially forward, giving a relatively narrow waterline beam and low wetted surface area, which boosts performance in light airs.

We experienced the benefits of this immediately after leaving La Rochelle’s Port les Minimes marina, sailing close hauled in only 8 knots of true wind. Even in these light airs we maintained a fairly consistent five knots of boat speed. As we got further offshore in the west-northwesterly airflow, the wind increased to 10 knots and boat speed to six knots, rising to 6.5 knots as the breeze built to 12 knots. Throughout our sail the boat tacked through 95° or less.

Power meets volume: the 44 has very full bows and flare above the waterline, which creates a lot of space without huge drag. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Rigged for easy speed

Dufour worked a lot on sail shape with Elvstrom to get the right balance between depth and power for the optional sustainable and high tech Ekko sails which the test boat is equipped with. They set well and clearly helped the boat’s performance and feel.

Felci studied options for both single and twin rudders, determining that the former is sufficient, even with full sail in more than 25 knots of breeze. This gives more feel on the helm than twin rudders while also making the boat easier to handle in harbour, thanks to the prop wash over the rudder. It’s also a simpler solution that frees up more interior and stowage space.

The hull shape is such that stability also builds very quickly when the boat starts to heel and the leeward chine digs in. As true wind speed increased to 14.5 knots ahead of a line of cloud, boat speed nudged up to 6.7-6.8 knots, with a little more heel but not a lot by the standards of older designs. This was still very comfortable sailing and a long way from needing to reef, even though the apparent wind was now above 18 knots.

Article continues below…

Throughout my test the boat had a direct and responsive feel to the helm that belies the 10.2 tonne displacement. Even when attempting to bear away without easing the sheets and the boat well powered up, the rudder still had plenty of bite and answered the helm immediately – a world away from wide-stern single rudder designs of two or three decades ago.

Bearing away to a true wind angle of 65-70º when the true wind dropped back down to 9 knots we still made a comfortable 7 knots of boat speed, although with no asymmetric spinnaker we weren’t able to check realistic speed potential on broad reaching angles or downwind.

‘Stability builds very quickly when the boat starts to heel’. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Helm stations are well outboard, which gives a good view of the luff of the sail, though you can’t sit astride the wheel when helming upwind. The cockpit sole is quite high, which means the side deck next to the wheels is quite low, but it’s still a comfortable seat when helming. There’s also a seat behind the helm that allows you to sit comfortably when driving for long periods. In all cases there’s a good view of the headsail luff.

There are no foot chocks for the driver on the basis that owners have so many different preferences it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. Instead this is a dealer-level customisation to allow each owner to choose their favoured solution.

The passage to the side decks is forward of the helm stations, which makes the mainsheet winch on the Ocean version a bit of a stretch from the wheel. On the other hand, it provides plenty of space for a crewmember to work the sheets.

The 108% headsail of the test boat is set on a Facnor FD flat deck furler that helps maximise luff length, although a smaller non-overlapping jib can be specified.

The test boat includes many of the comfort options including six winches and the trademark Dufour exterior galley/grill accessed from the swim platform. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The mainsail is set up as standard with two single line reefs, the positions of which were defined after careful analysis by both Elvstrom and Felci. It’s not currently possible to order a third reef from the factory, but there is a spare sheave in the boom and space at the mast plate to install one. Commendably large rope bins are provided at the companionway and behind the winch stations.

The stern platform has access to the cockpit on both sides of the transom, facilitating easy circulation of people. Liferaft stowage is in the middle, with Dufour’s trademark outdoor galley with a barbecue and small sink above. Add to that a fridge in the cockpit table and it’s easy to understand why many Dufour owners predominately cook outside in favourable weather.

Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Many of today’s yachts are used in a different manner to those of the past. Three or four decades ago a Nicholson 32 or Contessa 32 might have been considered an average size serious cruising yacht. Yet a passage plan might assume an average speed of 4 or 5 knots and weather forecasts were nowhere near as good as those of today, which meant a far greater chance of a passage across, for example, the English Channel or North Sea, turning into a beat at the end. Throw in a tidal gate or two and a lot of 75- to 90-mile passages back then became 18- to 24-hour ordeals.

Times have changed

By contrast, today’s boats are on average a lot larger and proportionately much faster, with the result the same distance is normally covered in no more than 12-14 hours and often a lot less, unless it’s a straight beat to windward. But even that is less likely, thanks to the massive improvements in weather forecasting over the past few decades that mean long upwind slogs when cruising are now encountered much less frequently.

Another difference is that today’s boats don’t heel as much – a wide, high form stability cruising hull shape will rarely see much more than 20°, even when pressed, and 15-18° is more typical. That makes it easier to move around the interior when bashing upwind.

Spacious saloon with hexagonal table and compact galley will work best in harbour. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Saloon and galley layouts by Ardizio Design feel distinctly different to many boats, yet will make sense for a lot of owners.

The space is dominated by a large C-shape seating area with a hexagonal table to port. A neat innovation is the three movable fabric stools that provide extra seating on the inboard side of the table. These can be used flexibly, are lightweight, don’t fall over and have an effective non-slip base. They also stack against the starboard settee, extending that space into a larger lounging area.

On the downside there’s no dedicated navstation, other than a folding shelf for a laptop, and the forward galley option initially looks small, with a lack of fixed worktop space, though there is more at a slightly lower level than the main countertops.

The prime benefit those full bows bring is found in the voluminous master cabin. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Handholds and grabrails below decks are important for safety at sea, yet provision is often poor on many new yachts – and in any case owners often have different ideas as to what will work best for them. Dufour has planned for interior handrails to be added as a customised option at the dealer level and has designed a choice of mounting points into the underside of the coachroof for this purpose.

Stowage is well configured and in general a marked improvement to older designs, with plenty of thought given to ease of use of space. For instance, there are drawers under both port and starboard settees. These cost boatbuilders extra money to install, but can make a huge difference to life on board.

Other neat touches include a wine rack under the saloon floor and Dufour’s effective dustpan below the cabin sole. There are lights combined with USB outlets next to each bed and the spacious forward owner’s cabin has a good area of bookshelves and space for phones, keys, wallets and so on next to the head of the bed.

Nonetheless, the interior is better in harbour or at anchor than at sea and the galley on the version I tested won’t be easy to use when well heeled. There is an option for a conventional linear galley on the starboard side.

A lot of yacht to enjoy at anchor – note the large hull windows. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

As with other models in the range it’s available in Easy, Ocean and Performance variants. The bulk of sales of the pared-down Easy version are likely to go to charter companies, while the Ocean model I sailed will be the choice of most private owners.

Dufour worked with charter companies in Croatia to optimise quick and easy access for maintenance and repair of systems throughout the boat – also a big benefit for private owners. Easily accessible items are more likely to be inspected on a regular basis, markedly reducing potential for breakdowns.

Dufour 44 specifications

LOA: 13.91m 45ft 8in LWL: 12.23m 40ft 2in Beam: 4.45m 14ft 7in Draught (standard keel): 2.2m 7ft 2in Draught (shoal draught keel): 1.75m 5ft 9in Light disp: 10,200kg 22,500lb Ballast: 2,850kg 6,284lb Fuel: 250lt 55gal Water: 250lt 55gal (extra 180lt 48gal optional) Engine: 50hp (60hp optional) Sail area (100% foretriangle): 96.8m2 1,042ft2 Disp/LWL ratio: 155 Sail area/disp ratio: 20.9 Price as tested: approx €400,000 ex VAT Contact: dufour-yachts.com

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While nothing is revolutionary about this boat, it’s a welcome incremental step as a more spacious design that performs well across a range of wind speeds. At the same time, the living arrangements, above and below decks, will work well for the large numbers of owners, both in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, who are not in the habit of making multi-day passages. Fuel tankage is arguably not generous at 250lt, but the boat’s light airs performance, particularly if the optional Code 0 and asymmetric spinnaker are specified, will mean a lot less time is spent motoring in light airs – and therefore a lot more time spent enjoying the sailing – than with earlier designs.

Why choose a distinctive design yacht ?

Sailing boats with a distinctive design, performance is in the genes, shared values, versatility and innovation.

For more than 50 years, Dufour yachts have been synonymous with swift, joyful sailing and beautiful lines. But behind the gleaming finish is always an exceptionally stable and comfortable yacht that makes the perfect companion for any cruising programme.

Umberto Felci: a legendary designer

Design is at the very heart of Dufour. Since 2002 the yard has worked closely with the legendary designer Umberto Felci , whose name is inextricably wrapped up with race-winning cruising yachts . He brought a fresh aesthetic flair to Dufour, setting new standards for the whole industry as he did so. Now the merger with renowned catamaran builder Fountaine Pajot has further invigorated the design team. The new boats are an inspiring fusion of beguiling looks, exciting performance and ergonomic details.

The Dufour signature

Throughout the history of this storied shipyard , it has always been possible to spot a Dufour yacht from afar, simply by virtue of its looks. Those hallmarks may have changed as the design language evolved, but they have always been distinctive. In the Umberto Felci era, the hard chines and narrow waterline beam are unmistakeable, always allied to an elegant, integrated bowsprit. The coachroof has an efficient, low profile, all signed with minimal, harmonious lines.

Elegance and volume below

When it comes to the interior , Dufour yachts are every bit as unique. Bright and spacious, of course. The yard’s designers have perfected the art of the necessary – restrained, minimal joinery rather than fussy detailing and surplus features that slow you down. But don’t mistake clean design for simplicity. Comfort and quality is a given, as is the choice of a configuration to suit your cruising plans .

Dufour’s origins in the passion of an amateur racer endure to this day in the boats’ sleek looks. From the early days of Michel Dufour’s first 21-foot Sylph to the new DUFOUR 61 flagship, these yachts have always been fast and responsive to sail.

A unique hull design

Michel Dufour’s designs were instrumental in popularising sailing during the 1960s. He was fascinated by the novel technique of building in polyester and glass. Over the years, the shipyard has remained the benchmark when it comes to ‘savoir-faire’, with a production line focused on quality and precision. It is the same for every one of our craftspeople, from the joiners to the riggers, supported by cutting-edge technology and always driven by a spirit of innovation.

Every element carefully balanced

Safety and comfort is nothing without the joy of quick passages and lively handling. Dufour understood this from the off, and has always balanced lifestyle with performance. Careful design marries an exciting helm with a stable hull form; a choice of rigging styles; and an options list that can keep you going for weeks during an ocean crossing or provide just what you need for a restorative weekend of coastal cruising.

French to the core

Dufour has been building yachts on the same site for more than 50 years. And that site is planted firmly at the heart of France’s vibrant marine tradition, in the city of La Rochelle. Among the yard’s 450 local employees, there are several who have devoted their entire working lives to the brand and are sailors themselves. In this way, every Dufour yacht is the expression of a rich history and an even richer savoir-faire. French through-and-through.

When you buy a Dufour, you aren’t simply buying a boat. You are joining many thousands of previous owners who understand the importance of instinctive boat handling allied to comfort, safety and an elegant, balanced design.

A common passion

From Polynesia to Porquerolles, Dufour yachts are cherished and sailed hard by demanding, knowledgeable owners. Owners from every walk of life who share something ineffable: that thrill as the wind fills in and the boat heels; joy at the tang of salt spray; and a respect for nature and her elements. Expect to be greeted wherever you moor your Dufour . For as many owners have discovered, once you join the Dufour family, you may never want to leave.

Every DUFOUR yacht owner has different priorities and sailing aspirations. That’s why each model in the Dufour range offers a variety of layouts, equipment levels and rigging types to suit any cruising programme.

Choose your rig and deck plan

Now Dufour goes even further… by offering three rig and deck plan profiles for its new models. EASY stands for comfort and simplicity, with a self-tacking jib and an optional German mainsheet system. The winches and clutches are all positioned on the coaming.

The OCEAN offers more trimming possibilities, with key controls on the coachroof, and within reach of the helms. And the PERFORMANCE option includes a taller mast and a bigger sail area, with the sheeting point for the main at the end of the boom. There’s also premium deck gear and the option of a deeper keel.

Choose your layout

Dufour is exceptionally flexible when it comes to the interior configuration of a new boat. A young family might want bunks for the kids, with a luxurious master at the bow, for instance. While charter owners often prefer two cabins forward and the extra bathroom. The yard has pioneered rare choice in the position of the galley, as well.

Choose your ‘millésime’

In order to be in tune with all Dufour owners around the world, the design office, in association with Umberto Felci’s firm of naval architecture, has developed three design trends for three different atmospheres. This cross-functional project applies to all Dufour models to suit all desires. The Boston style is dedicated to those who appreciate traditional aesthetics, but with the soft atmosphere of sailing yachts enhanced by a touch of modernity and perfect lines right down to the finishes. The Europe theme evokes a very contemporary way of life that can be found in today’s finest houses, hotels and luxury yachts. As for the Millenium , it reinterprets the interior elegance of Dufour yachts with an assertive trendy touch for fans of modernity, version 2.0. The electric blue fabrics of the sofas and the metal aspect of certain details are a testament to this.

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