- Guide To Dufour - Four Decades Of Innovation
Guide to Dufour - Four decades of innovation
Michel Dufour founded his company to build the Sylpie in 1965, but it was his second design, the Arpege from 1967, that established his reputation as an innovative designer and builder.
Today, the company builds cruiser-racers from 34ft to 45ft and ‘pure’ cruisers from 32ft to 50ft. Most of the hulls are designed by Umberto Felci and the interiors styled by Patrick Roseo.
Dufour T7 - One of the smallest centre-cockpit designs widely available, at 22ft. The T7 appeared in 1980 and sold 250 in two years. With two berths in the saloon and two in the aftercabin, reached via the cockpit, the T7 is popular as a family cruiser.
Dufour 27 - With very high freeboard and a window in the hull, this was a distinctive and popular cruiser from 1973. Most sales were in France. Under her semi-flush decks is 15ft 11in headroom and four berths in a very bare, GRP-dominated interior.
Dofour 1800 - Introduced in 1979 in succession to the Dufour 25, this 25-footer sold well – 200 boats were launched in three years of production, with a choice of lifting, shallow, standard or deep-fin keels. She is typical of the middle years of Dofour design: a full-bodied, high-volume hull topped by a square-looking coachroof.
Dufour 28 – A late model from Dufour’s first incarnation, designed by Jaques Faroux, this is still a strikingly modern and good-looking yacht. Performance and handling are acceptable if she is kept upright, but she’s not ideal for heavy-weather passage-making. She was remarkable for her time (1983) in having two aft cabins in an overall length of just 29ft.
Dufour 2800 – Successor to the 27 in 1978, this comfortable, docile family cruiser was the second most popular Dufour of all time: 1,300 were built over six years. At the time her looks were modern and refreshing - she effectively re-established Michel Dufour’s reputation for forward thinking.
Dufour 30 Classic – Simplicity is the essence of this entry-level cruiser, launched in the late 1990s. She is quick under full canvas, easy to handle, close-winged and fairly well balanced to boot. The rig, which supports a fairly large mainsail and a small, non-overlapping jib, was rather lightly built for serious offshore work. The cockpit is well laid out, with all the essentials within easy reach of the helm – a bonus for short-handed sailing.
Dufour 31 – Another highly successful model, selling more than 900 from 1973 onwards, the most striking feature is her clipper bow. Like many Dufour yachts she was innovative for her time, with a spacious, six-berth interior (including a quarter berth and a dinette double) and a 1.9m headroom.
Dufour 32 Classic – The 32 Classic was launched in 1988 and quickly gained reputation as a comfortable cruising yacht and remained in production until 2004. The sailplan is moderate, with an overlapping genoa, giving good average performance under sail for a modern cruiser.
Dufour 3800 – This masthead-rigged fast cruiser was the replacement for the 31, launched in 1979 and designed by German Frers. Despite being an elegant boat with far less plastic interior and sparkling performance, sales were only moderate at 300.
Dufour 4800 – Launched in 1981, this 35 footer from Dufour was a substantially different creation to the company’s earlier models. Looking very much like a grown-up 3800, she could accommodate up to nine people, maintaining the French tradition for maximum crew berths. She had, in effect, an early manifestation of an owner’s suite, with the heads and double berth forward of the main bulkhead.
Dufour 34 – A sparkling performer which scooped the European Yacht of the Year award. This Umberto Felci design from 2002 sports a fine, deep iron keel and a slim but very deep rudder, set on a sleek hull that slips through the water with the minimum of fuss and effort.
Dufour 35 – Not Michel Dufour’s most attractive creation, this flush-decked, beamy boat from 1972 nonetheless managed sales of 450, thanks largely to the enormous amount of space below desks and good performance under sail.
Dufour 35 Classic – Well-balanced and quick, the 35 Classic is one of the lightest cruisers in her class, displacing just 4.5 tons. But she’s sturdy too – Dufour did not skimp on build quality. A combination of moderate freeboard, pleasing sheerline, low coachroof and reverse transom make her easy on the eye.
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BoatNews.com
Dufour Yachts, the book of a lifetime on the construction site
The book "Dufour Yachts" tells the story of the La Rochelle shipyard through all the models produced. A beautiful course for all lovers of pleasure boating.
By turning the pages of the book published by the Dufour shipyard , we trace the history of sailing since the 1960s. Dufour began with the appearance of polyester in boat construction. It is first the Sylphe then the Arpège which marks the origin of the story drawn by the visionary Michel Dufour.
Then at the discretion of the various managers of the yard - including the famous Baron Bic - we discover the sailing boats of race-cruise, then those of voyage before passing by the stage of the multihulls.
The book with airy pages is largely illustrated with many period photos. We will reproach texts that are a bit short, the space reserved for texts being divided by two, the publisher having wanted an English translation.
According to the yard, all models have been cited in this book which is primarily aimed at owners in love with the brand. But even if we don't have a Dufour, the sailors know well this brand which continues to produce beautiful units.
Dufour Yachts
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Dufour Yachts – Their History
In 1964 Michel Dufour worked as an engineer in a locomotive factory. In charge of of the workshop that fabricated parts out of a revolutionary new material fibreglass, he was quick to realise the potential of using fibreglass in boat building.
So it wasn’t long before his passion for sailing combined with his technical knowledge of fibreglass spawned the idea for his first yacht, the “Sylph”.
Over 400 models were sold between 1964 and 1974 and launched the company soon to be known as Dufour Yachts.
Building on this success they launched the 29 foot L’Arpege in 1967. Within 10 years over 1500 models were built and now the L’Arpege is widely agreed as being a legitimate classic.
Selling over 700 units the Dufour 24 was one of their best sellers. The Dufour 35 boasted enormous space below decks and really good performance under sail, 450 units were sold.
Selling more than 900 from 1973 the Dufour 31 was highly innovative for her time with a spacious 6 berth interior.
Then from 1978 the Dufour 2800 successor to the 27 saw 1300 yachts built over 6 years. By 1979 the German Frer designed Dufour 3800 is recognised as an exceptional yacht and the Dufour 1800 was launched as a successor to the Dufour 25, with 200 boats launched in 3 years of production.
1980 :- Dufour T7, one of the smallest centre cockpit designs at 22 feet. 250 of these were sold in 2 years. 2 berths in the saloon and 2 in the aft cabin reached via the cockpit.
1981:- The Dufour 4800 which could accommodate up to 9 people.
1982 :- Dufour T6 & T7 launched
1983 :- Dufour 28, still a strikingly modern and good looking yacht.
1985 – 1990 :- Launch of the Dufour 32, Dufour 36, Dufour 37, Dufour 39 and Dufour 42
1990 – 1994 :- Launch of the Prestige 54, Prestige 48, Prestige 56 and Prestige 65
1988 :- The Dufour Classic 32 was launched in 1988 and quickly gained reputation as a comfortable cruising yacht remaining in production until 2004.
1995 :- Dufour Classic Line launched
1999 :- Re launch of the GibSea range In 2003 the Dufour 40 is elected yacht of the year and then in 2005 Dufour began its long and fruitful partnership with famed Italian Naval Architect Umberto Felci.
2004 :- Launch of the Grand Large range of cruisers
2005 :- Launch of the 365 and 455
2006 :- Launch of the 325 , 425, 485 and 525
2008 :- Launch of the 34e and 45e Performance Cruisers
2009 :- Launch of the 40e and 405
In 2010 the Dufour 405 Grand Large is elected European Yacht of the Year. Dufour and Grand Soleil brands were sold to the Bavaria Yacht Group Launch of the 375
2011 – Launch of the 445 and 36 Performance
2012 – Launch of the 500, 380, 410 and 450 Grand Large Models
In 2013 the company was reorganised through a management buyout of the company from the Bavaria Yacht Group. This has allowed the leadership team to continue to drive forward quality build techniques and continue to invest and focus on the production of quality sailing boats.
2014 – Launch of the 560 (Feb), 382 (Sept) 350 (Dec) Dufour 500 named Cruising World Magazine Boat of the year.
2015 :- Dufour 560 named Cruising World Magazine’s Boat of the Year Launch of the D460
2018 :- Fountain Pajot acquires Dufour Yachts
Universal Yachting are proud to be the UK Dealer for Dufour Yachts and to be part of this longstanding sailing dynasty.
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- Sailboat Guide
Dufour Yachts
Fouded by Michael Dufour. Among the early successful boats were the SAFARI 27, ARPEGE 30 (1966), and the DUFOUR 35. DUFOUR YACHTS s.a. 1, rue Blaise Pascal 17187 Périgny cedex FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)5 46 30 07 60 Fax: +33 (0)5 46 45 46 96
Associations
- Quarter Ton Class
- Half Ton Class
- Arpege Owners (France)
- Arpege Owners (Italy)
- Berret-Racoupeau
- German Frers
- Jacques Fauroux
- Jean-Louis Noir
- J&J Design
- Johan Valentijn
- Joubert-Nivelt
- J. Pierrejean
- Laurent Cordelle
- Michel Dufour
- Mortain & Mavrikios
- Olivier Poncin
- Philippe Briand
- Philippe Costard
- Philippe Harlé
- Rob Humphreys
- Sparkman & Stephens
- Umberto Felci
95 sailboats built by Dufour Yachts
Dufour Arpege 30
Dufour 2800
Dufour Classic 36
Dufour Sylphe
Dufour 1800/25
Dufour 39 (Frers)
Gib'sea 302.
Dufour 28 Mezzo
Dufour 500 Grand Large
Dufour 42 (S&S)
Dufour 512 grand large, dufour atoll 43, dufour 30/31 frers, dufour duo 26.
Dufour 520 Grand Large
Dufour 382 grand large.
Dufour 12000 CT
Dufour 44 performance.
Dufour 48 Prestige
Dufour 350 grand large, dufour classic 43.
Dufour 39 CC
Dufour 360 grand large.
Dufour 430 Grand Large
Dufour 412 grand large.
Dufour Classic 38
Dufour Classic 35
Dufour classic 50.
Dufour Atoll 50
Dufour 485 grand large, dufour 390 grand large.
Dufour 455 Grand Large
Dufour 334 trophy.
Dufour 450 Grand Large
Dufour Classic 41
Dufour/valentijn 35, dufour 385 grand large.
Dufour 410 Grand Large
Dufour 1300
Dufour 32 Integral
Dufour 460 Grand Large
Dufour 375 grand large.
Dufour 3800
Dynamique 62
Dynamique 47, dynamique 80.
Dynamique 58
Dynamique 52
Gib'sea 312
Nautitech 60, nautitech 475, nautitech 395, nautitech 82.
Nautitech 435
Dufour 445 Grand Large
Dufour 405 Grand Large
Dufour 41-2
Dufour 56 - 2
Dufour 365 Grand Large
Dufour sortilege 41.
Dufour 325 Grand Large
Dufour Safari 27
Dufour Classic 30
Dufour 310 Grand Large
Dufour Classic 45
Dufour 4800
Dufour 9000
Dufour 425 Grand Large
Dufour 525 grand large.
Dufour Classic 32
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The polyester revolution
In 1957, young engineer Michel Dufour discovered the new material, polyester. At the time, he was a keen competition sailor with a real passion for yachts, class rules and hydrodynamics. This sparked his idea to build a yacht made of polyester. In 1964, Michel Dufour started to design the "Sylphe" transportable yacht. He took a lot of financial risks to make the yacht, rented a hangar and started to make the "Sylphe" under the aegis of his newly formed company, Le Stratifié Industriel.
At the heart of the industry
In 1965, this avant-garde engineer filled his order book with 20 units. By the following year, the number of orders had grown to 60 units. His business literally rocketed with the launch of the new "Arpège" model, which revolutionised the liveaboard yacht and led to the creation of several new workshops. In 1970, a design office was set up to develop the "Safari". Production moved to an industrial scale to manufacture more than 300 boats per year from 1971 under the new entity, Dufour SA. The company was now working out of a modern 15,000 m² factory in Périgny, near La Rochelle.
Focus on performance
In 1971, Dufour launched its "Sortilège" model and the brand reached new heights. Michel Dufour took advantage of the opening of the famous "Port des Minimes" pleasure boat marina in La Rochelle, by founding the Grand Pavois boat show to bring manufacturers in the sector on board. Present on all fronts, he extended his sales network to export to the whole of Europe and created subsidiaries in Italy and the United States. This earned the company the Export Prize in 1973 and gained it recognition as a European leader. This prosperous period saw the birth of the new Dufour 35, 27, 33, 34, 1300, 29, 31, 2800 and 1800 models.
The brand steers towards luxury
The T7, 3800, 4800 and D28 yachts were designed in the early 1980s, with Dufour Yachts working to create and develop a true brand image. The factory in La Rochelle decided to implement a co-branding strategy and conceived an exclusive partnership with the Lacoste brand. The Dufour Lacoste 42 model was born. Only 12 examples of this model were produced and even now, the model is still recognised for its timeless elegance. In 1988, Dufour Yachts raised the sails a little higher with its Dufour Prestige yachts, which pushed the boundaries of the global sailing industry. The Prestige models are unique and have particularly luxurious and contemporary interiors.
New concept: ready-to-sail yachts
In 1994, Dufour Yachts revised its image by creating the completely new Dufour Classic range. These models constituted the first fully equipped yachts and represented a real revolution in the sailing industry. With its classically elegant lines and unprecedented interior comfort and smart design, everything on board the Dufour Classic yachts was designed to make cruising as enjoyable as possible.
New era: Dufour Performance and Grand Large with Umberto Felci
The turn of the century marked the start of the collaboration with the famous naval architect, Umberto Felci. This association saw the creation of the Performance range in 2002 and the Grand Large range in 2003. Whilst the Dufour Performance yachts had a streamlined profile perfect for racing, the Dufour Grand Large yachts were designed for cruising. Continuously revamped since then, these ranges each fulfil a different need to delight all sailing enthusiasts.
Dufour Yachts: The Odyssey of Luxury Sailing
The French shipbuilder from the legendary La Rochelle wrote many pages of nautical history and became synonymous with superior craftsmanship and design, winning numerous awards for their models that delighted sailing enthusiasts
More than 60 years of passion for sailing
Since the shipyard was founded in the early 1960s, more than a hundred yacht models have been conceived, created, designed, developed, built and delivered from the shipyards in Saint-Xandre and Perigny, the brand’s emblematic stronghold near La Rochelle. Each model has marked its era, and even today, they can be recognized at a glance on the water.
Michel Dufour’s Enduring Legacy
In 1964, Michel Dufour, inventor of the ready-to-sail polyester production boat, endowed his creations with essential qualities for the democratization of sailing.
From the outset, the comfort/performance ratio, safety and finish, as well as price and, above all, listening to the customer, were key concerns in convincing the aspiring sailor. Attention to needs was a determining factor in a yachting industry that was just being invented.
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This modernity continued throughout the shipyard’s history, long after the creator handed over the helm. All the initiatives of his successors have followed these fundamental principles, which have enabled Dufour yachts to meet with international approval, with over twenty-five thousand units produced throughout the company’s history.
Dufour Icons
Le Sylphe, L’Arpège, Le Dufour Prestige, the Classic, Trophy and Atol ranges, the Dufour 40, the Grand Large, Exclusive and now Sailboat ranges, each in its own way, they have provided pertinent answers to a constantly evolving environment, uses, desires and regulations.
The Sylphe was one of the first yachts built in polyester/fiberglass composite. Finished to a high standard, fully equipped and ready to sail, she became an iconic yacht while L’Arpège was a true ocean-racing cruiser.
When Baron Marcel Bich took the helm at Dufour Yachts at the dawn of the 1980s he gave a more pronounced racing-cruising orientation to future models. For the first time the shipyard called on external resources for hull design – Johan Valentijn and German Fers. Models from 3800 and 4800 factories were lined up as well as a range of small integral dinghies, the T6 and T7.
The Era of Luxury Designer Yachts
In 90s the appeal of larger, more luxurious yachts has become natural. To give the yacht its letters of nobility, internationally renowned architects were called in. Harlé-Mortain designed the first 54 Prestige and a 56 with central cockpit, then Jean Berret a 48, and finally Bruce Farr gave performance to a 65, the largest model. No less than fourteen models from 30 to 50 feet will make up the Classic range.
Taken over by Italy’s Del Pardo Group at the begining of 21st century, Dufour Yachts repositioned itself at the heart of its range, creating a chic racing-cruising style that will mark the decades to come. Umberto Felci and Patrick Roseo were chosen to design a range of fast cruisers, introduced by the Dufour 34, 49 and 44.
This was followed by the Grand Large range, based on the fundamentals of speed and elegance. No less than seven models from 32 to 52 feet would hit the water over the course of the decade.
When global financial crisis turned economies upside down in 2008 yachting industry began to rationalize manufacturing processes, and some highly innovative models were introduced to attract new customers.
Sixteen different models, ranging in size from 30-footers to 56-footers, left the Périgny workshops, placing the brand among the leading names in international yachting. The Grand Large range enjoyed real success, adapting to the ever-increasing demands of customers.
Dufour Today
In 2018, Dufour Yachts was majority-owned by the Fountaine Pajot group. The synergy generated by this merger is beneficial to both entities, as it is based on both brands’ roots in La Rochelle and their unrivalled history.
The passionate men and women behind these iconic brands complement each other to create the second-largest player in international yachting.
The three different versions, Easy, Ocean and Performance, replay the score of the all-in-one sailing yacht, for all possible navigations. Today, Dufour continues to write the history of yachting, and enters a new decade with new challenges.
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Dufour 2800 review: from the archive
- April 9, 2021
Jeremy Evans enjoys cruising around Mallorca’s Bahia de Pollensa, living aboard one of Michel Dufour’s classic designs
The small mainsail is easily managed, but the big genoa demands a lot of grunt. Credit: Jeremy Evans Credit: Jeremy Evans
Product Overview
Manufacturer:.
In the 1970s, Dufour was France’s biggest yacht builder, launching a plethora of new models including the Dufour 2800, which superseded the Dufour 27 in 1978.
More than 1,300 Dufour 2800s were built over seven years, making it one of Michel Dufour’s most successful designs.
Its popularity was due to a striking modern design, well ahead of its time, with a high-volume hull and a bright, airy saloon.
Combined with the promise of good sailing performance from an easily managed, race-bred hull and rig, it was a popular formula.
Three decades on, does the Dufour 2800 still deliver the goods? I spent a few days aboard a well-maintained example, Milike , to find out.
Design, construction & sailplan
High freeboard and a high coachroof with big windows sounds like a recipe for an ugly yacht.
But the Dufour 2800 is surprisingly well balanced and pleasing to the eye, with the advantage of large amounts of practical, well planned space both above and below decks.
The standard fin keel is deep enough to provide good sailing performance and long enough to dry out against a wall with normal due care.
A few Dufour 2800s were built with deeper ‘Club Special’ keels for enhanced performance at the cost of reduced access to shallow water.
The centreboard version has a minimum length stub keel for creek crawling, which seems likely to reduce performance, with possible maintenance worries should the centreboard get jammed up or down.
Milike under sail in Bahia de Pollensa close to Puerto Pollensa. She is normally fi tted with a small bimini and sprayhood for extremes of weather.
Steering is direct from tiller to unbalanced rudder, so the rig must be well balanced at all times to keep the helm light.
Unlike more modern yachts with bulbous sterns containing an ‘owner’s stateroom’ plus massive cockpit lazarettes and a swimming platform, the 2800 has a neat, trim transom that is less likely to get pushed around by following waves.
The rig is a typical development of Half Ton and One Ton Cup racers from the 1970s, with a small, easily handled mainsail dwarfed by a very large overlapping genoa, which can require a lot of effort to winch in.
As the breeze increases, you have to partially furl the genoa before reefing the mainsail.
The cockpit was clearly designed by a racing enthusiast, for cruising enthusiasts: safe, secure and well protected at sea with good footholds and handholds.
You have to accept that the tiller sweeps across the back of the cockpit and the mainsheet traveller crosses the companionway – typical features from a yacht of this age that demand some extra care – but there is enough comfortable space for a crew of three to sit in the cockpit on the benches, or up on the coamings.
The cockpit also works well at anchor or in a marina, though without the wide-open space and easy boarding via a sugar-scoop stern of more modern yachts.
A home-made cockpit table works very well on a boat of this size.
With slab reefing led back to the cockpit, there is little need to go on deck at sea.
But when it is necessary, the flush, wide side decks and foredeck make it easy to move around the boat with grabrails along the coachroof and still good grip for your feet after more than 30 years’ wear.
And while Milike may be a little faded from the Mallorcan sun, the gelcoat of her white hull, blue coachroof and grey deck also looks pretty good after three decades, with no major problems from cracks, crazing or, heaven forbid, delamination.
As with any yacht, regular maintenance is required to ensure everything continues to work well.
Two years ago, all the original coachroof windows had to be replaced, which took a week of hard labour – they had become horribly crazed with age.
Below decks
The most striking aspect down below on Milike was light pouring into the saloon through the new windows, illuminating the woodwork, headlining and an overall finish that still looks pretty good.
The galley functions equally well in a marina or under way, with a cooker, sink, fridge and cupboards close to hand.
It was originally fitted with a two-burner stove on gimbals balanced by a Camping Gaz cylinder attached directly underneath.
Looking forward in the saloon, both the cockpit and saloon tables are stowed against the bulkhead.
Moving the gas supply to a transom locker proved too challenging, so an Origo alcohol stove was installed instead.
It performed well initially but went ‘off the boil’ during our spring cruise due to sub-standard fuel.
The original gas geyser – unpleasant and slightly dodgy – has been replaced by a calorifier with a heating element, fitted in the cockpit locker to ensure there is hot water for the shower when connected to shore power or after running the engine.
A useful addition to Milike is the home-made, full-size dining table that stows vertically against the main bulkhead.
Moving forward, the moulded plastic sink facing the heads opposite is a lurid shade of faded tangerine, but who cares when it works well.
And unlike most comparable cruisers, you can even enjoy a hot shower with a surprising degree of comfort!
Without doubt, the Dufour 2800 is a proper sailor’s boat. She will appeal to folks who were brought up on dinghy sailing and expect immediate response from tiller, hull and rig.
Given that she’s a heavily laden, live-aboard cruiser, Milike was rewarding to sail and fun to steer, particularly upwind, while we spent an enjoyable few days exploring Bahia de Pollensa with its lovely anchorages near the northern tip of Mallorca.
Thanks to regular maintenance, cleaning and greasing, Milike’s winches and blocks are all original and working perfectly.
The big genoa provides most of the drive on a reach, pushing her comfortably past 7 knots, with a light, precise feel on the helm. With the genoa creating so much power forward of the keel, correct trim and the right amount of sail area are vital to keep the boat pleasantly balanced.
The design was well ahead of its time, with a high-volume hull and very good sailing performance.
For best performance deeper downwind, the small mainsail needs a cruising chute or traditional symmetrical spinnaker – there’s plenty of space to stow a spinnaker pole on the side deck and a good foredeck working area for launching and retrieval.
Under power, Milike chugged along quietly with little vibration from her original Volvo MD7. Apparently always reliable, this engine has had one major overhaul and been repainted bright blue.
For a boat of her age, she manoeuvres reasonably well in a marina and we had no great problem negotiating her tight, bows-on berth.
As with any yacht, practice is necessary to feel confident whenever you go astern in crowded surroundings.
Tony Lean placed his order for a brand new Dufour 2800 while visiting the 1981 Earl’s Court London Boat Show.
Later that year, he travelled to the west coast of France to collect the newly launched Milike and sailed her directly to Mallorca, where Puerto Pollensa has been her happy home port for more than 30 years.
During that time, Tony has enjoyed cruising around the coast and the neighbouring island of Minorca with his family and friends, using two bath plugs to transform the deep footwell into a paddling pool for young children. Such is cruising life when you keep a yacht in the Mediterranean!
Tony’s regular crewman, Rodney Evans, a keen handyman, helps with maintenance and upkeep.
Tony and Rodney tend to visit at different times of the year, staying on board for a fortnight or more during spring, summer or autumn, which ensures Milike gets at least two months’ proper use and solid cruising each season. In terms of sailing pleasure, she has proved an excellent investment over three decades.
Our verdict on the Dufour 2800
What’s she like to sail.
Pleasing hull lines reflect excellent sailing performance, which made the Dufour 2800 a potent cruiser-racer in her day.
In light to moderate winds she is a delight to drive hard and high upwind, steering on the headsail telltales while perched on the weather cockpit coaming with the tiller extension easily to hand.
This provides a comfortable position with a good view ahead, though the huge overlapping genoa blankets the view to leeward.
In stronger winds and waves it is more secure to sit inside the cockpit where the tiller comes nicely to hand, with precise pull from the spade rudder.
It’s not a balanced rudder, so she will turn into wind if you let the tiller go (or fall over the side).
The cockpit has comfortable space for three adults or a young 2+2 family under sail.
The mainsheet can be grabbed by helm or crew, which is useful for instant tweaking, but you need to be wary of the track across the companionway.
While the mainsail is small and easily managed, the large masthead genoa requires prompt sheeting to avoid a lot of winding during tacks, which is typical of yachts from that era.
Many 2800s are fitted with slab reefing controlled from the cockpit, so only hoisting and dropping require a trip along the wide side decks to the mast.
A stack-pack with lazyjacks could be a worthwhile investment, though it’s not difficult to roll and secure the small mainsail neatly on top of the boom.
What’s she like in port and at anchor?
We found the 2800 comfortable for three adults to spend a week living aboard in a marina and daysailing, despite some challenging weather.
Her large coachroof windows ensure light fills the cabin and you can get a very nice view of the outside world if you stand up in the saloon.
There is ample space for four or even more adults to socialise below in reasonable comfort.
The forecabin is spacious enough for an adult or two children to sleep quite comfortably, with the moulded heads and shower/bathroom unit sandwiched between main bulkhead and saloon.
The chart table aided by a Yeoman plotter and a Garmin GPS Map 230.
Two decent single berths in the saloon are augmented by a tight quarterberth behind the chart table, which could play an important role on a long passage or for basic stowage.
Nav station and galley are well designed and more than adequate.
Would she suit you and your crew?
With 1,300 Dufour 2800s built between 1978 and 1984, there is a healthy second-hand market throughout Britain, Europe, the Caribbean and USA.
A huge variation in asking prices from well under £10,000 to over £15,000 reflects overall condition, specification and owners’ expectations.
The one we sailed was in very good condition for her age, with well-preserved gelcoat and solid laminate – these yachts were built to last and should provide many more years of sailing pleasure.
The Dufour 2800 is fun to sail and easy to handle with excellent accommodation in a light, airy, attractive interior.
A good example could be very comfortable for an adult couple who enjoy coastal cruising, or provide lots of fun for a young family, with two kids sleeping in the forecabin or playing in the safe confines of the deep cockpit while the yacht gently rocks at anchor.
First published in the May 2015 issue of YM.
Dufour, the cornerstone of the 60s and 70s boating revolution | Classic Boat
- October 6, 2023
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If today we can still enjoy so many great boats that have survived the last century, Classic Boats excellent boats still capable of excitement, credit is undoubtedly due to the hands and minds behind their creation. We have already seen some of the great designers behind the signatures, but, if these boats have since seen the light of day, it is certainly also thanks to the shipyards behind them, enlightened realities capable of maintaining quality standards that are still commendable today. To celebrate them as well, then, here is a new series of articles intended to offer a glimpse into their history and some of the greatest projects they have been able to accomplish. After Hallberg Rassy , here is a French boating icon and a milestone in sailing history: Dufour.
A revolution signed by Dufour
If the late 1960s was a pivotal period on the most diverse fronts of social life, the same is true for the history of sailing, which, both at this stage and in the following decade, experienced a perhaps unrepeatable period. Inescapable, in this panorama of economic growth and parallel “rebirth” of yachting, was the introduction of fiberglass as a construction material, the keystone of the nascent serial production. Here, pioneer among them all, emerges the fundamental figure of Michel Dufour, enlightened designer and founder of the shipyard of the same name, launched in ’64 as “Stratifié Industriel” and launched to the highest heights in ’66, with the birth of the iconic Arpège , the first true fiberglass bestseller, built in over 1,600 examples.
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Dufour, the origins
The origins of Dufour Shipyards are closely linked to those of its creator, Michel Dufour. Dufour arrived in La Rochelle in ’57 with an industrial studies degree in hand and military conscription experience in Algeria, where the war of independence against French rule was under way. In La Rochelle, Dufour discovered sailing, competing in a Fastnet and an Admiral’s and, at the same time, working at the Brissonneau et Lotz , a railway equipment manufacturer. Here he discovers fiberglass, a material he identifies as ideal for designing the boat he has been thinking about for some time now.
Sailing is for him an object of study, an art, rather than an experience to seek his own identity, to confront the elements. Thus was born a revolutionary 6.54 meters, the Sylphe , built in collaboration with the James Léger, the team leader of the polyester/glass fiber sector. It is a new, different design with unseen lines and a beam that is “too” wide to be fast, but the press likes the boat right away and, icing on the cake, against all expectations it wins the 1965 Rochelle Week . Thus began Dufour’s shipbuilding adventure of the then “Stratifié Industriel” shipyard.
Owners, however, are looking for a larger, more livable boat. Dufour accepts the challenge and starts, counterintuitively, with the design of the interior, built in 1:1 scale. Once these are defined, the “shell,” a hull designed on lessons learned from the Sylphe , improving its lines and marine qualities. It is the key to success, a fundamental turning point for both Dufour and the sailing world: the Arpège (9.14 m) is born.
It is 1966. By the end of ’67 they had already made 77, liked the boat a lot, especially in England, and won races just about everywhere. Fiberglass has finally cornered the market, and sales are overflowing; yards cannot keep up with orders.
In 1969 Stratifié Industriel became Dufour S.p.A , investing like none before in extensive advertising operations, including an Arpège to compete at Transpacifica . The Harpège would go out of production in 1976, 10 years after its appearance and with the striking figure of 1,600 hulls produced.
Dufour, the 1970s
The 1970s were the years of a great opening of sailing to the general public. Everyone wants to go boating, and Dufour is one of the leading shipyards. The production complex now occupies a modern 15,000-m² facility in Périgny, just outside La Rochelle. These were the years of great projects, the icons that made the shipyard famous. In 1970, the small Safari (8.23) depopulated, followed immediately by the big hit of 1971, the Dufour 35 , one of the most marine boats of the shipyard and of the beginning of the decade. This is a hull with astonishing volumes, 10.75 meters by as much as 3.48 at the maximum beam, unprecedented shapes that make it a comfortable, spacious and great boliniere boat, designed for the seas of Atlantic France, hard, difficult seas. This is the third major success in a row, with about 450/500 built.
The iconic 35-footer is then followed by the Sortilege , the Dufour 27 , the Dufour 29 and the Dufour 34 . Growth is exponential but crisis is around the corner.
In 1973, the energy crisis put the market in crisis, oil prices skyrocketed, and the largest shipyard in Europe had work and commissions at half capacity. The U.S. market suffers less, but it cannot absorb the boats that the old continent can no longer afford. In 1976 Baron Marcel Bich brings a major loan to the yard, but soon absorbs the majority. Dufour left his creature in 1979, retiring to the world of agriculture.
He would cultivate apples for several years until he joined Maxi Yachts International (now CIM) as a consultant to conceive and set up a new shipyard intended to build luxury sailboats. Dufour Sa. will be taken over by Olivier Poncin in 1988, then become the property of Cantiere del Pardo in 2001, which will sell it to Bavaria in 2010. As of 2018, ownership of the shipyard passed to Fountaine Pajot .
The 1980s and 1990s
With the 1980s, the previous crisis takes the site in a different direction. It is no longer the numbers that count. Production is reduced in quantity, looking at luxury. These are the years of the T7 , of the 3800 , of the 4800 and the D28 . But the biggest project of the period was in 1982, signed by frers: the Dufour 39 .
In parallel, co-branding with Lacoste was born, a special experience from which the 42 Lacoste , a series limited to 12 pieces but highly appreciated in design. Instead, since 1988 we have been looking at a new strand, Prestige , aimed at luxury and cutting-edge quality. With the 1990s comes the Classic line, a comfort-focused rebranding operation entirely aimed at maximum cruising pleasure.
The dual direction of the 2000s
With 2001 Dufour is under the Cantiere del Pardo and it is at this stage that, relaunching the brand, the collaboration with Umberto Felci begins. The two lines Performance and Grand Large were born, aimed at racing and cruising, respectively.
Finally, 2018 marks the final stage for the site, now under Fountaine Pajot . The ambitions and design change, while retaining the shipyard DNA. Born at this stage are the 530 and the 470 , as well as the recent 61 e Dufour 37.
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La saga degli Hallberg Rassy, le Classic Boat bluewater per antonomasia
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Dufour Yachts Performance Based Monohulls
For more than 50 years, dufour has been creating yachts with a strong distinctive design that has made it one of the most respected and loved yacht manufacturers the world has ever seen. now merging with fountaine pajot, the dufour brand continues to be a major force on the world’s waters..
Yachts and the growth of sailing across the world likely wouldn’t have been possible without Michel Dufour’s designs more than 50 years ago. By respecting both the lifestyle and performance of yacht sailing, Dufour saw the need for meticulous design to bring together a vibrant helm with a stable and steady hull form.
Dufour took that passion and created some of the world’s most incredible yachts, while the Dufour factory developed into a production line with its sights set solidly on quality and precision.
That passion continues today at the Dufour plant located in the heart of France’s incredible sailing culture in La Rochelle – all on the same grounds for the entire company’s history. The shipyard is one of the world’s largest and supports more than 450 employees – many of whom enjoy sailing themselves – while being a major focal point for the French sailing community.
In 2002, legendary yacht designer Umberto Felci brought his incredible skill for the design of race-winning yachts to the Dufour team, setting a new benchmark for yacht design. His yachts have spectacular lines, comfortable ergonomics, and most importantly, incredible performance
Exterior Design
Dufour Yachts have always been iconic. Even from far away, the brand has been recognizable to sailing enthusiasts and novices alike. That foundation came from Michel Dufour’s original designs and continues to this day under the guidance of Felci.
With hard lines, a thin waterline beam, and a distinguished bowsprit, Dufour’s new era has been driven by Felci’s vision and Dufour’s history.
Interior Design
While the deck and exterior may boast performance, thrills and speed, the interior is designed with quality and comfort in mind. The Dufour team has made the spacious interior simple for a reason – to fit you.
When it comes to the interior, Dufour wants to make you and your passengers feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. Need a private area for a relaxing evening? Dufour can provide a secluded escape with its captain’s quarters. For those interested in chartering their yacht, there is an option with two cabins forward and an extra bathroom.
Deck and Rigging
EASY – The design offers comfort and simplicity with winches and clutches all positioned on the coaming.
OCEAN – This package offers more trimming possible, more controls on the coach roof all within helms’ reach.
PERFORMANCE – Boating a taller mast, bigger sail area and option for a deeper keel for more thrills and fun on the water.
Dufour remains a leader because of its innovation by pushing trends forward. That’s why Felci’s firm has created three new design trends for three different atmospheres:
Boston – For those who love the traditional staples of sailing but want the modern touches and perfect lines right down to the finish for the yacht.
Europe – Today’s finest interior design comes to life with contemporary finishes.
Millenium – Trending to a new level for those who want the modern graces, with key metal details and electric blue fabrics.
Dufour sailing monohulls are meticulously crafted for performance cruising
With our team at ACY Yachts, you can own the Dufour of your dreams, expressly set up for you. Discover the ACY Difference and learn more about our complete range of Dufour yachts.
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38 Dufour Classic
Source: Brian Fagan, Sailing Magazine
Dufour is a famous name among European cruising sailors. These strongly built French yachts enjoyed a fine reputation on this side of the Atlantic during the early ’70s, but hard times descended on the builder later in the decade and Dufours vanished from these shores. The name was purchased by Olivier Poncin in 1993. Since then the company has reinvented itself and now markets a full line of sophisticated, state-of-the-art cruising boats. Production rose from 280 boats in 1996 to 800 in 1998, and with ambitious goals for the future, Dufour is now a highly competitive yacht manufacturer that has major marketing plans for North America. The recently introduced Dufour 38 Classic is a fine example of its work. Dufour sailboats have a reputation for being seagoing passage makers. The builder has a philosophy that stresses a combination of performance and comfort under all manner of weather conditions. The 38 crosses oceans and is as at home in the Virgin Islands as the English Channel. The 38’s underbody, with its fin keel and fine entries, combines speed and stability with fingertip control, even when reefed in heavy weather.
The 38 has the streamlined deckhouse and slight sheer typical of modern-day cruising boats, with a nicely executed reverse transom that allows for the obligatory swimming and boarding area. It’s a good looking yacht, even without the optional teak decks, and has a large cockpit with contoured seats. I particularly like the wide sidedecks that make it possible to move forward safely and rapidly, using the long grab rails on the cabin top. Not that 38 sailors need to go forward that often. All halyards and sail controls are led aft to the cockpit, and there are self-tailing Lewmars either side of the companionway. A large anchor locker and hefty bow roller clearly make this a boat that rejoices in being anchored off rather than glued to a dock. A small optional teak seat in the bow pulpit would allow someone to contemplate life when under way or at anchor.Cockpit comfort
The cockpit is comfortable, but the relatively short bench seats make it impossible to sleep there. Visibility from the helm is exceptional, and there is some separation from the crew working the jib and mainsheets, the latter being set over the cabin house, giving excellent control of the main. The liferaft stows under the aft helm seat and is close to hand. A convenient grab handle rises from the compass binnacle, and can double as an instrument bracket. The same fitting also supports the cockpit table, and is an excellent place to hold on in rough weather. This is a comfortable seagoing cockpit that very much fits with the character of this boat as a serious passagemaker.
The companionway leads into a large, well-ventilated saloon with a somewhat unconventional arrangement by American standards Ña dinette to starboard and a slightly curved galley counter to port, with stove, refrigerator and lockers. This arrangement was quite common in American production boats of the 1960s, but is rarely seen today. It’s very livable since the cook can simply hand food or drink across to the seated crew, although I have never sailed offshore with this galley layout and might miss being able to jam myself into a U- or L-shaped cooking area. The solid backrest of the midships dinette bench serves as a strategic support for the cook under way, and most things can be reached from this bracing position. It is a matter of getting used to a different circulation of dishes, pots and pans. The counter space is truly enormous. One of the layout options allows the owner to convert the dinette into a double berth, although I think many will eschew this given the two aft cabins and foreberth. A well-equipped navigation station with hinged chart table and bench seat lies aft of the dinette, with a chart light, nicely placed locker, space for a radio, and the electric panel close to hand. There is a large drawer for charts under the table.Beauty below
The interior is finished with a white deckhead and veneered mahogany, a Dufour trademark, which gives a pleasing effect with its carefully chosen grain patterns. Moving fore and aft under way is made easier by rounded grabrails on either side of the deckhead and the dinette seat back. During the Annapolis Boat Show, I spent an hour sitting below talking to owner Erick Chiang and reviewing the interior. It’s a very comfortable boat. The main stateroom is a large V-berth forward, with two possible arrangements. One option installs a head and shower to starboard with a hanging locker opposite; this is in addition to the head that is already slotted in aft of the galley. I would prefer the second option, which leaves the boat with the single aft head and a bench seat and large locker in its place forward. It certainly makes for less complex plumbing and frees up valuable space for storage.
Whatever the option chosen, the head is nicely designed with a comfortable teak shower seat and easily cleaned configuration. Two double berths lie in small cabins on either side of the companionway under the cockpit, each with its own hanging lockers, a layout typical of French production yachts. This would work well with children aboard, even if it is a little cramped for two adult couples. With a small crew, these cavernous spaces can easily become large storage areas. Engine access is excellent and achieved by removing the companionway and the engine cover on either side inside the aft cabins.Under sail I sailed the 38 on a quiet Chesapeake Bay morning with no more than 8 knots of breeze. I would have liked more wind, but there was enough to test the 38’s sailing capabilities. The 50-horsepower Volvo diesel provided perfect control at slow revolutions and a nice cruising speed of 6.5 knots at about 2,300 revolutions. Engine noise at this level was surprisingly quiet. The 38 maneuvered at close quarters with impeccable manners. I really appreciated the well-engineered cable wheel steering.
Outside the harbor, we hoisted the main, unrolled the genoa and ghosted to windward. The 38 kept moving at 2 knots in a virtual calm, tracking nicely and shouldering aside the occasional boat wash without a fuss. Soon the wind strengthened to 8 knots. I immediately noticed the smooth acceleration and stiffness under me. The boat heeled and settled to work without fuss, giving you a nice sense of confidence in her abilities.
In my book, there are cruising boats that make for comfortable short passages and brief cruises, and then there are cruising boats that have a certain indefinable quality to them that hints at longer voyages and taking any weather the elements throw in along the way. The Dufour has this latter quality, and exudes the manners and solidness of a thoroughly confident cruising yacht.
This feeling became even more pronounced as we eased onto a reach and settled down at a steady 6 knots: I had one hand on the wheel, which was in perfect balance, and a comfortable cockpit for watching the world go by. Unfortunately, we had no rough seas to test the boat’s seagoing mettle, but I have every confidence the 38 would take swells and broken water in its stride.
This is a seaman’s boat with an understated flair and a nice stride that will cover long distances without fuss. It will also take care of you when the Gulf Stream kicks up or a 40-knot blow is on the nose. She is easily sailed single-handed or by a couple. It would be a good boat for those with Caribbean, Pacific, or trans-Atlantic plans, especially if you plan to ship out with a small crew.
The 38 comes with a “grand cruiser package” that includes an upgraded Volvo Sail Drive, roller furling, electric anchor windlass, and a good instrument inventory, even a “Dufour dishes package.” Most skippers will purchase this option, which adds about $25,000 to the base price. It includes equipment you will add at some point anyhow.
The Dufour 38 Classic is a good all-around cruising yacht that is unobtrusive but surprisingly fast, easily controlled by a small crew, and the kind of boat which, like a favorite dog or cat, becomes a special part of the family.
Boat Specification:
LOA 38’2″;
LWL 32’3″;
Beam 12’7″;
Draft 6’2″, optional shoal draft 4’9″;
Displacement 14,300 pounds;
Sail Area 760 sq. ft.;
Engine 50 hpCruising
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 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 designerDesign 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 signatureThroughout 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 belowWhen 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 designMichel 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 balancedSafety 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 coreDufour 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 passionFrom 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 planNow 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 layoutDufour 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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In 1970, a design office was set up to develop the "Safari". Production moved to an industrial scale to manufacture more than 300 boats per year from 1971 under the new entity, Dufour SA. The company was now working out of a modern 15,000 m² factory in Périgny, near La Rochelle. Dufour Yachts history, 60 years of passion.
Website. www.dufour-yachts.com. Dufour Gib'Sea 37. Dufour Yachts at the 2007 Genoa International Boat Show. Dufour Yachts is a French sailboat manufacturer which was founded in 1964 by naval architect and engineer Michel Dufour. [3] It was purchased by Fountaine Pajot in 2018, and Dufour remains a separate brand. [4]
Dufour Shipyard : the french luxury boats builder HISTORY. In 1957, young engineer Michel Dufour discovered the new material, polyester. At the time, he was a keen competition sailor with a real passion for yachts, class rules and hydrodynamics.This sparked his idea to build a yacht made of polyester.In 1964, Michel Dufour started to design the "Sylphe" transportable yacht.
Among the early successful boats were the SAFARI 27, ARPEGE 30 (1966), and the DUFOUR 35. DUFOUR YACHTS s.a. 1, rue Blaise Pascal 17187 Périgny cedex FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)5 46 30 07 60 Fax: +33 (0)5 46 45 46 96. Years in Business: 1964 - present. Sailboats Built By Dufour Yachts (FRA)
History of Dufour Yachts. The Dufour Yachts shipyard was founded in 1964 based on strong faith in one's ideas. Engineer Michel Dufour worked for a company that produced parts for locomotives in the French oceanside town of La Rochelle. In the late 50s, he discovered the miraculous properties of a newly introduced material in the locomotives ...
Dofour 1800 - Introduced in 1979 in succession to the Dufour 25, this 25-footer sold well - 200 boats were launched in three years of production, with a choice of lifting, shallow, standard or deep-fin keels. She is typical of the middle years of Dofour design: a full-bodied, high-volume hull topped by a square-looking coachroof. Dufour 28 - A late model from Dufour's first incarnation ...
By turning the pages of the book published by the Dufour shipyard, we trace the history of sailing since the 1960s.Dufour began with the appearance of polyester in boat construction. It is first the Sylphe then the Arpège which marks the origin of the story drawn by the visionary Michel Dufour.. Then at the discretion of the various managers of the yard - including the famous Baron Bic - we ...
Dufour Yachts - Their History. Dufour Yachts is a French, award-winning company producing cruising yachts for over 50 years. Distinctive styling, innovative ideas and a dedication to excellence that creates sailing yachts that you will be as happy sailing as you will living on. In 1964 Michel Dufour worked as an engineer in a locomotive factory.
The unique hull design creates extreme precision and quality. One of their newest yachts, the Dufour 37, the sister ship of the Dufour 470, has a single rudder and twin steering wheels. It is created for improved performance with a slightly lower and rounder hull that decreases noise. The Dufour 61 is a flagship yacht with two galley options ...
Fouded by Michael Dufour. Among the early successful boats were the SAFARI 27, ARPEGE 30 (1966), and the DUFOUR 35. DUFOUR YACHTS s.a. 1, rue Blaise Pascal 17187 Périgny cedex FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)5 46 30 07 60 Fax: +33 (0)5 46 45 46 96
This past spring I traveled to La Rochelle to sail the Dufour 525, flagship of the Grand'large fleet. Designed as a comfortable liveaboard yacht, it features high freeboard, a seductive sheer, and an almost vertical stem. The standard keel configuration is a steel plate with a cast-iron bulb at the bottom; an available deeper fin profile has ...
History 1964. The polyester revolution. In 1957, young engineer Michel Dufour discovered the new material, polyester. At the time, he was a keen competition sailor with a real passion for yachts, class rules and hydrodynamics. This sparked his idea to build a yacht made of polyester.
This modernity continued throughout the shipyard's history, long after the creator handed over the helm. All the initiatives of his successors have followed these fundamental principles, which have enabled Dufour yachts to meet with international approval, with over twenty-five thousand units produced throughout the company's history.
Dufour Yachts DNA. Constantly looking to the future, Dufour as a boat Manufacturer, designs each new model to provide pleasure and feel in complete serenity, whatever your cruising project and however you use your yacht.For over 60 years, we have been designing and building innovative, high-performance sailing boats.Marked by an assertive character and an identity recognisable among the crowd ...
In the 1970s, Dufour was France's biggest yacht builder, launching a plethora of new models including the Dufour 2800, which superseded the Dufour 27 in 1978. More than 1,300 Dufour 2800s were built over seven years, making it one of Michel Dufour's most successful designs. Its popularity was due to a striking modern design, well ahead of its time, with a high-volume hull and a bright ...
A revolution signed by Dufour. If the late 1960s was a pivotal period on the most diverse fronts of social life, the same is true for the history of sailing, which, both at this stage and in the following decade, experienced a perhaps unrepeatable period. Inescapable, in this panorama of economic growth and parallel "rebirth" of yachting ...
Dufour Yachts have been a leader in performance-based monohulls for over 50 years. Renowned for distinctive design and meticulous craftsmanship, Dufour offers iconic yachts with innovative interiors and exceptional sailing performance. ... all on the same grounds for the entire company's history. The shipyard is one of the world's largest ...
Production rose from 280 boats in 1996 to 800 in 1998, and with ambitious goals for the future, Dufour is now a highly competitive yacht manufacturer that has major marketing plans for North America. The recently introduced Dufour 38 Classic is a fine example of its work. Dufour sailboats have a reputation for being seagoing passage makers.
History of Dufour Dufour Yachts was founded in 1964 by naval architect and engineer Michel Dufour. A passionate sailor that worked in locomotive engineering, Dufour oversaw the construction of fibreglass, a relatively new material at the time that would go on to revolutionise the manufacturing industry.
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 this way, every Dufour yacht is the expression of a rich history and an ...