Dufour Yachts

Dufour Yachts is a world-renowned manufacturer of sailboats based in La Rochelle, France. Known for their innovative and stylish designs, Dufour yachts are some of the bestselling products on the sailboat market.

Since its inception 50 years ago, the company has been at the forefront of the market, releasing models that have gone on to achieve iconic status, such as the legendary L’Arpege that launched in 1967.

Today, their sailboats are regarded for their low profile designs that maximise the available space, including spacious lower and decks, beautiful interior design, and high-end onboard materials.

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.

Seeing the limitless potential of the lightweight yet durable material, Dufour realised that fibreglass was perfect for sailboat construction. Thanks to his background in engineering, he quickly developed a concept for a yacht made from fibreglass, which would go on to be the first ever Dufour Yacht - the Sylph.

The Sylph was a best-seller, with over 400 models produced over a ten year period between 1964 and 1974. Not one to rest on their initial success, Dufour Yachts started to develop their next model the legendary L’Arpege, a 29ft luxury yacht that would sell over 1500 over its lifespan.

Come the 1970s, Dufour Yachts was the top selling exporter of French fibreglass sailboats, including models like the Dufour 24, Dufour 27, and Dufour 35. Each subsequent sailboat would improve on its predecessors, offering more space thanks to their innovative designs developed by the best naval architects.

Dufour Yachts enjoyed continued success throughout the 1980s and 90s, expanding their range of products that included successors to their best sellers of the 1970s, including the Dufour 1800 and Dufour 3600.

In 2002, Dufour Yachts began a partnership with the Italian naval architect Umberto Felci. A designer whose name is synonymous with race cruising yachts, Felici has since developed multiple award-winging Dufour Yacht sailboats, cementing the company’s legendary status in the sailboat world.

The Dufour Yachts Range

Dufour Yachts currently has a range of nine sailboats that vary in scope and size. Each one is designed to accommodate the different aspects of sailing, from long-term sailing journeys to weekend coastal adventures.

Dufour 310
A compact luxury sailboat, the Dufour 310 is a great choice for those shorter excursions, such as weekend and day trips, although it is also suitable for longer trips out to sea.

Dufour 360
The Dufour 360 has a fast and stable hull that is perfect for those speedy adventures along the sea. While more compact, the yacht is available in two and three-cabin options, with enough space for eight guests.

Dufour 390
Part of the latest generation of Dufour Yachts, the Dufour 390 is a high-performance yacht offering the perfect balance of speed and control. Steering is highly responsive, with the versatile model suitable for all kinds of sailing fun.

Dufour 412
Boasting an expansive hull design, the Dufour 412 is one of the larger models available from Dufour Yachts. This design offers ample space for sunbathing yet does not lack the finesse often missing from larger sized models.

Dufour 430
The Dufour 430 is one of the best cruisers on the market, offering a larger experience on the water that many sailors are seeking. The elegant design includes a streamlined hull but doesn’t lack for space on the deck.

Dufour 470
The latest release from Dufour Yachts, this 47-foot yacht exudes luxury and elegance, with a stylish modular deck paired with a sophisticated interior design.

Dufour 530
An award-winning cruising yacht, the Dufour 530 is developed with high performance in mind. Expect high speeds and exceptional steering with this model, while the spacious deck is the perfect place to relax after high thrill adventures on the water.

Dufour 56
The Dufour 56 is a premium long-range sailing yacht for those that wish to take their adventures away from the coast. Suitable for high sea sailing, this model has stunning aesthetics but also a robust design that guarantees comfort and safety.

Dufour 61
A new release for 2021, the new Dufour 61 exudes the luxury and innovation that is synonymous with Dufour Yachts. The largest model available, this seaworthy yacht is ideal for any sailing adventure, long or short, boasting ample space and high-end materials on-board.