"With great consistency in the hull design, the shipyard has succeeded in building a real spaceship that still has good sailing characteristics. It not only appears larger than it is, but also looks very striking from every perspective" was the test judgement. That was enough for a nomination for Europe's Yacht of the Year 2023.
Like the Dufour 37, the new Dufour 41 was designed by Italian yacht designer Umberto Felci. This suggests that the latest development could also be a mock giant.
The Dufour 41 is designed to further emphasise outdoor living on board. Among other things, the planned cockpit volume is comparable to that of a much larger yacht. The foredeck also appears very voluminous, which should pay off both on and below deck. At the same time, the shipyard promises outstanding performance under sail.
"Like the Dufour 37, this yacht will offer plenty of space in the forward cabins and beautiful exterior spaces with a very large cockpit, while offering the maritime and performance-oriented spirit that is the hallmark of the shipyard," says Romain Motteau, Deputy Managing Director of the Fountaine Pajot Group, to which Dufour belongs. Another important aspect is sustainability with regard to the self-imposed goal of enabling carbon-free leisure sailing by 2024.
A new designer, the Italian Lucas Ardizio, was responsible below deck. The aim was to create an even simpler and more elegant exterior. In addition, the numerous windows and hatches should allow plenty of light to penetrate the interior. The interior is available in a light-coloured and a darker, teak-inspired version.
The Dufour 41 is to be launched in three versions: "Adventure", "Ocean" and "Performance". There will also be four different layouts below deck with three or four cabins. This makes the yacht the only one on the market to offer two fully-fledged bow cabins with 1.45 metre wide beds and sound insulation between the two cabins in the four-cabin version - made possible by the large width in the front part of the ship.
It will celebrate its premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival next September and replace the two predecessor models, the Dufour 390 and Dufour 412.
Technical data
- Hull length: 11.99 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 12,75 m
- Width: 4.30 m
- Draught: 2.10 m
- Ballast: 2,600 kg
- Motorisation: max. 50 hp
