The French company Dufour Yachts in La Rochelle is in full swing. With three completely new models for the Grand'Large cruising programme, the shipyard is preparing for what are probably the two most important boat shows in Europe. The new Dufour 380, 410 and 450 models will be premiered both in Paris and at the boot in Düsseldorf in January 2013, along with the 500 Grand'Large, which is also new but has already been unveiled as the new flagship.
For the time being, however, the shipyard is only providing sparse information and images and appears to be focussing more on the surprise effect. However, the first available drawings of the 410 Grand'Large show where the development of Dufour's cruising programme is heading. More and larger windows in the hull and superstructure provide even more light below deck and better ventilation options. In addition, there is the convenience of a large panoramic window on the coachroof for more transparency from inside to outside and vice versa.
The new models are wider at the stern and also have pronounced chines. The increased volume particularly benefits comfort in the aft cabins. What's more, the cockpit with its double steering system is now more spacious than on the previous models. A fixed cockpit table with integrated instrument console is now included as standard.
The rig concept has changed. Dufour now guides the upper shrouds directly to the hull, which transfers the forces from the rig better into the structure. However, this limits the overlap of the genoa to a maximum of 106 per cent. This setup has now become the standard for almost all cruising yachts. However, the lower shrouds are still attached close to the cabin superstructure at Dufour. This means that the passage to the foredeck remains unobstructed.
The new 410 comes for the 405 (test in YACHT 7/2009) and is also characterised by a number of new features below deck. Thanks to a flexibly customisable foredeck, more layout variants are now possible. The furnishings in the saloon are also adaptable. The navigation system can be moved along the entire side length and can therefore be used according to taste and function. In addition, the customer has an even greater choice of woods and fabrics for a more individualised visual design. The shipyard has announced a price of 169,800 euros for the Dufour 410 (basic version ex shipyard, including VAT). However, the data and prices of the other new models, the Dufour 380 and 450 Grand'Large, have not yet been finalised.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
