The Dufour 39 slots in between the Dufour 37 and the Dufour 41, reactivating a format with a hull length of eleven metres that was recently vacant in the French manufacturer's range. The predecessor model, the Dufour 390 Grand Large, was launched in 2018 but has since been removed from the current range. In terms of design and appearance, the new model fits in with the larger Dufour 41, 44, 48 and 54 models, with the Dufour 37 also remaining in the range. This means that Dufour Yachts currently presents a finely graduated range in almost metre steps - from compact cruisers to large cruising yachts.
Full shapes and single rudders - typical Felci
The Dufour 39 was designed by Umberto Felci Yacht Design, the shipyard's in-house designer for many years. Luca Ardizio was involved in the planning for the design and styling. The new hull shapes are designed to combine as much volume as possible with good balance under sail. The large width of the construction with an aspect ratio of less than 2.7 and the full foredeck are striking.
As is now customary for Dufour, the new boat will also manage with just one rudder blade, despite its enormous width, even at the stern. This is a design feature that has characterised Umberto Felci's designs for years and is intended to provide a more direct feel at the tiller or wheel. In terms of design, Dufour continues to rely on elaborate manufacturing. The hull of the Dufour 39 is produced entirely using the vacuum infusion process, the deck using the injection process, i.e. RTM moulding.
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Three variants to choose from
Dufour offers the new 39 in three equipment variants. The basic Easy version is designed for simple operation and reduced manoeuvres. It comes with a self-tacking jib and two winches on the coachroof to the side of the companionway. The Ocean version is aimed at owners who want to sail in a more classic and sporty manner. It is fitted with an overlapping genoa with hoisting points on the cabin superstructure. In addition, winches are added on the coamings, allowing the mainsheet to be doubled as a so-called German Cupper system. The Performance version has the same equipment as the Ocean version, but also has better laminate sails with significantly more sail area, a backstay tensioner, halyards and sheets made of Dyneema and a lighter cockpit table instead of the standard table.
Convertible interior fittings
The interior design concept of the Dufour 39 is unusually versatile, thanks in part to an innovative modular layout system. The standard layout is the two-cabin version with a large owner's cabin forward and an island bed as well as another double cabin aft and a heads compartment. The layout can be extended in the foredeck: it is possible to add a second heads compartment, a small office or a utility room that can be used as a walk-in storage space or wardrobe.
Dufour also remains flexible aft. As standard, there is a large port side locker accessible from the cockpit; a wet locker or an additional shower can be fitted in front of it. Alternatively, a third double cabin can be installed on the port side, the same size as the cabin on the starboard side. The saloon is designed for a large group. According to the concept, the seating area offers space for at least six people. The galley is arranged laterally as a long row - a solution that saves space in the saloon and at the same time expands the expansion options in the aft section.
Three versions, three base prices
According to current prices, the entry-level Easy version costs 160,000 euros net; this corresponds to a gross sales price of 190,400 euros including 19 per cent VAT. The Ocean version is priced at 164,900 euros net or 196,230 euros gross. For the Performance version, Dufour quotes 169,000 euros net or 201,110 euros gross.
The prices are quoted with sails and with a built-in engine. It is not yet known when the first boat of the new type will be completed and when the new Dufour 39 will celebrate its premiere.
Technical data Dufour 39
- Designer: Felci Yacht Design
- Layout design: Luca Ardizio
- Hull length: 11.0 m
- Total length: 12.0 m
- Waterline length: 11.0 m
- Width: 4.10 m
- Draught: 2.0 m
- Weight: 8.6 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 2.3 tonnes / 27%
- Mast height above waterline: 14.80 m
- Mainsail: 40.0 m2
- Self-tacking jib: 34.0 m2
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel 29 hp with Saildrive
- Optional motorisation: built-in diesel 45 hp
- Fuel capacity: 160 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 160 litres
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
