Dufour’s new Flagship, the sleek-looking Dufour 61 designed by Felci Yacht Design, will be undertaking sea trials in the next few weeks in La Rochelle. The new Dufour 61 will be quick but stable and very easy to handle, according to Irish agent Hugh Mockler of Crossghaven Boatyard in Cork Harbour.

Her sail controls are lead back to each helm station for easy access. Her mainsheet is on an arch which allows a better sheeting angle and keeps it clear of the cockpit. She has an excellent choice of sail configurations, including the option of in-mast furling mainsail and self-tacking jib.

The Dufour 61's aft cockpit bed and table. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger

Her many advantages include a large dinghy garage, spacious cockpit, sunbathing areas, two cockpit tables and large windows giving loads of light to her amazing saloon. She has a number of layout options below including the forward galley which Dufour have perfected with the option of an aft galley. Dufour have also given her an even more luxurious feel below by adding extra soft furnishings and more upmarket fittings. She also has an endless list of option i.e. bow and stern thrusters, generator, water-maker the list goes on!

Dufour 61's bathing platform, bbq and garage.There is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.

Mockler says that as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and travel is safe, it will be possible to set up a sail test in La Rochelle. Dufour’s plan at the moment is to present the yacht at Boot Dusseldorf in April and then undertake a tour of the Mediterranean. The new Dufour 61 with an overall length of 63 feet will certainly turn a few heads”.

Dufour 61's aft sunbeds. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seats

Design and build process

On smaller yachts, typically their design incorporates an inner matrix system that is bonded to the hull to create the required core strength. With the increased loads of a yacht the size of the '61 it is necessary to create a much stronger, rigid structure that will sail upwind without deflection or movement of the internal components. To create this, the hull has been made from a monobloc structure using an 'infusion process' which allows exact control of the production process. The main bulkheads are made from solid GRP and laminated directly onto the hull and deck, all of which create a highly robust single structure, stiff hull and deck for ultimate sailing performance which Dufour consider essential for a yacht of this size.

Hull & sail plan

Long hull chines offer a stable hull with increased performance as well as creating added volume below decks, all set off with Dufour's signature half-butterfly portholes.

With an overall sail area of 170m2, the yacht is supplied with optional in-mast or a traditional mainsail, self-tacking or overlapping headsails plus options to fly a variety of downwind sails from the integrated fixed bowsprit.

Deck layout

The coach roof ends at the mast base to create a clean and spacious foredeck and wide side decks allow easy movement around the deck. Importantly, the hull to deck joint is fully hidden with the teak side decks elegantly disguising the moulding lines

Numerous hand-holds together with a raised bulwark give greater security when moving around the deck at sea. Integrated in the bulwarks are smart courtesy lights to illuminate the decks at night.

Generous natural light floods below decks through a single moulded black plexiglass roof, which contrasts beautifully with the side decks and coachroof.

Cockpit layout

The cockpit has been carefully designed to separate the functional elements of sailing with other areas offered for relaxation.

All the hidden control lines run under the decks and are led aft to each helm station, both with large seats offering better comfort when sailing and all the necessary instrumentation equipment to ensure safe and easy navigation.

Movement around the cockpit is simple and unhindered, with large, moulded steps integrated into the coaming for safe and easy access up to the side decks.

An innovative split bimini allows easy circulation on board, without ducking or restricted headroom. The black carbon fibre arch clears the cockpit and entrance below as well as allowing the mainsheet control system to be at the end of the boom for less pressure and easier control.

With a spacious cockpit, fully enclosed on both sides, there is easy access direct to the aft bathing platform and large dinghy garage, suitable for housing a tender and life raft.

There is plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, both around the central cockpit table and on a stunning aft sun-lounger, situated between the two helm stations, and cleverly designed to also convert into another table with bench seats. It's the perfect spot, at the back of the cockpit, for breakfast or refreshments after a swim from the generous bathing platform. Beneath this rear bench sits the now legendary Dufour exterior galley, with barbeque, sink and fridge – for relaxed alfresco catering and socialising.

Below decks

The key distinction between the two layouts is the option to choose between a forward or aft galley layout.

In broad terms, the forward galley layout is intended for those owners not requiring a dedicated skipper's cabin aft. Generously appointed, the galley integrates with the main living space enabling sociable catering and hospitality, perfect for hosting families and friends. With a traditional layout of 2 aft double guest cabins, a generous master cabin forward and optional side Pullman cabin, there is also the option for a crew cabin forward, that is accessed from on deck.

Alternatively, the discreetly positioned port side aft galley which leads to a dedicated skipper's cabin, is the ideal layout for onboard catering and hosting. Again, there are additional Pullman cabin options to maximise accommodation.

On all models the master cabin is as luxurious as it is spacious, offering private relaxation space, as well as plenty of large wardrobe and storage cupboards. The beds are full 'home-sized' and come with real mattresses and optional slatted bases for support and ventilation.

Both layouts offer a generous and spacious interior living area and galleys with excellent storage space and a high-capacity fridge/freezer.

As is a now a familiar signature of all modern Dufour models, the cabins and living areas are flooded with plenty of natural daylight through large windows, deck hatches and portholes.

A dedicated navigation table is situated in the main saloon, along with a large bench sofa and an extendable dining table with extensive seating capacity. High quality wood is used throughout with a choice of interior woods and finishes.

The new Dufour 470 is the shape of things to come from the French sailboat brand.

Set for her world premiere in the New Year at boot Düsseldorf 2021, the 470 balances contemporary design with Dufour’s iconic elegance and performance.

“The new Dufour 470 is another new departure for Dufour Yachts,” says Hugh Mockler of Crosshaven Boatyard, the Irish agents for Dufour Yachts.

“She looks fast and, like her 53-foot sister [the Dufour 530], she is available in three different variations, which covers every aspect of sailing.

The Easy version “is for the sailor that wishes to keep sailing simple. Her coachroof is clear of any obstructions with control lines coming back to the two winches at the helm”.

The Ocean version is suitable for the ‘traditional’ sailor who likes to do a bit of tweaking with winches on the coachroof and beside the helm, along with the mainsail traveller on the coachroof.

And the Performance version, Hugh says, is “for the sailor who wishes to have more performance and also likes do a bit of racing around the cans and still have all the comforts from home down below”.

Available with three-, four- and five-cabin options, with up to four heads and a front or side galley, the layout choices can accommodate larger or reduced crew numbers, sailing styles and comfort options.

The space below decks is flooded with natural light, especially in the generous aft cabins, and there is creative use of ambient lighting in the living areas.

Plenty of storage is available in both the saloon and cabins, with there is also an integrated bench sofa and separate table and seating area.

There’s more storage above decks, where you will also find an electronically operated bathing platform towards the stern, and a large cockpit area.

An exterior galley, with barbecue, sits between the two helm stations, while the cockpit table can seat up to eight guests.

“The Dufour 470 will certainly turn heads when she hits the water,” Hugh adds.

Get in touch with Crosshaven Boatyard to confirm your interest — call Hugh Mockler or Donal McClement on 021 483 1161 or 086 254 6123 or email [email protected]

Dufour’s new Flagship is the sleek-looking Dufour 61. She is designed by Felci Yacht Design, who has been designing all of Dufour’s yachts since 2002. Felci is noted for not compromising on performance. So, as a result, the new Dufour 61 is quick but stable and easy to handle. Irish agents for the Dufour range is Cork Harbour's Crosshaven Boatyard.

The company has produced a new video on the 61.

All her sail controls lead back to the after part of the cockpit. Her mainsheet is on an arch which allows a better sheeting angle and is also clear of the cockpit. She has a number of sail configurations including the option of the in-mast furling mainsail and self-tacking jib.

Her many advantages include decent dinghy garage, large cockpit, loads of sunbathing areas, two cockpit tables and big windows giving loads of light down below.

She has a number of layout options below including the forward galley which Dufour have perfected with the option of an aft galley. Dufour has made an extra effort to make the boat feel even more luxurious than previous models adding extra soft furnishings and more upmarket fittings etc. The new Dufour 61 with an overall length of 63 feet will certainly turn a few heads”.

More details from Hugh Mockler at Crosshaven Boatyard on [email protected]

French yacht builder Dufour has launched a ‘virtual marina’ where customers can visit the brand’s models at a safe distance, and in the comfort of their own homes.

“In this springtime period when everyone should be able to sail and go to boat shows, the priority today is to stay at home,” said the company based near La Rochelle.

“Our departments are also protected and they are already preparing with all our partners the return to full activity and stay with you.

“In this expectation, we have designed this virtual marina to visit all the Dufour yachts while staying at home. It’s the best way for us to continue to inspire you, to make you dream, and to share our common passion.”

The Dufour website hosts the virtual guided tour not unlike the real-life experience, where you can ‘walk’ along a CGI jetty and explore the full range of boats, inside and out.

And Dufour’s Irish dealers at Crosshaven Boatyard have welcomed the initiative, with broker Hugh Mockler saying: “No matter where in the world you are, we all love to walk the marinas to admire what’s on offer. Dufour’s new virtual marina offers you just that.

“Just follow what looks like a yellow brick road and click on the yellow spot. This will then bring you on board each yacht to have a nose. It really is very clever and brings us into a dream for the future.”

Hugh added: “Our hearts go out to all the people that have suffered and are suffering during this awful time. We all look forward to a better and kinder future.”

The Dufour 530 will be unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf this Saturday 18th January, at the opening of the show.

Designed by the Italian architect Umberto Felci, the Dufour 530 is available in three versions and three new models.

Hugh Mockler of Irish agents Crosshaven Boatyard is happy to welcome clients on the stand to visit this boat and plus four other iconic models, including two new 2019 models.

The French brand is offering Düsseldorf Special Offers* on the following models to get the year off to a good start: Dufour 360, Dufour 430, Dufour 460 and Dufour 56.

More details here

Five Dufour yacht models will be on display at next month's Paris Boat Show (7-15 December). the best-seller Dufour 360, the two new models from 2019, Dufour 390 & Dufour 430, the iconic Dufour 460 and the flagship, the Dufour 56.

Irish agents Crosshaven Boatyard in Cork Harbour say they are delighted with the superb models coming out of the Dufour Yachts Factory in La Rochelle. "These performance cruising yachts designed by Italian Felci Yacht Design Group combine speed, ease of handling and Dufour Yachts quality," Crosshaven's Hugh Mockler told Afloat. 

As Afloat reported previously, Boot Düsseldorf will also be an important event with the unveiling of the Dufour 530, the new model is available in three versions and the Ocean Version will be displayed.

Four other boats will be on display: Dufour 360, 390, 430 and 460 at Boot.

If you are planning to go to either Paris or Dusseldorf Boat Shows, please drop an email to [email protected] to arrange viewings. 

#MarineTrade - Cork Harbour is ably represented at the Southampton Boat Show this week.

The Port of Cork has teamed up with the Royal Cork Yacht Club and Bantry Bay Port Company to promote the Rebel County’s marinas and cruising opportunities.

Their joint stand under the banner ‘Destination County Cork’ can be found at stand J047.

Joining with @royalcork and #Bantry Bay Port Company to promote our marinas at the @SotonBoatShow #Cork #Crosshaven and #west cork are all super cruising grounds for exploring and enjoying #WeAreCork #PureCork pic.twitter.com/VSAGQHnsjf

— Port of Cork (@PortofCork) September 20, 2018

Meanwhile, Crosshaven Boatyard is in attendance displaying its latest range of Dufour Yachts at stands M310, M312, M316 and M318.

We are also at @SotonBoatShow displaying our @_DufourYachts_ range ⛵️?? pic.twitter.com/PmF59LTvwP

— Crosshaven Boatyard (@CrosshavenBY) September 20, 2018

The 2018 Southampton Boat Show continues till this Sunday 23 September.

#cby – Brokerage sales for Cork harbour yacht broker Crosshaven Boatyard (CBY) in 2013 was steady with some boats going abroad but thankfully the majority staying in Ireland.

Recent boat sales for CBY include a 2006 Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925, 1998 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 34.2, 1983 Beneteau First 30e and a 1984 Gib'Sea 76. 

'Enquiry levels have been promising in the last few weeks' says CBY's Hugh Mockler who is looking forward to increasing sales in 2014.

'We are in a fortunate situation in that as soon as we sell a few boats on brokerage new additions appear i.e. we have just added an excellent 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 DS to our brokerage and we also have a 1975 Dufour 35 and a 1979 Rival 38 coming shortly,'  he adds.

CBY is actively promoting new yacht sales too. The brand new Dufour 310 Grand Large which was launched at Paris Boat Show and the new Dufour 560 Grand Large to be launched in Istanbul next Month are also on their books.

#BOATS FOR SALE – A 'lightly used' Dufour 385 built in 2006 has been further reduced by €15,500 and is now available at €99,000. The family cruiser is described online as 'solid and well equipped'. The yacht, which can be seen at Crosshaven boatyard, Cork comes with an upgraded engine (40HP Volvo). The yacht has twin wheels and an In-mast furling mainsail. The full advert giving detailed specs is on the Afloat Boats for Sale site.

An easily handled sailing cruiser that is ideal for both family cruising and club racing, that's the verdict on this 2001 Dufour 32 Classic for sale through broker Crosshaven Boatyard with an asking price of EUR54,950. Its just been added to Afloat's Boats for Sale site. All the details including broker video, photo, specs and summary here.