VIDEO Dufour 41 (12 m): the family cruiser that goes fast under sail

The definition of a cruising boat in the modern boating era is not always synonymous with good sailing performance, but often comfort becomes overriding the boat’s ability to sail well. This is why we were pleasantly surprised by the test carried out on the Dufour 41 in Palma de Mallorca, the model that the French shipyard will present at the upcoming boat shows, with the world premiere scheduled for Cannes.

The hull design was entrusted to studio Felci, while for the interior they debuted Dufour Ardizio Design, another Italian desiner studio. The result is a boat where comfort is not in question, but which also manages to provide some satisfaction at the helm despite being a cruiser designed for families.

Dufour 41 – The VIDEO

Dufour 41 – Sailing

We tested the newcomer in a varied range of conditions, the first day with about 10 knots of wind and light shortwave, the second with wind up to 15 knots from land, and flat water. The boat left us pleasantly surprised by the ease of handling: even adjusting the boat regardless of the “up”, with 10 knots to windward the Dufour 41 almost single-handedly takes 6.5 knots, and can approach 7 by refining the handling. When the wind was slightly stronger and the water flat on the second day, the numbers were even better. Definitely good performance for a boat whose market focus remains family cruising and charter.

We liked the helmsman’s seat, which is supported by double cushions for seat and back, while the position of the winches for the jib is not particularly ergonomic for working on the sheet and in fact forces you to use the electric which the model under test was equipped with. The boat equipped with an adjustable backstay is preferred over the fixed backstay version in our test, equipment that will definitely improve the upwind angle.

Technical specs

Overall length 12.75 m
Hull length 11.99 m
Length at waterline 11.20 m
Maximum beam 4.30 m
Draft 2.10 m
Ballast 2,600 kg
Motorization (max) 50 hp
Water tanks 250 L
Fuel tank 250 L
Felci YachtDesign
Interior design Ardizio Design

INTERIORS, ALL SAILING ISSUES AND FULL PROOF IN THE AUGUST PRINT EDITION OF THE JOURNAL OF SAILING