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.
