The new catamaran developed by Dufour has made its first public appearance. Entirely subcontracted in Italy (therefore not produced at all in the Dufour factories), this sailboat comes head-on against the competition from Lagoon and Fountaine-Pajot. Indeed, this 48-foot sailboat is designed for sailing in search of comfort rather than performance.
We were able to visit the first copy of the series presented in the 5 cabins version. In this configuration, it will give pride of place to rental companies who will thus be able to make it profitable. If this sailboat has 4 comfortable and large enough double cabins, the last cabin (in the center of the starboard hull) is more like a cupboard with 2 single berths superimposed. This sailboat is also available with a large owner's cabin which keeps its private descent.
The saloon is articulated around a central island with in front the dining area and behind the kitchen which remains then close to the cockpit via the opening of the bay windows. The dining area can be divided into a sitting area (coffee table) or even a double bed, bringing the number of berths to 13! On the port side, there is the large and very imposing piece of furniture, a mandatory room to leave space in the cabins below.
Seen from the outside, the line of the Dufour catamaran 48 is quite aggressive with its inverted bows and the lines of the very modern deckhouse. One will note the step present in the middle of the passageways in which is embedded a porthole to light the cabin. It's not a hindrance to travel, and successfully breaks the bridge line.
The helm station is on the flybridge. This one occupies all the top of the deckhouse with beautiful benches to lounge in the sun. Access on this fly will remain a bit acrobatic when the sea rises. The stairs are not particularly protected... The skipper will find in the middle of the fly a manoeuvring station with 2 very well thought out winches. All the manoeuvres returning directly from the mast without having to resort to deflections always increasing friction.
Dufour announces an already full order book for its new catamaran model (already 15 units on order). It remains to be seen how Fountaine-Pajot, the new owner of the Dufour brand, will position this new range directly competitive with its boats? When questioned, the rochelais shipyard announces that the orders will be honoured, but does not pronounce on the continuation..
