Nominee Spotlight: Dufour 41

For more than 50 years, the name Dufour has been synonymous with fast, fun sailing and elegant lines, but behind the gleaming finish has always been an exceptionally stable and comfortable yacht that prioritizes space and comfort at sea.

Conceived and designed by the shipyard’s design team, in collaboration with Umberto Felci (Felci Yacht Design) and interior designer Lucas Ardizio (Ardizio Design), the Dufour 41 adds another pillar under that ceiling, with a distinct new offering that reaffirms its emphasis on living spaces and entertaining.

It starts in the cockpit, whose volume is well appointed with numerous handrails for added safety and is comparable to that of a larger sailing vessel. From there, attention to space and flow allows effortless movement both on deck and below. The Dufour 41’s interior is said to be a celebration of modernity and natural light. According to Dufour, the 41 offers 60 percent more natural light inside than its competition via “catamaran-style” hull windows.

The yard respects that every yacht owner has different priorities and sailing aspirations, which is why each model in the Dufour range offers a variety of layouts, trim levels and rigging options to suit any taste. The 41 comes with a choice of two atmospheres: Europe and Boston. The 41 also comes in three versions: Adventure, Ocean and Performance—each optimized for different uses of the boat—and with three different options for layouts.

The three-cabin layout version has a large and bright owner’s cabin with plenty of storage space and a private bathroom. Guests get their choice between two spacious cabins, each with a bathroom en suite.

The four-cabin version can accommodate up to ten guests. According to Dufour, it’s the only one on the market currently offering two forward cabins with full-size beds and soundproofing between the two cabins. The four-cabin version has two heads.

In all versions, the Dufour 41 offers loads of storage space and a large streamlined galley, allowing for ease of movement around the boat.

Sailing performance is courtesy of legendary designer Umberto Felci. While the 41 is assuredly a robust build, agility on the ocean is also paramount. The 41 has twin helms and a deep, single rudder (to minimize drag) positioned forward to keep it submerged. The decks are clear, with mainsheet and optional genoa car tracks led aft along the coachroof. A self-tacking jib is standard. Weight savings in the hull were redistributed to the keel, allowing for a taller mast for better performance in light air.

Dufour 41 Specifications