The search results provide a good amount of information.
- Introduction: The Dufour 56 is described as a blend of comfort and performance, a luxury sailing yacht. Designer is Felci Yacht Design (Umberto Felci). Production started in 2016. It's often referred to as "Exclusive" or an evolution of the 560.
- History and Design: Production started in 2016. Umberto Felci has been designing for Dufour since 2002, focusing on performance and elegant designs, combining sailing pleasure with comfortable living. The builder article highlights Dufour's commitment to fiberglass construction and balancing performance with comfort. The 56 Exclusive is an evolution of the 560.
- Sailing Performance and Handling: The boat is equipped with a high-performance rig and optimized keel, offering responsive and stable sailing. It's described as an easy-to-handle boat, often with self-tacking jibs and sail-handling manageable from the cockpit. The DNA of the shipyard emphasizes excellent navigational skills. The calculated ratios (SA/D ~18.7, B/D ~0.28, D/L ~141) will need interpretation.
- Accommodations and Layout: There are five different interior layout styles, with some suited for charter work with separate crew cabins. It offers a refined and high-end interior. Natural materials are preferred. It provides as much space, comfort, and luxury as can be squeezed into the hull, yet remains sailable by owners without paid crew. Owners can opt for variations, like a different head configuration. The Dufour 56 Exclusive offers 4 accommodation plans.
- Owner's Perspectives: Some forums discuss general Dufour build quality and warranty issues, but not specifically for the 56 -2 model in detail beyond general "teething problems" with new boats. There isn't enough specific, synthesized information for a dedicated "Owner's Perspectives" section for this specific model. I will omit this section as instructed.
I have enough information to write the article, adhering to the structure and constraints.
- SA/D (18.74): This is on the higher side, suggesting good light-air performance. It's a performance cruiser.
- B/D (0.28): This is relatively low for a large cruising boat. While the bulb keel will concentrate weight low, a lower B/D generally means it might be less stiff in heavy air than boats with higher ratios (e.g., >0.35-0.40). However, modern designs use hull form stability more, and the large beam of 16.57 ft will contribute significantly to initial stability. The large displacement for its LWL (D/L 141) suggests it's not a lightweight racer, which would benefit from lower ballast ratio. So, it's a balance. The "optimized keel" could refer to a design that compensates for the lower ratio to maintain stability.
- D/L (140.97): This is a low number, indicating a relatively light displacement for its waterline length. This confirms it's a performance-oriented cruiser, not a heavy, traditional displacement cruiser. It should be nimble and relatively fast for its size.
Considering the search results mention "performance and comfort", "responsive and stable sailing", and "easy to handle", these interpretations seem consistent. The combination of a higher SA/D and lower D/L suggests a boat designed to move well. The B/D, while seemingly lower in isolation, should be considered with the overall design, especially the wide beam and optimized keel which contributes to its stability.