Dufour 65 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Dufour 65 in 1995 marked a notable collaboration between Dufour Yachts and the celebrated designer Bruce Farr. Farr, known globally for his performance-oriented designs, brought his expertise to this grand cruiser, aligning with Dufour's long-standing philosophy of producing innovative and high-performance sailing yachts. From its inception, Dufour Yachts has championed fiberglass construction, a material that enables efficient production and consistent quality. The Dufour 65, consistent with the builder's ethos, features a robust solid fiberglass hull and a meticulously crafted fiberglass deck, ensuring durability and structural integrity for offshore passages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While specific sail area and ballast figures are not readily available, the Dufour 65, with a displacement of 66,139 lbs and a waterline length of 52.83 feet, presents a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 200.25. This ratio indicates a moderately light to medium displacement vessel, suggesting a design that prioritizes a balance of spirited performance and comfortable cruising characteristics. The inclusion of a cutter rig on the Dufour 65 is a practical design choice for a yacht of this size, breaking down the substantial sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, which is particularly advantageous for offshore sailing. Dufour Yachts is widely recognized for producing boats that are both fast and pleasurable to sail, stable, and incredibly comfortable, traits the 65-foot model certainly aims to embody. The influence of Bruce Farr's design is evident in her lines, promising a yacht capable of assertive performance while maintaining the inherent stability expected of a large cruising vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

The Dufour 65, as a flagship model, offers extensive and luxurious accommodations designed for extended periods afloat. Dufour Yachts emphasizes modular interior designs, providing flexibility in layouts, ambiances, and equipment choices to suit individual owner preferences. The interiors are characterized by large amounts of solid wood and abundant natural light, creating living spaces that blend functionality with elegant design. While specific configurations would vary by individual yacht, typical arrangements on a vessel of this size would include multiple cabins, a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, and ample heads, all finished to a high standard, prioritizing comfort and practical living for long voyages.