Dufour Sortilege 41 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Sortilege 41 in 1971 marked a significant point in Dufour Yachts' burgeoning history, building upon the success of earlier pioneering models like the Arpège 30. Michel Dufour, a passionate racing sailor and mechanical engineer, established Dufour Yachts in 1964 with a clear vision: to leverage the then-new material of polyester (fiberglass) to produce high-quality, ready-to-sail boats. This pioneering spirit is evident in the Sortilege 41, which was built with a solid fiberglass hull, reflecting Dufour's commitment to robust construction techniques that differentiated them from traditional wooden boat builders of the era. The Sortilege 41 was explicitly designed by Michel Dufour, showcasing his signature approach to creating "solid and marine" vessels with "original solutions". Her hull design, described as "slightly more speedy" by some accounts, indicates a purposeful blend of cruising comfort with a nod to performance. A key distinguishing feature of the Sortilege 41 is its masthead ketch rig, providing a versatile sail plan that is generally considered easier to handle due to smaller individual sails.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour Sortilege 41 is characterized by its balanced and stable sailing performance, a hallmark of Michel Dufour's designs. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.41, she is categorized as a moderate-weight sailboat that, while not a light-air flyer, is designed for steady progress rather than outright speed. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.40, indicates significant stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio also contributes to a good righting capability, enhancing safety and security for offshore passages. The displacement to length ratio of roughly 259 positions her as a moderate cruiser, embodying a design philosophy that prioritizes comfort and seaworthiness over extreme lightness. Owners often describe the Sortilege 41 as a "solid and marine" vessel, affirming her predictable handling and ability to manage various sea states with confidence.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior diagrams for the original Dufour Sortilege 41 are not extensively documented in widely available public resources, general descriptions suggest a functional and capable layout for its time. Drawing from the builder's overall commitment to quality, the interior would have featured durable materials, with a focus on practical living spaces suitable for cruising. Charter listings for early 1970s Sortilege 41 models typically indicate a two-cabin configuration, providing accommodations for crew and owners on longer voyages. Dufour Yachts, even in its early days, was known for a "refined and functional interior layout," often prioritizing comfortable relaxation areas and high-quality finishing within the constraints of the era's boatbuilding practices. The use of solid fiberglass for both hull and deck would have contributed to a quiet and well-insulated interior, typical of Dufour's robust construction ethos.