Design and Hull Form
The Dufour 40 Performance is built around a hull that prioritizes speed without abandoning the beam and volume that bluewater sailors expect. At 39 feet 6 inches on deck with a beam of 12 feet 10 inches, the boat carries generous width — a hallmark of Felci's approach to fast cruising hulls. Draft of 6 feet 11 inches gives the keel enough depth to work effectively upwind. Displacement sits at 17,160 pounds, a figure that places the boat in genuinely light-cruiser territory for a 40-footer — light enough to benefit from breeze, heavy enough to carry offshore stores without becoming a slug.
The Verdict
The Dufour 40 Performance is a concise statement of what Umberto Felci does well: a light, beamy hull with enough draft to point, enough volume to cruise, and enough pedigree to attract serious sailors. Its recognition at the Sailing World Boat of the Year contest confirmed that the sailing press took the performance claims seriously.
Pros
- Felci naval architecture brings genuine performance credentials
- Light displacement rewards sailing in moderate breeze
- Generous beam supports comfortable cruising accommodation
- Recognized by specialist sailing press at launch
Cons
- Authority documentation on rig, accommodation, and performance details is thin, suggesting buyers should research and inspect carefully
