UK Agents for Dufour Yachts, Universal Yachting is also a specialist Yacht Charter and RYA Sailing School offering a range of fantastic yachts for bareboat and skippered yacht charter in the Solent.
We offer a range of activities including skippered day sailing experiences.
As a fully recognised RYA Training Centre we conduct the full range of Sailing Courses from the beginners courses (Start Yachting / Competent Crew) through to intermediate courses (Day Skipper / Coastal Skipper) and on to the more advance courses (Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore).
New hull designs stem from the quest for fast comfortable sailing. Unlike traditional rounded hulls these hulls feature distinctive chines which offer greater form stability and in conjunction with the keel help keep the boat upright. Typically these yachts sail at 18 degrees meaning everything becomes more efficient. The rudder stays in the water, the sails more open to the wind and at 18 degrees everyone is more relaxed and can move around the boat more easily. You only have to look at modern racing yachts to appreciate that these hull shapes offer fast sailing and so to bring them into the cruising market naturally offers many advantages now to the cruising sailor. Moreover, the hull design yields more interior volume, allowing interior designers to craft spacious and remarkable living areas compared to the constrained spaces offered by rounded hulls of the past decade. Consequently, owners can enjoy fast comfortable sailing with more room for guests in a much smaller yacht than years gone by. These hulls stand out due to their distinctiveness but they do offer numerous advantages that appeal to a variety of sailing enthusiasts.
Thank you for your explanation. I worked in yacht sales for over 40 years starting in the 1960ies when yachts still looked like yachts. I am glad I am long since retired.
The more I am learning about Dufour I am more impressed with their boats. I have been a long term Beneteau owner and if i were to look at a new boat I would have to test sail a Dufour. The only thing I don't like is that Dufour uses ZSpares. I don't like their masts.
Hi thanks for your comments and yes you should certainly test sail a Dufour, you will be impressed. Re the mast I respect your comments but they do work very well, they are solid and reliable and we don't have any issues with them practically. So whilst the mast maybe not your favourite brand I am sure that everything else about Dufour will persuade you.
Myself and Matt enjoyed an excellent 3day Mike Build on Peanuts 39ft Dufour. Huge thx for all the advice and tuition from Clive, their Chief Instructor. Serious but fun sailing learning on a really modern boat between Mercury YH, Poole and back. Can’t wait for the next trip.
