Yachting Art Magazine

The Dufour 48, announced in January 2025 at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, marks a new stage in the evolution of the La Rochelle-based manufacturer's range. Although it will be unveiled at next week's Dufour Days, its official launch will take place in Cannes.

This 15.29-meter monohull sailboat, built in La Rochelle, designed by Felci Yacht Design for the naval architecture and Ardizio Design for the interior layout, offers a sailing experience focused on the outdoors, while maintaining performance consistent with the brand's tradition. Its official launch is expected at the Cannes Yachting Festival in the fall of 2025.

This sailboat is part of the shipyard's desire to offer a boat suitable for long-term family cruising. The emphasis is on the ergonomics of the outdoor spaces, with separate areas for maneuvering and relaxation. At the rear, the main cockpit is equipped with double helm stations and modular benches. The central bench and two cockpit tables that convert into sun loungers encourage multiple uses, from active sailing to socializing at anchor.

The originality of the Dufour 48 lies in particular in the integration of an outdoor kitchen located at the stern. This “Sea Stern Cook” kitchen includes a plancha, a sink, a 64-liter refrigerator, and storage space. It extends the living space towards the sea, removing the boundary between inside and outside. The bow of the boat offers a second space dedicated to relaxation: the “Sky Lounge Deck.” Raised and bathed in light, it features a sun deck and discreet storage, while preserving a panoramic view of the marine environment.

The deck is completely unobstructed, with wide gangways and sheets led back to the roof to free up the circulation areas. A hard top version is available as an option, including space for solar panels and openings for adjusting the sail settings. This modularity is designed to adapt to different styles of sailing, whether coastal cruising or long-distance voyages.

Inside, light floods in thanks to the hull and roof windows around the entire saloon. Several layouts are available: three or four cabins depending on the version, each with its own bathroom. The owner's cabin features a “Sky View” roof window, allowing you to gaze at the stars from your berth. The galley can be installed lengthwise or front-facing and features a 160-liter refrigerator, an oven, and storage space adapted to life on board.

The interior design is refined but unostentatious, based on a palette of natural materials. The oak or teak wood used enhances the warm atmosphere of the saloon. The space is well utilized, and the generous headroom makes it easy to move around. Modular spaces are provided at the stern on the starboard side (bathroom or office), at the stern on the port side (cabin or storage) and at the bow (owner's cabin or double cabin). A skipper's cabin can replace the sail locker.

The Dufour 48 also has high ambitions in terms of performance. It is equipped with optimized rigging with a full batten mainsail and self-tacking genoa. The semi-elliptical rudder is designed to ensure good course stability. As standard, the boat is powered by a 57 hp engine, with an 80 hp option. It can be equipped with the ODSea+ Pack, a hybrid solution combining electric propulsion, solar energy, and hydro-generation, designed to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Among the technical specifications, the boat has a draft of 2.35 meters (1.75 meters optional), a light displacement of 13 tons, a fresh water tank of 253 liters (with an option for an additional 180 liters), and a fuel tank of 250 liters. These characteristics are in line with semi-offshore cruising use.