With a hull length of 12 meters and a beam of 4.30, she is the same length and only 10cm wider than her predecessor the Dufour 412. But with the dramatic evolution of hull shapes in the last 10 years this is the only comparison between the two boats.
The max beam has been carried further aft and with an extra 10% in length, the additional space is very noticeable offering a cockpit of a much larger yacht. As a result the cockpit seats are now also 30% longer which offers a fantastic exterior living space to enjoy spending time outside.
With the large cockpit table and newly designed steering pedestals there are additional grab handles for greater security.
You will also find the side decks are 10% wider at the shrouds but more noticeable is that the decks are 30% wider than the 412 at the entry points both forward as you step onto the foredeck and also after as you step back into the cockpit. The large and comfortable sides decks mean moving around the boat is much safer and easier and the much larger foredeck creates a large sun pad perfect for relaxing.
The freeboard is also slightly higher now which offers a greater feeling of security whilst sailing and the inverted chine along the hull to deck joint creates a much drier boat with more spray being deflected away.
But importantly don’t be concerned that sailing performance has been sacrificed for space and comfort. Quite the opposite and the desire for a yacht that performs well in a wide range of conditions was at the top of the list when the brief for the 41 went in.
Hull shapes, attention to keel and rudder design along with the refusal to move away from a single rudder all help create and yacht that will out perform anything in her category whilst still being safe and comfortable to sail.
Outdoor life takes on greater importance and meaning aboard this yacht that’s only 12 metres in length, with her extremely well-designed deck plan, easy circulation and optimised spaces for on-board comfort.