Dufour 40 (A9000)

Description

The Dufour 40 (A9000), also known as the Dufour A9000 or Dufour 9000A, is a French aluminum-hulled sailboat designed as a robust cruiser-racer, emphasizing seaworthiness for coastal cruising, high-latitude expeditions, and occasional offshore passages. It features a monohull with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder for protected, balanced handling, a wide beam for stability, and a masthead sloop rig for straightforward power and reliability in moderate to strong winds. The design prioritizes durability with a heavy displacement/length ratio for a stable, comfortable ride, a high ballast ratio for stiffness in gusts, and generous sail area for light-air performance, making it suitable for serious sailors seeking an expedition-capable vessel. Introduced in 1979 by Dufour Yachts in La Rochelle, France, the Dufour A9000 was a collaboration between Dutch designer J. Valentijn (Valentijn Design) and French founder Michel Dufour, targeting the late 1970s demand for aluminum yachts during the fiberglass boom's transition to specialized materials. The aluminum version (A9000) was first offered as a premium, corrosion-resistant option for bluewater and polar exploration, with production running until 1984 and approximately 50–100 units built (exact figures scarce due to custom builds). It was praised in era reviews for its "tank-like" construction and value as a high-latitude explorer, though its weight impacts light-air speed. Variants like the deep-draft model enhanced upwind capabilities, and it remains a cult favorite among vintage enthusiasts for its expedition pedigree, distinct from the lighter fiberglass Dufour 40 (2003).