Dufour 4800 (V-35) Tall Rig

Description

The Dufour 4800 (marketed as the V-35 in the United States) is a French sailboat designed by Jean Berret as a performance-oriented coastal cruiser-racer, suitable for club racing, family cruising, and short offshore passages on lakes or protected waters. The Tall Rig variant features a masthead sloop configuration with extended mast and luff dimensions for enhanced light-air performance and greater sail-carrying ability, providing a more dynamic sail plan compared to the standard rig. It employs a fiberglass monohull with a fin keel and spade rudder for agile upwind handling, a wide beam for stability, and a spacious interior accommodating up to 7 for weekend overnights. The design prioritizes seaworthiness with a moderate displacement/length ratio for responsive motion and a high ballast ratio for stiffness in gusts, earning a reputation for balanced, forgiving sailing in 10–20 knot winds. Introduced in 1982 by Dufour Yachts in La Rochelle, France, the Dufour 4800 was part of the builder's Grand Large series, reflecting the early 1980s trend toward IOR-influenced performance yachts with cruising amenities amid the fiberglass production boom. Designed by Jean Berret (known for sleek racers like the X-Yachts line), it targeted competitive sailors seeking a versatile 35-footer, with the Tall Rig option addressing demands for better acceleration in variable conditions. Production ran until 1984, with approximately 100 units built, bolstered by U.S. marketing as the V-35 to appeal to the growing American market.