Dufour Yacht Design

Dufour Yachts, founded in 1964 by Michel Dufour in France, became one of Europe's major production sailboat manufacturers. Working with designers including Michel Dufour himself and later Philippe Briand and others, Dufour has produced thousands of sailing yachts from 24 to 63 feet. The company emphasized affordable quality boats for the European market, featuring practical layouts, good sailing characteristics, and efficient production methods. Notable series include the Arpege, Clasique, and Grand Large ranges. Dufour helped make sailing accessible to middle-class European sailors and established France as a major center of yacht production.