Two new Dufour models will make their Victorian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show later this month – the Grand Large 425 and 525.
According to Antill Marine (the exclusive importer and distributor of Dufour) director Jason Antill, these models feature a higher level of finish and performance than people might be used to in typical production yachts.
“The Dufour Grand Large 425 retails at around $420,000 and the 525 is ‘a million dollar boat’ in both price and quality,” Anthill said.
“Both are new, award-winning vessels and there’s a real emphasis on sailing ability in their design.”
Designed for the long-distance cruising market, the 425 was awarded the 2008 Imported Sail Cruising Yacht Over 10m at the Australian Marine Awards – praised for its strength, comfort, easy handling and speed. There’s an abundance of stowage and its internal finish on fixtures and furnishings is very high quality, characterised by solid timber and enough hatches, ports and ventilators to create an airy, spacious ambience.
The Dufour 525 has just received the award for Best Full Size Cruiser by the highly-respected US magazine, Cruising World. Positioned as 52’ of luxury bluewater cruiser, this model is the flagship of the Dufour range. Italian styling and French yacht building expertise come together to deliver an amazing vessel, boasting incredibly uncluttered, flat deck space, maximum onboard storage and uncompromising sailing performance.
“The main market for the Dufour 525 is discerning people who plan to do extended cruising, whether that’s short term around the Whitsundays in winter or a six month live-aboard cruise,” Antill said.
“They’re geared more towards the passage-making market – coastal and bluewater cruising – people who want to go somewhere.”
An additional attraction for purchasers of either model is a 12-month maintenance program, which includes engine servicing and antifouling at no additional cost.
The 2009 Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show will be held at Docklands’ NewQuay and Waterfront City precincts, 30 January to 1 February.
For further information contact the Boating Industry Association of Victoria on ph (03) 8696 5600 or visit: http://www.mibls.com.au/
