Dufour 460 Grand Large

characteristics
Manufacturer Dufour
Model 460
Architects U. FELCI
Year of construction 2016
Flag of Germany
Length 14.15 m
Width 4.50 m
Draft 2.20 m
Engine Volvo D2 75, 75 hp
Diesel tank 250 l
Water tank 530 l
Waste water tank
4 cabins
8 berths
4 bathrooms

Safety equipment
Life raft
Lifebuoy
Lightning buoy
Set of distress signals
First aid kit
Emergency tiller
Sea anchor

navigation
GPS color chart plotter
Autopilot
Instruments in the cockpit
echo sounder
VHF radio
Log
Wind measuring system
Windex
compass
Clock
barometer

Furnishing
Bimini top
Sprayhood
Radio CD player
Dinghy
Electric windlass
Anchor chain 100 m
Hot water
Inverter
Compressor refrigerator
Cockpit table
Electric bilge pump
Battery charger + land cable
12 volt socket
220 volt socket
Bathing ladder
gangway
Stern shower
Gas stove with oven
Holding tank

Send French Dufour 460 with surprises
When summer slowly goes by in the northern latitudes at the beginning of September, it glows at almost full strength in the Mediterranean, as we experienced when we tested the brand new Dufour 460. As part of the Yachting Festival in Cannes, the French shipyard presented its new development to us, which has turned out to be a real success, especially in many details.
The interesting French woman shows us her angular bottom on the footbridge covered with the red fair carpet. Umberto Felci, who had been the shipyard's proven house designer for years, led the Chines all the way aft. This creates dimensional stability on the one hand and more space in the aft chambers on the other.

On board
On deck it is also clear that the shipyard has put a lot of effort into building number 1. Except for a few more cosmetic subtleties, the Dufour 460 is almost flawless under the glistening Mediterranean sun. A modern bowsprit creates more space for the anchor gear and provides a good anchor point for the gennaker. The new ship is of course equipped with French Elvström sails and thus underlines the performance character of the cruising sailor from the Grand Large line. A flat foredeck with a large hatch to the sail load arouses our curiosity. In fact, in the almost man-deep chamber, the chain course in the anchor locker can be checked towards the front through a plexis glass pane that can be opened. This practical solution will please many owners and charter base operators. The electric anchor winch, which is mounted on the deck above, is also easy to reach and easy to maintain.
The many hatches and skylights stand out aft. Shrouds attached to the outside support the optional performance mast. This is also available as a roller mast for easy operation. According to Felci's calculations, the slightly shorter standard mast is just as effective as it is functionally coordinated with the hull and keel, says Marketing Manager, Paolo Serio.
The aft is the large cockpit. The massive grab handles on the steering column are new here, which in our opinion should not be missing on any yacht. In the shipyard in Perigny, not far from La Rochelle, feedback from customers has been recorded and the motor control panel has also been moved up next to the control column to simplify operation.
The cockpit table is also functionally positioned and contains a second upper storage space. Here it becomes clear that the shipyards are offering more and more answers to the needs of today's lifestyle and are thus able to optimize a comfortable stay, even on sailing yachts.

Under machine
Since Cannes, which is otherwise in the rather mild Mediterranean breeze, welcomes us with a brisk northwest with around 20 knots, we cast off immediately and want to use the beautiful sailing wind.
The 75 hp Volvo effortlessly pushes the yacht, which weighs over ten tons, forward. This is where the next innovation from Dufour in cooperation with the charter provider Suncharter comes into play: the Jetthruster system. The system is simple and functional: instead of large tunnels laminated in and energy-guzzling propellers, the Jetthruster system has a large central pump below deck that presses water outwards at high pressure. The maintenance-friendly system only needs water outlets in the underwater hull and you're ready to go. The bow of the ship can be turned on the spot using a joystick and two outlets on each bow. With its very easy application, this system increases the safety aspect on board.

Under sail
When we are finally outside, the first gust falls into the optional genoa and lets the boat luff up. The Dufour 460 starts immediately and runs to the edge of the wind at over eight knots. The yacht transmits the pressure perfectly to the rudder blade so that the helmsman can carefully adjust the sails. The German sheet system occupies the two well-dimensioned cockpit winches, which makes it difficult to operate them quickly with the optional genoa and the corresponding sheets. The optional equipment with four cockpit winches would be the ideal solution.
When we later drop off and continue sailing on a wider course, the speed increases to almost nine knots, which clearly shows that the designer Felci did his job excellently.
Due to the relatively short tree, a traveler rail solution is not possible. Installation would only be possible in front of the cockpit table, but this is limited by the bench seats.
When we have to cruise back, the wind speed increases to over 30 knots. Now it is time to prepare the ship for the strong wind voyage: Second reef into the main and the genoa roll away a third. At around 9.8 knots, we rush down the waves, which are now one and a half to two meters high, and the ship is about to surf! The Dufour 460 always remains controllable, it only goes into the wind briefly in gusts of over 35 knots. The Dufour 460 at Sun Charter sails with a 108% genoa.

Under deck
Back in port, Paolo Serio presented the yacht below deck with a certain degree of pride. Here, too, a surprise: the pantry is divided in front of the main bulkhead to the foredeck. The aim of the shipyard was to enlarge the space in the salon. And it succeeded. Due to the numerous ceiling windows and hatches as well as the hull windows, the saloon looks like a much larger yacht. Sun Charter offers the 4-cabin version (the highlight: Each cabin has its own toilet, which will particularly please many charter guests.). Due to the enormous space at the companionway, a wet cell could easily be placed for the two aft chambers. The aft chambers are also comfortable and, with bunk dimensions of 2.09 by 1.60 meters, can almost be described as luxurious. Small cupboards on the center of the ship are surprising because a cupboard allows a connection to the opposite chamber. Communication is a top priority on the Dufour 460.
The pantry is marked as a longitudinal pantry on starboard with a stove, sink and numerous cupboards, as well as large refrigerators for the provisions for many guests. The obligatory wine cellar is located under the pantry floor - after all, we are on a French yacht.