Movements in the boat agency market has been on the move recently as signs of a good-selling summer begin to emerge.
The latest announcement has seen Performance Cruising Yachts appointed the exclusive agency and importer for Dufour Yachts as of August 2015.
Run by ex-Olympic yachtsman Matt Hayes, PCY, operates from its marina facilities at Darling Harbour, Sydney. The sister company to charter business, Sydney by Sail, PCY was originally established in 2003 as US Yachts and has won awards for its representation of various sailing products since its inception. Director of Operations Ed Penn oversees a staff of 15 that includes service technicians, maintenance personnel, professional skippers and administrative support.
Dufour Yachts, established in 1964, currently builds ten models in two ranges, all designed by Italian naval architect, Umberto Felci. It manufactures around 350 monohulls a year from its La Rochelle production facilities.
The Grand Large series of seven cruising yachts from 31 to 56 feet is its current biggest selling product line in its quiver with six of the seven having been launched within the past three years. The Performance range of three cruiser/racers from 36 to 45 feet are designed as dual purpose boats, accumulating results on the racecourse while also serving to provide owners with all the comforts of a cruiser.
Dufour Yachts CEO, Salvatore Serio said in a statement “we are thrilled to confirm our decision to work with Matt Hayes and his extremely talented team at Performance Cruising Yachts. The spectacular location in downtown Sydney is the perfect setting to display our range of modern cruising yachts. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Hayes has developed a proven formula for success and attracted an immense customer following perfectly suited to our products.”
Performance Cruising Yachts managing director Matt Hayes said: “Dufour Yachts products are a perfect fit for our broad base of active sailing clients. The outstanding stability and sailing qualities, cruising comforts and high quality finish stand a cut above the other offerings in our marketplace. My recent visit to the Dufour Shipyard in La Rochelle showed me how impressive Dufour is on all levels. I was able to see firsthand how their experienced boat builders are able to take high quality materials and efficiently transform them into exceptional cruising yachts using highly refined processes. I can’t wait to get started!”
Performance Cruising Yachts together with Sydney by Sail will display two of Dufour’s newest Grand Large models, the D-310 and D-382 in the upcoming Sydney Boat Show, July 30 – August 2nd.
Antill Marine were the previous agents for the brand.
