Performance Cruising Yachts is bringing an armada of new models to the Sydney International Boat Show from leading French brand Dufour and Slovenia's Elan. All up there will be five yachts on display at the Performance Cruising Yachts stand in Cockle Bay.
Newly appointed as the dealer for one of the largest selling sailing brands in France, Managing Director Matt Hayes has high expectations of elevating Dufour to the next level in Australia. “Dufour's reputation for building quality, fast cruising boats is well illustrated by the two latest models we are bringing to Sydney – the entry level Grande Large 310 and the three cabin 382,” says former Olympic helmsman Hayes.
The La Rochelle based yard offers two ranges, it's hugely popular Grand Large cruising range and the Performance range. A frequent winner of European Yacht of the Year, Dufour is well suited to Australian waters. A stand-out throughout these models is the elegant hulls penned by Italian designer Umberto Felci whose reputation for fast boats is well known. The Grand Large 31 is an ideal first yacht, featuring two large cabins with double doors forward to create an airy saloon. While on deck a wide spacious cockpit is ideal for cruising, especially with the opening swim platform. Moving up a notch, for families or crewed sailing, the Grand Large 382 offers blue water luxury thanks to a myriad of layout options. These include two or three cabins, along with a choice of galley styles and even a large walk-in locker.
Elsewhere in the Performance Cruising Yachts armada is the stylish Rob Humphreys designed Elan range that promise performance with fully fitted interiors, so you can bring the silverware home from Hamilton Island Race Week while also enjoying family cruising afterwards. The hot new Elan S3 is definitely a highlight for those aspiring twilight racers thanks to its lighter 31 foot hull, removable furnishings and keel stepped mast. The first S version to be presented in Australia, the latest vacuum infusion is used in the build that is 7% lighter than the standard E version. Performance features includes a bulbed keel with lead option for high stability, a rockered shape for nimbleness and twin rudders for managing the beam which is stylishly tucked in by hard chines.
Also debuting at the Sydney Show is the Elan E5 which brings some serious competition to the 40 foot category in the performance-cruiser arena. The most popular size for cruising and racing, the E5 allows a wide variety of sailing, ranging from fast coastal hops to longer voyages. The E5 comes with plenty cruising features such as a fully fitted Light Oak interior and a sea kindly hull that is deep and fairly rounded, rather than flatter at the ends like its sportier sibling the E3.
For those seeking the ultimate in cruising comforts Elan's Impression range is the way to go so the Impression 40 arriving in Sydney is worth a serious look for couples seeking to voyage further. This luxury cruising yacht is very affordable because part ownership is available through the charter arm of Performance Cruising Yachts, Sydney By Sail. Sydney By Sail has 20 years experience of getting people on the water and Matt Hayes sees the Impression 40 as an ideal yacht for this. The large cockpit and opening transom is ideal for enjoying Sydney Harbour, while sailing the Impression 40 is easy thanks to in-mast reefing and roller headsail furling. With Sydney by Sail managing and mooring the yacht, your investment of $33,500 is a really economical way into ownership for this comfortable ultra-modern cruising yacht. In addition for those new to sailing the experienced staff at Sydney By Sail offer training and skippered charters to get the most out of your time on the water.
Performance Cruising Yachts together with Sydney by Sail, on display at the Sydney International Boat Show (30 July-3 Aug 2015)
