New distributor for Dufour Yachts

Dufour Yachts of La Rochelle, France has announced that Performance Cruising Yachts will take over the exclusive agency for its yachts later this year.

Performance Cruising Yachts was established in 2003 and is operated by Olympic Yachtsman Matt Hayes. PCY operates from its exclusive marina facilities at Darling Harbour, Sydney. 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 10 models in two ranges, all designed by Italian naval architect, Umberto Felci. The Grand Large series consists of seven cruising yachts from 31 to 56 while the Performance range of three cruiser/racers from 36 to 45 feet are highly respected as true dual-purpose boats, accumulating impressive 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."

PCY Managing Director Matt Hayes said: "Dufour Yachts's 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 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.