SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Dufour and Elan debuts

Performance Cruising Yachts will debut some key new French Dufour and Slovenian Elan yachts amid a six-boat line-up at the 2016 Sydney International Boat Show from July 28-August 1.

Managing Director Matt Hayes says his business has re-established Dufour in Australia. "Dufour's reputation for building quality, fast cruising boats is well illustrated by the three latest models we are bringing to Sydney — the already popular selling Grand Large 460, the three-cabin 412 and the mid-range 350," says the former Olympic skipper.

The La Rochelle-based yard offers two ranges: its popular Grand Large cruising range and the Performance range. A frequent winner of European Yacht of the Year, Dufour is said to be well suited to Australian waters.

The elegant hulls are penned by Italian designer Umberto Felci whose reputation for fast boats is well known.

GRAND LARGE 460
The new 46-foot Grand Large 460 comes with all the essentials for an easy life at sea: a simple rig with self-tacking headsail, spacious flat decks and large cockpit, plus acres of space below decks in three- or four-cabin layouts.

Layout options include an owner's en suite and cabin forward with two doubles/one head or two doubles/two heads aft. Or there is a four cabin/four head option.

Versatility is said to be a feature of the open-plan saloon with moveable chart table and dinette bench behind the forward located galley, which can also be a longitudinal one in the saloon should you choose. Light wood and rounded ends with good fiddles are other notable points on the GL460.

GRAND LARGE 310 AND 382
Also on display will be the Grand Large 310, which is an ideal first yacht, featuring two large cabins with double doors forward to create an airy saloon.

On deck, a wide spacious cockpit is perfect for cruising, especially with the opening swim platform. Moving up a notch, for families or crewed sailing, the awarded Grand Large 382 offers blue water luxury thanks to myriad layout options. These include two or three cabins, along with a choice of galley styles and even a large walk-in locker.

ELAN OFFERS PERFORMANCE
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 S4 is definitely a highlight for those aspiring twilight racers thanks to its option for a lighter 35 foot hull, lightweight furnishings and keel-stepped mast.

The first S4 version to be presented in Australia has the latest vacuum infusion in the build that is seven per cent lighter than the standard E version.

The 2016 S4 now includes B&G electronics and a variety of timber and fabric finishes to individualise your yacht. 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. Carbon spars are also available to complete a fully specified club racer.

Performance Cruising Yachts will be on display at the Sydney International Boat Show from July 28-August 1. The Sydney boat show is regarded as the best show for hot new yacht releases in Australia.