SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Six new yachts from Performance Cruising

Performance Cruising Yachts, recently named new Australian distributor for Dufour Performance Cruising Yachts, is bringing an armada of new models to the Sydney International Boat Show from Dufour and Slovenia's Elan, as well as the company's established Hunter cruisers. All up there will be six yachts on display at the Performance Cruising Yachts stand in Cockle Bay.

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," said Hayes.

The La Rochelle based yard offers two ranges, it's popular Grand Large cruising range and the Performance range. A throughout the models are 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.

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 various 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 stable 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. 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 features the latest vacuum infusion techniques that makes it seven per cent 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.

Also on show will be an award winning cruiser from the American Hunter yard, the Hunter 37.

Appealing to the traditional cruising sailor because of its voluminous hull and protected cockpit, the Hunter 37 has a queen-sized aft berth, ensuite bathroom and a similar-sized galley to the 40 foot model, so plenty of usable space in this 2014 design.

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. Hayes sais 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 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.

Performance Cruising Yachts together with Sydney by Sail, will be on display at the Sydney International Boat Show (July 30 to Aug 3).

For more information go to: http://www.performancecruising.com.au