Dufour Yachts
Dufour Shipyard
ONE OF THE MAJOR SAILBOAT MANUFACTURERS WORLDWIDE
Established more than 50 years ago on the Atlantic Coast, Dufour plays an important role in the region and is one of the main employers in La Rochelle.
With a production capacity of more than 18.000 m² and 420 full-time employees, Dufour counts among the biggest shipyards in the world.
Dufour History
In 1957, young engineer Michel Dufour discovered the new material, polyester. At the time, he was a keen competition sailor with a real passion for yachts, class rules and hydrodynamics. This sparked his idea to build a yacht made of polyester. In 1964, Michel Dufour started to design the “Sylphe” transportable yacht. He took a lot of financial risks to make the yacht, rented a hangar and started to make the “Sylphe” under the aegis of his newly formed company, Le Stratifié Industriel.
Dufour Production
PRODUCTION
100% made in France, all Dufour Yachts models are conceptualised, designed and produced in the company headquarters in La Rochelle. With almost 400 sailboats built each year, Dufour Yachts controls the whole supply chain, from the project development to expedition, passing from the mounting and wood work.
