Canadian Yachting October 2015 - (Page 80)

SAIL REVIEW | DUFOUR 500 GRAND LARGE The Comforts of Home in a Performance Hull Style, innovation and performance are the essential design criteria of Dufour's 500 Grand Large. By Robin Ball Dufour in partnership with Felci Yacht Design wants nothing less than to optimize the sailing experience through design, performance and comfort. The Dufour 500 Grand Large provides space and amenities with style, efficiency and performance. This yacht is an embodiment of that objective. Contemporary, sleek design is combined with innovative features using modern construction techniques, materials and components. The 500GL has a low profile and wide side decks. The plumb bow and full beam, carried well aft with a visible hard chine, are design features found on current racing profiles. The expansive drop transom is a feature shared with many modern cruisers along with twin wheels and a foldout sunbed in the cockpit. It's the design innovations in the interior that sets the Dufour 500 Grand Large apart. Like most 50-foot boats there is a lot of room. In their description, Dufour describes the interior as both a main residence and a living space. Dufour very effectively optimizes interior light and air circulation through the abundant use of windows, opening hatches and LED lighting. There is a tremendous amount of storage space in the cupboards, lockers and in-floor storage. In this home away from home, you step into the large saloon with its abundant and comfortable seating area. The saloon table is adjustable in height 80 Canadian Yachting and when the leaves are out, it could accommodate up to 12 (3 per side) for dinner. The ample chart table and seating to starboard can be angled for heeling and can be oriented either forward or rear facing. When rear facing the cart table is against an aft bulkhead and elongates the starboard settee. On our test boat a large flat screen TV was mounted on that bulkhead making it viewable from the saloon and galley. A chartplotter on a pivot, the VHF radio, a Bose stereo system and the electrical distribution panel are all part of the nav' station. At home your kitchen is not normally at your main entrance. Why is it that galleys are usually at the foot of the companionway? The galley in the 500 GL is forward of the saloon and aligned athwart ship at the foot of the deckstepped mast. The galley features loads of storage space, Corian countertops, a three burner range / stove to port and generous twin stainless steel sinks with single lever faucet and a microwave to starboard. A built-in Nespresso coffee maker is included to start your day in style. The fridge occupies almost the entire volume under the counter from the mast step to the port side and features both top and side access. The storage includes a crockery cupboard with customizable placement of dowels to hold your dishware secure- OCTOBER 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting October 2015

Vantage Point: Been there, Done that
Waterfront: What the Galley Guys have been up to, Plastic Pollution, inReach SE Review and more...
One Particular Harbour: Gig Harbor, Puget Sound
Stretching the Boating Season: by the Canadian Safe Boating Council
Club Profile: Bedford Basin Yacht Club
Destination: Lost on Murchison Island
Waypoints Winter Cruising Feature: Chartering a Boat in the Grenadines
Destination: Nevis
Power Feature: Moorings 514 Power Cat
Port Hole
Sail Review: Dufour 500
Electronics: Yacht Controller
Insurance: Do you have the proper insurance coverage for your boat?

Canadian Yachting October 2015