We were in Porto Lotti to try the new Dufour 520 GL on an almost summer day, topped off with a nice breeze that made us tack in a priceless setting, between Palmaria and Portovenere first and then in the enchanted Baia de Le Grazie. The prevailing conditions of the test were of a breeze of around 8 knots, a potentially critical situation for a pure cruise boat, but there were plenty of surprises as you read.

WHAT IS EVOLVING ON BOARD

Evolve on a cruise, keeping your DNA. This was the mission of the new Dufour 520 GL, a natural evolution of 512. Locate on the strengths of the previous model and improve its details, the details of the furniture and finishes, the solutions for life on board: a conceptually simple operation but practically complex, especially on a boat designed for the large series. And it is here that the details that can make the difference come into play, few but substantial changes, all combined with a good and balanced hull conceived by the "usual" Umberto Eelci, a designer able to give his mark even on boats typically for cruising.

SAILING IN THE PARADISE OF THE LEVANTE LIGURE

The scenery is priceless, we sail in search of the right breeze to perform the test and record the numbers between Palmaria and Portovenere first and then in the Baia de Le Grazie. And it is precisely here that we find the right intensity, 8-9 knots, perfect for narrow edges and for making the photos in navigation of these pages. We were expecting a half-way vehicle, given the displacement of 15,245 kg combined with a rather “quiet” sail plan, in reality we found ourselves driving a reactive and fun boat, simple to manage and suitable for everyone.

The Dufour 520 GL does not rely entirely on its volume and does not forget, at all, the main purpose for which it was conceived: sailing. We hoist the mainsail and unroll the jib with a breeze of 6 knots, a condition in which the boat can immediately prove to be agile by touching 4.3 knots upwind at an apparent angle of 40 °.

The wheels remain sensitive even when turning outwards and the boat does not struggle much to restart even in the light wind, going up the numbers rather quickly. When the wind exceeds 8 knots the conduction becomes fun, an intensity that allows the boat to touch the 6 knots while maintaining a good angle to the wind. We navigate well thanks to a well-sized deck equipment designed to simplify without forgetting the fundamentals of the adjustments. Comfort is good, but a good mainsail on the deckhouse, like the one installed on the model we tested, is always a useful accessory if not essential for those who really want to sail.

DECK AND MANEUVER

Most of the maneuvers run concealed, apart from the mainsheet and those of the jib, the deckhouse is therefore completely clear of the halyard and under the boom opens a large sunbathing area that goes to join the decidedly wide one in the prow of the tree. Six winches, two on the deckhouse for the halyards, four (two on each side) for primary maneuvers, set back behind the wheelhouses. However, the great innovations of the Dufour 520 GL are below-deck and focus on the interior finishes, the new design and some details that are decisive for raising the quality decidedly. New teak essence among those available, renewed cushions with an increased thickness and a new aesthetic, Lina's attention to detail more meticulous than previous standards, with decidedly appreciable functional results. The square table is versatile according to the needs. In the dining position it can accommodate 8 people. With a "petal" opening and closing system, its size can be reduced, its height lowered by an electrical system, and transformed into a cocktail table. The position of the sofa, which runs on a built-in track, is adjusted accordingly based on the position chosen for the table. Interesting solutions also for the correspondence that can be used in two ways. In navigation the classic one, with a dedicated seat that allows you to work at the table facing the bow. When you are at the anchor, or in port, the correspondence seat slides on a track under the table and you go to join the sofa on the right, thus adding Lin place. Overall, all the finishes and care for the details of the furniture have been improved, with a series of options for wood essences that make the boat now customizable to the tastes of the owner. Important is the internal volume and the height throughout the boat, always around 2 meters and more than 1.90 meters in the cabins. Very well finished that owner, with a series of solutions for the stowage that will meet the favors of the crocierista that wants to face long navigations.

VELA magazine 16.02.2018