Dufour continues Asia growth

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Romain Motteau (left) of Dufour and Boum Senous (right) of Yacht Sourcing

Dufour has appointed Yacht Sourcing as its dealer for Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, as the French sailing yacht builder continues its steady growth in Asia.

Romain Motteau, Managing Director, CEO and President of Dufour, said: “Yacht Sourcing have established themselves as market leaders across Southeast Asia. Their work ethic added to their global business relationships and networks made them the obvious choice. We are delighted to be entering what we know will be a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship.”

Founded in Indonesia by Xavier Fabre and Boum Senous, Yacht Sourcing expanded to Thailand in 2019 when it opened an office in Phuket. Both Fabre and Senous are experienced sailors and were keen to add one of the world’s leading sailing yacht builders to the company’s portfolio.

Dufour premiered the 530 at Boot Dusseldorf in January 2020

“We are delighted to be entering into a new chapter with such a revered and legendary brand,” said Fabre, the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “The history and product have always set Dufour at the pinnacle of their profession and we look forward to what we believe will become a formidable relationship in the Asian luxury sector.”

Yacht Sourcing also represents motor yacht builders Ferretti Yachts, Riva and Pershing, catamaran builder Fountaine Pajot, and RIB manufacturers Nuova Jolly and 3D in selected markets. The company has charter and management divisions, and its own shipyard in Sulawesi where it builds large wooden yachts including the iconic Prana and new Maj Oceanic.

Kevin Corfa, Dufour’s Head of Asia, said the appointment of Yacht Sourcing strengthened the brand’s visibility in Southeast Asia, where Pattaya-based Inspire Marine is a long-time dealer.

The first Dufour 530 sold to Asia will be delivered to Taiwan in early 2021

“We believe the Yacht Sourcing team and their strong presence in Southeast Asia will greatly facilitate Dufour’s penetration into these markets and trigger some interesting sales opportunities in the near future,” he said.

Corfa also revealed the first sale in Asia of the new Dufour 530, a model that made its indoor debut at Boot Dusseldorf in January 2020. The 530 ‘performance’ version will be delivered to Taiwan in early 2021, while Corfa said there was also interest in other new models including the 470 and upcoming flagship 61.

“Dufour is attracting more and more discerning sailors and crews looking for fast, comfortable cruising sailing boats. Japan remains the yard’s biggest market in Asia, while China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore now have new Dufour owners and it seems like it’s only the beginning,” Corfa said.

A Dufour 390 from a collection ranging from the 310 to the new 61

“A Dufour 530 is among several new orders in Asia in the last few months. The 470, 530 and 61 are rejuvenating the range and bringing the brand to a new level. Asia is an important step in the brand’s development and the company is working hard to cater to owners here.”

Dufour is also working with a key partner to develop its first authorised service centre in Hong Kong for commissioning, after-sales service and training. The builder is also organising the Dufour Nautic Days from December 4-6, a series of events worldwide attended by dealers, clients and key prospects.