IJMUIDEN – Saffier Yachts is building a new flagship, a 46-foot high-performance, luxury cabin yacht that marks a significant departure for a yard that made its name in fast, premium daysailers.
A scale model of the 13.75m Saffier SL 46 goes on display at the 2024 Boat Düsseldorf. Such is the reputation of Saffier Yachts that it has already sold five SL 46s.
The newest Saffier SL 46 (‘L’ stands for ‘luxury’) is a high-performance cabin yacht with modern lines. It is a surprising addition to Saffier Yachts’ impressive portfolio of daysailers that finds admirers and buyers worldwide.
Saffier Yachts owner Dennis Hennevanger says the cabin yacht retains the Saffier DNA.
His co-owner brother Dean adds, “It is a well-balanced boat with excellent sailing characteristics and maneuverability.
It has a generous cockpit because it’s all about optimal sailing. The on-board ergonomics are right, and the boat is suited for single-handed sailing. This 46ft Saffier also has a comfortable below-deck accommodation, packed with luxury, design and plenty of headroom.”
The Saffier SL46 has come off the boards of in-house designer Kees van de Stadt in close cooperation with the Hennevanger brothers. It has a 13.75m (45.11ft) hull length. A bowsprit brings the LOA to 14.90m. The maximum width is 4.45m, while the draft, with a lead bulb keel, is 2.30m or 2.60m. The mast brings the boat’s height to 22.6m.
The hull of the Sapphire SL46 is made with advanced lamination techniques.
This includes a gelcoat and a vinylester barrier coating. The hull is reinforced with Divinycell hardcore foam using a vacuum infusion method. The area around the keel has solid laminate construction.
The Selden mast stands slightly further aft, which creates a large foredeck. The cabin superstructure sits relatively low, which gives the boat a nice, sleek silhouette.
The large cockpit has longitudinal benches and a table that houses wine coolers and draining trays. The chart plotter has a 15-inch screen. “That size is much more readable than a 9-inch display on the steering positions,” says Hennevanger. “We placed the engine controls near the steering wheels.”
All trim lines run below deck to the steering positions within reach of the helmsman or crew members. Aft are sliding seats that can be used as lounge sofas and steering seats. For those who want more walking space aft – for example, during regattas – they can remove the benches. The aft deck also houses lockers for mooring ropes, fenders or whatever.
The cabin yacht will come in two versions. The ‘Med’ has an open transom and a folding swim platform. The ‘North’ has a closed cockpit, a dinghy garage and a folding platform.
