The new Saffier is being launched under the type designation SE 33 Life. The name suffix "Life" is new at Saffier and has a deeper meaning for the Dutch company: "Built to celebrate life" is the philosophy behind the new model on the Saffier website. Website of Saffier Yachts and described in the newly published brochure. The large and spacious cockpit with the sunbed on the aft deck and the long seat bays in the cockpit speak in favour of this. The cabin superstructure is only hinted at, remains flat and emphasises the orientation as a daysailer or perhaps as a weekender.
The concept seems clear: sailing with fun and enjoyment is the main focus, touring capability is secondary, but still present. The interior design is completely open, without any bulkheads. Below deck, four people can sleep comfortably in the foredeck and on the seating and lounging areas in the saloon, and there is a simple galley block with cooker, sink and fridge. A toilet is integrated in the foredeck under a cover. On request, the shipyard offers flexible fabric partitions for more privacy.
The current development was a foregone conclusion. With the Saffier SE 27 Leisure, the shipyard landed a real direct hit last year, securing not only a bulging order book but also the coveted title of European Yacht of the Year 2021. The flagship of the series, the SE 37 Lounge, impresses with a particularly versatile, unconventional but also exclusive concept (test in YACHT 10/18). With the new ten-metre vessel, the Dutch company is now occupying the golden mean and combining the good features of its sister models as an exciting compromise.
The deck and hull of the SE 33 Life are built as GRP sandwich constructions with a hard foam core. The hull is produced using the vacuum infusion process and is laminated throughout in the area of the keel flange and rudder shaft with a thickness of 25 millimetres. The lead keel in a sporty T-shape is available in different versions. The annex with a draught of 1.70 metres is standard. Alternatively, a performance keel with 2.10 metres and a short keel with only 1.40 metres - only in combination with double rudder blades - are available.
In line with the general Saffier concept for the simplest possible and uncompromisingly single-handed handling, the new model is also equipped with a self-tacking jib. As an option, an overlapping genoa can be fitted on deck with centreboard tracks. In addition, all halyards, sheets and trim lines are deflected inside the coaming to directly in front of the two steering columns. A carbon fibre mast with rod rig is available as an optional extra, while the aluminium rig from Seldén with two spreaders and a roller device installed below deck for the jib or genoa is standard.
From the shipyard, the new Saffier will be fitted with a 15 hp Yanmar diesel engine and saildrive. As an alternative, the shipyard is offering an electric pod motor from Torqueedo, which should provide around five hours of propulsion on a full battery charge, depending on conditions and swell. 154,100 euros is the base price quoted by the Dutch for the Saffier SE 33 Life at launch, including 19 per cent VAT and a single set of Dacron sails (main and jib) from Elvstrøm. The Saffier brand is marketed in Germany by the company Diamond Yachts in Laboe distributed.
