Saffier SE 28 LeopardThe recipe for success enters its first revision

Michael Good

 · 03.10.2025

Inverse bow, phase in the transition from the hull to the deck and two rudder wheels as an option. The new Saffier SE 28 Leopard stands out in terms of design and concept.
Photo: Saffier Yachts
Saffier Yachts in Holland presents the new SE 28 Leopard, a new model in its Elegance line (SE). The new addition, which will celebrate its world premiere at boot Düsseldorf in January 2026, combines an innovative hull design with extensive customisation options.

The new model comes as an addition to the popular and often sold SE 27 Leisure which will remain in the Saffier Yachts model range for the time being. The latest model from the new production facility in IJmuiden presents itself with a strikingly enhanced design and numerous options that make it interesting for both single-handed sailors and sporty, ambitious crews.

The SE 28 has a fresh appearance: an inverted bow and a clear phase in the transition from the hull to the deck give it an unmistakable appearance. The stern has been completely redesigned, with generous sunbathing areas and comfortable backrests that offer the helmsman and crew significantly more comfort. With 15 centimetres more width than the SE 27 and almost identical length, the boat appears more voluminous and offers more space on and below deck.

Choice of tiller or two wheels

The Saffier SE 28 is supplied with a tiller control as standard. A layout with two steering positions is available as an option. This makes the Dutchwoman the smallest sailing boat on the market to be offered with twin-wheel steering. The SE 28 also offers various rigging options: The standard self-tacking jib ensures easy handling and high single-handed capability, while the optional overlapping genoa is ideal for sporty sailors. As an alternative to the Selden aluminium rig with two spreaders and backstay, a lighter carbon fibre rig is also available. All halyards, sheets and trim lines run below deck and end directly in front of the helm stations - a clear plus for a tidy cockpit and easy sailing, even alone.

The interior of the Saffier SE 28 is significantly more spacious than the SE 27 Leisure: four fully-fledged berths, a two-part pantry block and a small chemical toilet under the forward berth make the daysailer interesting for short trips and weekends. There is also an even wider choice of hull colours and materials for the interior fittings, meaning that the boat can be highly customised. Owners also have a choice of motorisation: either a built-in diesel engine (Yanmar 2YM15) with 15 hp or an electric drive (Mitek Electric) with 7.5 kW.

For the first official presentation of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard in January 2026 at the boot Düsseldorf trade fair, the shipyard is announcing a base price of 136,255 euros. This price includes 19 per cent VAT and sails. By comparison, the slightly smaller and simpler Saffier SE 27 Leisure is cheaper, costing 113,645 euros gross.

Technical data Saffier SE 28 Leopard

  • Builder: Saffier Yachts / Hennevanger
  • Hull length: 8.40 m
  • Overall length with bowsprit: 9.20 m
  • Width: 2.70 m
  • Draught with standard deep keel: 1.70 m
  • Draught with optional short keel: 1.30 m
  • Weight: 2.2 tonnes
  • Ballast/proportion standard deep keel: 750 kg / 34 %
  • Mast height above waterline: 12.80 m
  • Mainsail: 26.0 m2
  • Self-tacking jib standard: 14.0 m2
  • Genoa 110 % optional: 16.0 m2
  • Code Zero: 46.0 m2
  • Gennaker: 69.0 m2
  • Base price ex shipyard with sails: 136,255 euros (gross incl. 19% VAT)

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