After the tests, the yacht builders in IJmuiden on the Dutch North Sea coast are raving about their new baby: "This is the best boat we've ever built!" After two days on the water, Dennis Hennevanger says that the high expectations of the sailing characteristics have been exceeded once again. The Dutchmen sailed the boat on the cold North Sea both in a light breeze of between five and twelve knots and in very challenging conditions with around 20 knots of wind and fairly high waves.
Plenty of choice for versatile use
The new SE28 Leopard model now joins the popular and best-selling SE27 Leisure, which will remain in the Saffier Yachts model range for the time being. The latest model from the production facility in IJmuiden presents itself with a strikingly advanced, innovative hull design and numerous options that make it interesting for both single-handed sailors and sporty, ambitious crews. The new addition also combines extensive customisation options for versatile use as a daysailer, cruising boat or regatta boat with potential.
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. Optionally available electric winches with rewind function also offer particularly convenient handling at the touch of a button.
Handy, smart, suitable for touring
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.
The exciting boat will have its world premiere at the boot Düsseldorf trade fair in January. Shipyard boss Dennis Hennevanger can already speak of a great sales success before the trade fair: After all, 18 boats of this type have already been sold to date. The new Saffier will be on display in Düsseldorf in Hall 16 at Stand B19. The SE 28 Leopard will be presented there with a price tag of 136,255 euros. This price is for the basic version of the boat ex shipyard, including 19 per cent VAT and including sails.
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: 13.00 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
