A brief flashback: A year ago, in January 2024, Saffier Yachts presented its large 14-metre flagship in Düsseldorf. The SL 46 turned out to be a real crowd-puller - everyone wanted to see the attractive XXL daysailer with its eye-catching paintwork. With this project, however, the daysailer experts have gone out on a limb and left their traditional market segment. The shipyard has now sold four yachts of this type (test YACHT 9/2025).
With the new SL 38 model, the Dutch are revisiting the concept, lines and design of the flagship, but shrinking the whole thing down to a hull length of just twelve metres. At the same time, the SE 37 Lounge (YACHT 10/2018 test) is now definitely being retired after eight years on the market.
Cockpit layout in two versions
As with the 46, the smaller SL 38 is now also available in two versions: either with a completely open stern or with a closed bridge deck aft as a sunbed or lounge area - as with the smaller models from the SE line (Elegance). A small, folding bathing platform is also available in this closed version.
From the steering columns forwards, the cockpit layout remains unchanged. In keeping with the Saffier concept, all sheets, halyards and trim lines on the new boat are routed consistently below deck to the winches in front of the steering columns, where they can be easily operated by both the helmsman and the crew.
Standard is an aluminium rig with two spreaders from the manufacturer Seldén. A simple set of sails made of Dacron (mainsail and self-tacking jib) is included in the scope of delivery. Of course, customers have the option of customising the quality and scope of the sail wardrobe. A genoa with 110 per cent overlap and hole points on deck is also available as an option. A carbon fibre rig with carbon main boom and rod shrouds are also on the list of extras - although no price has yet been specified.
Two cabins, one wet room, plenty of space
The layout below deck envisages an extension with very spacious double cabins forward and aft on the port side. The sofas in the saloon will also be large enough to be used as additional berths. There is also an L-shaped galley on the companionway and a separate wet room on the starboard side aft with a shower option and a large wet locker for oilskins. In the standard ex-shipyard configuration, there is no bulkhead between the saloon and foredeck, which creates an open, spacious living atmosphere with a loft character below deck. However, the foredeck can also be completely partitioned off for more privacy on request.
The yacht builders at Saffier Yachts in Holland have now laid the keel for the first construction number of the new Saffier SL 38. It will be presented as a world premiere at the trade fair in Düsseldorf in January 2027. The prices are also already known: the Saffier SL 38 will cost 392,700 euros - regardless of whether it is ordered with an open or closed stern. The basic price includes 19 per cent VAT and the basic standard sail set (main and jib) made of Dacron.
Technical data Saffier SL 38
- Builder: Hennevanger / Saffier Yachts
- Hull length: 11.55 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 12.50 m
- Width: 3.80 m
- Draught standard L-keel: 1.95 m
- Draught of deep keel (optional): 2.50 m
- Weight: 6.5 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 2.5 tonnes/ 38%
- Mast height above waterline: 18.60 m
- Mainsail: 51.0 m2
- Self-tacking jib (standard): 29.0 m2
- Genoa 110 % (optional): 34.0 m2
- Code Zero: 93.0 m2
- Gennaker: 128.0 m2
- Sail carrying capacity with jib: 4.8
- Engine: Built-in diesel Yanmar 30 hp with Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 130 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 200 litres
- Black water tank: 60 litres
- Price: 392,700 euros (gross, incl. 19% VAT, incl. sails)
