The desire to build a larger boat has obviously been on the minds of brothers Dennis and Dean Hennevanger for a long time. With the opening of a new, significantly larger production facility, the two shipyard bosses at Saffier Yachts have finally been able to realise this plan. The Dutch company is thus repositioning itself in the high-end market segment.
The new ship is available in two versions. The "Med" version has an open cockpit to the rear. The two seats for the helmsman can be moved lengthways as required and as desired, allowing flexible use of the aft deck as a platform for sunbathing and relaxing. The "North" version, on the other hand, has a completely closed stern and thus becomes a centre cockpit yacht. This version offers the advantage of a large dinghy garage in the aft area, in which a small inflatable boat can be stowed crossways.
Unrivalled and fast-paced
The sporty, performance-orientated hull lines with the slim foredeck are visually appealing and leave no doubt as to the yacht's origins. Despite the new, unusual size, the new ship is clearly a typical Saffier Yachts product. Shipyard boss Dennis Hennevanger finds it difficult to categorise his new flagship in a possible competitive environment. "The concept is unique and therefore not comparable with other yachts of the same size." In fact, the new 46 is difficult to categorise. Perhaps this is the best way: The boat is both a sleek fast cruiser and a cosy weekender - just in XXL format.
During the test on the North Sea off the shipyard site in IJmuiden and under perfect sailing conditions, the Saffier SL 46 performed impeccably. The first construction number, equipped with an exceptionally extensive range of technical equipment for ultimate push-button sailing, impresses with its high speed potential, good height upwind and very dynamic and responsive sailing characteristics.
The net sales price for an SL 46 Med is 950,000 euros. Including 19% VAT, the base price is therefore 1,130,500 euros. The North version is slightly more expensive, costing 1,160,250 euros gross. However, for these admittedly high prices, the buyer receives a boat that is largely ready to sail, including a set of high-performance Epex laminate sails from Elvström (main and self-tacking jib), very comprehensive navigation electronics and high-quality and largely complete basic equipment on deck.
The complete, detailed test report on the new Saffier SL 46 Med will be published in mid-April in YACHT, issue no. 9/2025.
Technical data Saffier SL 46
- CE design category: A
- Designer: Dean Hennevanger/Caes van de Stadt
- Hull length: 13.75 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 14,90 m
- Width: 4.45 m
- Draught /alternative: 2.20 m (standard)/2.60 m (optional)
- Weight: 10.9 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 3.2 t/29 %
- Mast height above waterline: 22.6 m²
- Mainsail: 68.0 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 50.0 m²
- Code Zero: 163.0 m²
- Gennaker: 179.0 m²
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Yanmar 45 hp/Saildrive
