Saffier Yachts is taking bold steps to further expand its programme and is leaving the traditional niche of daysailers and weekenders for the first time ever. With the new Saffier SL 46 performance cruiser, the enterprising Dutch company is now also positioning itself as a new competitor to the established brands in the upper market segment.
The new ship from Saffier will be available in two versions. In the SL 46 Med version, the cockpit is open at the rear. This version also corresponds to the prototype which will also be exhibited in Düsseldorf. The two seats for the helmsman can be moved lengthways as required, allowing flexible use of the aft deck as a platform for sunbathing and relaxing.
The SL 46 North variant, on the other hand, comes with a completely closed stern and thus becomes a centre cockpit yacht, a very unusual but at the same time very innovative design. This variant offers the advantage of a large dinghy garage in the aft peak. A small dinghy can be stored here.
The sheets, halyards and trim lines are led back below deck and inside to the two helm stations. Here, the helmsman can easily reach all the functions for setting and trimming the sails from his position. Additional winches for the gennaker and code zero are installed aft on the running deck and are also accessible to the helmsman. This means that the cockpit layout is essentially suitable for single-handed sailing, even with the additional room wind sails. Meanwhile, the cockpit for guests sailing on board remains largely free of all functions.
Like all Saffier Yachts boats, the design for the new SL 46 was created by shipyard boss Dean Hennevanger in collaboration with naval architect Kees van de Stadt. The sporty and apparently very performance-orientated hull lines with the rather slender foredeck appear visually attractive and leave no doubt as to the yacht's origins. Despite the new, unusual size, the new ship is also clearly a typical Saffier Yachts product.
As standard, the boat is equipped with a fairly high aluminium rig from Seldén with a self-tacking jib. A carbon fibre rig is also available as an option. For sporty use, a larger genoa with a 110 per cent overlap and hollow points on the cabin superstructure is also possible. The long bowsprit is made of carbon fibre and firmly laminated to the hull. A gennaker, a reacher or a code zero can be set on the trunk, depending on your wishes and course. The simple sail wardrobe (main and jib) made of Dacron is also supplied as standard from the shipyard.
Saffier SL 46: conventional layout inside, but with variants
The new, large boat is also being built in Saffier's new production facility in IJmuiden. The hull and deck are a GRP sandwich construction with a hard foam core and vinyl ester resin, built using a vacuum infusion process. The keel area of the hull is fully laminated and is also reinforced with a solid steel frame that absorbs the forces from the keel and the rig. The T-shaped keel consists of a cast iron shaft and a lead ballast bomb. As an alternative to the standard keel with a draught of 2.20 metres, a longer performance keel with a draught of 2.60 metres is also available. However, the ballast proportions remain the same for both variants.
The layout below deck has a conventional layout with two cabins aft, the owner's cabin forward, a spacious saloon area with navigation and galley and a spacious toilet room aft with separate shower area. As an option, buyers can also request an additional wet room in the foredeck. It will also be possible to have the aft cabin on the starboard side converted into a large forecastle, utility room or workshop for use as a blue water vessel.
The first boat in the SL 46 Med version has now been built and is currently being prepared for presentation at the trade fair in Düsseldorf. In the meantime, the Dutch have also issued an initial price list: the basic version of the SL 46 Med will cost 785,400 euros, including 19% VAT and the standard sails (main and self-tacking jib). The exciting Dutchwoman can be seen in Hall 16 (Stand D53).
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 m²
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Yanmar 45 hp/Saildrive
