For years, the established shipyards have almost criminally neglected the segment under 32 feet. Apart from Dehler's Varianta 18, Elan's 210 and Bavaria's B/One, there were at best modifications of existing models, such as the small Beneteau Firsts. Now, however, the market is coming to life.
Archambault has made a start with the A 27. The eagerly awaited Seascape 27 will be released shortly, and around the same time, a complete newcomer from Switzerland will celebrate its premiere: the Saphire 26.
The boat is intended to be a cruiser, racer and one-design in one. Sportier and more ambitious than the Elan 210, but also much more capable of making compromises than a Melges 24. In short: the all-purpose sports boat for inland and coastal sailing. And it is also comparatively inexpensive: the boat will cost 58,310 euros ready to sail, including VAT. This includes a relatively complete range of equipment, but above all fine extras such as a lead keel and carbon rig. We show the first, still preliminary computer illustrations in the YACHT online gallery.
At 8 metres long and 2.50 metres wide, with a lifting keel and a weight of 1.15 tonnes, the Saphire 27 is fully trailerable. The rig does not require a backstay. With a fat-head mainsail and slightly overlapping genoa, the sail area is 44 square metres. Plenty of power, which can be further increased with a code zero and gennaker. Alternatively, there is a "family size" without a flared top. On request, owners can order an electric drive from Torqeedo, which works as a shaft motor under the cockpit floor, but can be raised and stowed flat for sailing.
The idea for the boat came from Michael Tobler, a Swiss national who gained international management experience as head of sales at outdoor clothing manufacturer Mammut and developed a penchant for speedy gliding as an A-Cat sailor at an early age. After leaving Mammut, he is now devoting himself entirely to building up the Saphire brand.
It was designed by the Italian Claudio Maletto, who has already constructed successful IACC cuppers for Prada and designed Dinamica's daysailers, among other things. A calm, analytical mind, rather unknown in this country, but highly regarded in specialist circles.
Michi Tobler has gathered a whole host of other specialists from Italy around him, including interior designer Mauro Sculli, structural engineer Francesco Pelizza, sailmaker Alessandro Castelli and project manager Sebastiano Rech Morassutti. All experienced men who will provide the new company with the necessary technical foundation.
The boats are laminated and finished in Poland at Delphia Yachts. Comar also has its smaller models built there. A solid shipyard with modern production facilities that is also able to deliver large quantities should make the Saphire 27 a sales hit.
For the time being, there will be no traditional sales organisation with a dealer structure. Michael Tobler wants to sell directly at trade fairs and online. Since the weekend, his Website online. The functionality of the homepage, including the online configurator, will be further expanded before the trade fair première. There is no doubt that the Saphire 27 will be one of the most popular new products at Interboot.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
