Saffier SE 28 Leopard: A multifunctional daysailer with remarkable performance in our test
Michael Good
· 11.06.2026
When it comes to daysailers, there’s one Dutch brand that stands out above the rest: Saffier Yachts. No other manufacturer has focused so consistently on this segment or made such a mark on the market with innovative, style-defining designs. It is therefore almost inevitable that the name Saffier springs to mind in this context.
Since their beginnings almost 30 years ago, the yacht builders in IJmuiden have never strayed from their course. Even with the 46-footer unveiled last year – a full 14 metres long – the shipyard stuck to its principles. The shipyard has always remained true to the concept of a sporty, comfortable and easy-to-handle daysailer. Only the scope of this concept has been expanded.
More from the shipyard:
And so the Dutch continue at their usual pace: a new model every year. In 2026, it is the SE 28 Leopard, which celebrated its much-anticipated debut at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf. And a successful one at that: 34 orders have been received to date for the new 28-footer, which is already running the recently completely rebuilt production facility in IJmuiden at full capacity once again.
The new SE 28 Leopard is intended to be more than just the next addition to the range. According to shipyard manager Dennis Hennevanger, the boat brings together all the experience his shipyard has gained in almost 30 years of building daysailers. His verdict is correspondingly confident: “This is the best boat we have ever built.” Indeed, the concept is unusually broad in scope. The SE 28 is designed to impress not only as a classic daysailer for quick sailing fun after work, but also as a club racer, weekend cruiser or straightforward family boat. This is complemented by the wide range of equipment options and numerous possibilities for customisation.
Test results
Although the design is familiar compared to the previous model, the SE 27 Leisure, the shipyard has significantly refined the proportions. Whilst the length remains unchanged at 8.40 metres, the hull is 15 centimetres wider and the freeboard has increased by a further 15 centimetres – a significant change for this length class and one that is visually noticeable. There is also more volume in the foredeck. The bow is noticeably fuller, particularly at the waterline. Another defining feature is the striking negative stem, almost in the shape of a canoe bow: a strong visual statement, sporty, aggressive and decidedly distinctive. Perhaps this is precisely what explains the ‘Leopard’ suffix.
Improvements have also been made to the underwater hull and rigging: the keel has been lengthened by 10 centimetres to a draught of 1.70 metres; alternatively, a flat keel with a draught of 1.30 metres is available. When it comes to flexible keel systems, the shipyard continues to take a firm stance. Saffier remains steadfast in its rejection of lifting or pivoting keels, which are offered as an option on many competing boats of this size. Movable underwater constructions are functionally too prone to failure, technically too complex and therefore ultimately too expensive, according to the argument from IJmuiden. However, this stance does have a downside in terms of ease of trailering and the ability to launch the boat via a ramp. Saffier accepts this compromise very consciously and remains true to its own product philosophy.
Facilities and prices
- Base price ex-shipyard: €136,255
- Price, ready to sail: €144,690
- Warranty/against osmosis: 2 out of 2 years
As of 2026, you can read about how the prices shown are defined here!
Compared to the previous model, the mast is also around one metre taller. A high-quality Seldén twin-sail rig is fitted as standard, with a carbon-fibre mast from the same manufacturer available as an option. The rigging options are equally versatile. In the standard version, the Saffier comes with a self-tacking jib and a Dacron mainsail, a suitable configuration for straightforward, single-handed day sailing. For a sportier setup as a club racer, a genoa is available as an option, combined with infinitely adjustable 2D clew points and additional sheet winches on the cabin superstructure to the side of the companionway.
The cockpit layout also demonstrates just how thoroughly Saffier has tailored the new SE 28 to suit a variety of usage profiles. The boat comes fitted with a tiller as standard, though twin steering wheels are available as an option – a unique feature in this size class, as other boats usually lack the space for this. The major advantage is that the passageways in the cockpit remain unobstructed. The demand for this configuration speaks for itself: with a few exceptions, all orders placed so far have been for models with steering wheels.
Despite their small diameter, the wheels provided surprisingly good feedback during the YACHT test off IJmuiden. In ideal conditions on the North Sea, the new Saffier proved to be agile, lively and responsive. A light rudder feel makes it easy to steer the boat perfectly on the windward side whilst achieving maximum performance. Active and ambitious sailors will also appreciate the impeccable trimming systems. With the long traveller on the aft deck and the high-ratio backstay tensioner, the sail profiles can be adjusted perfectly.
Remarkable performance
In winds of 12 to 15 knots (Beaufort scale 4), the little Saffier, equipped with a self-tacking jib, manages a respectable 6.2 knots close-hauled. Even more astonishing are the turning angles, which settle at just 70 degrees. These are impressive performance figures for a boat of this size. The design also impresses with impeccable seakeeping in the waves. Despite its full bow, the short boat cuts through the roughly one-metre-high waves surprisingly smoothly and shows hardly any tendency to pitch. Under gennaker, the Saffier can be pushed to just under double-digit figures on the log in moderate conditions, which also marks the transition to planing. The raised forefoot and the flat frame help the boat to break free from the wave action.
When it comes to handling, the Saffier relies on short distances and a tidy deck layout. Sheets and halyards are routed through the cabin superstructure, concealed by the mast base, and run under the coaming towards the stern to the winches directly in front of the helm stations. From there, the helmsman has everything well within reach, making operation easy even for single-handed sailors. Those seeking greater comfort can also opt for Seldén winches with electric drives, operated at the touch of a button. The winches are also available with a rewind function and dual-side operation. With a little practice, this convenient ‘sail-at-the-touch-of-a-button’ system works very well even on this small boat. Demand is correspondingly high: all 34 boats ordered to date will be fitted with them. However, the stopper batteries and winches are positioned very close together, and with five lines on each side, operating the functions can sometimes be a bit fiddly.
The inner workings of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard
Below deck, the SE 28 Leopard offers a surprisingly comfortable layout for a boat of this size. There is sleeping accommodation for up to four adults in the forepeak and on the long sofa berths that extend well into the stern. There is also a sink, a generously sized fridge compartment and, on request, a toilet housed beneath the berth boards in the forepeak. Compared to the previous model, the space on offer is noticeably more generous. The increased width and headroom are immediately noticeable below deck. The height between the seating and the ceiling is around 80 centimetres – enough to sit comfortably and upright.
There are cheaper alternatives in this class. However, the SE 28 Leopard counters this with a comprehensive range of standard features, solid build quality and a well-thought-out overall package. Its excellent sailing characteristics and wide range of uses make it even more appealing. Saffier Yachts thus proves once again why the shipyard is regarded as the benchmark in the daysailer segment.
YACHT review of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard
Its versatility and wide range of uses make the Saffier Daysailer something special. And this smart Dutch yacht is a great sailor too.
Design and concept
Highly versatile design
Perfect for one-handed use
No variable attachments
Sailing performance and trim
Agile handling
Excellent performance close to the wind
Perfect trimming facilities
Housing and build quality
Berths for up to four people
Surprisingly spacious inside
Good build quality
Equipment and technology
Diesel or electric motor
Dual steering wheels are possible
Limited space around the winches
The Saffier SE 28 Leopard in detail
Technical specifications of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard
- Design engineer: Hennevanger
- CE design category: C
- Fuselage length: 8.40 m
- Total length: 9.20 m
- Waterline length: 7.68 m
- Width: 2.70 m
- Draught/alternatively: 1.70/1.30 m
- Mast height above waterline: 13.00 m
- Theoretical airspeed: 6.7 knots
- Weight: 2.2 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 750 kg/34%
- Mainsail: 26.0 m²
- Self-tacking jib (standard): 14.0 m²
- Genoa (110%): 16.0 m²
- Code Zero: 46.0 m²
- Gennaker: 69.0 m²
- Engine (Yanmar): 10 kW/14 hp
Hull and deck construction
GRP sandwich constructions with a foam core, laminated using the vacuum infusion process. Solid laminate in the keel and rudder shaft area. Lead keel.
Rig and sails
A twin-sail aluminium rig from Seldén, fitted as standard with a self-tacking jib. The carbon-fibre mast of the same height (also from Seldén) costs around €16,600 extra. A basic set of Dacron sails (mainsail and jib) is included. An upgrade to 3Di sails from North Sails is available for an additional €9,800.
Engine options
Inboard diesel engine (Yanmar 2YM15) with Saildrive or electric drive from Mitek, delivering 7.5 kW of power. Both engine options are included in the base price. The buyer is free to choose.
Shipyard and Sales
Saffier Yachts B.V., 1976 IJmuiden (Netherlands), www.saffieryachts.com
A bit of competitive sailing fun: The competition
Cape Cod 767
A smart all-rounder from the Rosewest shipyard in France. With an integral swivel keel and a trailing rudder blade, this lightweight boat is easy to trailer. A slip-in cabin provides two berths. Read the YACHT review here.
Domani S 30 Sport
An attractive weekender from Belgium with many distinctive visual and design features. In testing, the boat demonstrates sporty and well-balanced sailing characteristics. Simple interior layout with four berths. Click here to take the test.
Lago 26 Speedster
A stylish and high-performance daysailer from Austria, based on the older Lago 26. Fitted with a lifting keel and a detachable rudder blade, the boat can be easily launched and towed. You can read the review here.
Sunbeam 29.1
A directly comparable recreational boat from Austria featuring a swing keel, twin wheels and a customisable design. The GT version is lighter and available with a fixed keel and tiller. Fitted out for cruising, it accommodates four people. Read the review here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Insure a Saffier SE 28 Leopard from €870.35 per year* – third-party liability and comprehensive cover. A wide range of options available: skipper’s liability cover for occasional charter trips. Get a quote and take out a policy online: yachting24.de
* Offer from Yachting24 valid for a sum insured of €136,000 (at current market value), excess: €800, third-party liability cover: €8 million.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
