When it comes to daysailers, there is no way around a brand from Holland: Saffier Yachts. No other manufacturer has focussed so consistently on this segment and shaped the market with innovative, style-defining designs. Accordingly, the name Saffier is almost inevitable in this context.
Since their beginnings almost 30 years ago, the yacht builders in IJmuiden have never given up their course. Even with the 46, which was launched last year and is still 14 metres long, the shipyard has stuck to its line. The shipyard has always remained true to the concept of the sporty, comfortable and easy-to-operate daysailer. Only the frame has been extended.
More from the shipyard:
And so it goes on for the Dutch company, which means a new model every year. In 2026, it is the SE 28 Leopard, which celebrated its highly acclaimed premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf. And a successful one at that: 34 orders have been received so far for the new 28, which means that the recently completely rebuilt production facility in IJmuiden is already working at full capacity.
The new SE 28 Leopard is intended to be more than just the next addition to the programme. According to shipyard boss Dennis Hennevanger, the boat brings together all the experience that his shipyard has gained in almost three decades of building daysailers. His own judgement is correspondingly confident: "This is the best boat we have ever built." In fact, the concept is unusually diversified. The SE 28 not only wants to function as a classic daysailer for fast sailing fun after work, but also as a club racer, a weekender or an uncomplicated family boat. The wide range of equipment options and numerous customisation options match this.
Measurement results from the test
Although the concept is familiar compared to the predecessor model SE 27 Leisure, the shipyard has significantly sharpened the proportions. With an unchanged length of 8.40 metres, the hull has gained 15 centimetres in width and the freeboard has increased by a further 15 centimetres, which is quite a lot for the length class and is also visually recognisable. There is also more volume in the foredeck. The bow is significantly fuller, especially in the waterline area. The striking negative stem, almost in the shape of a canoe bow, is also characteristic: visually a strong statement, sporty, aggressive and decidedly independent. Perhaps this is precisely what explains the addition of the name Leopard.
Improvements have also been made under water and to the rigging: The keel has grown by 10 centimetres to a draught of 1.70 metres, with a flat keel of 1.30 metres available as an alternative. The shipyard continues to be crystal clear on the subject of flexible attachments. Saffier continues to consistently reject lifting or swivelling keels, which are at least offered as an option on many competitors' boats of this size. Movable constructions under water are functionally too prone to failure, technically too complex and therefore ultimately too expensive, according to the argumentation from IJmuiden. However, this stance is not without its drawbacks in terms of easy trailerability and the possibility of slipping the boat over a ramp. Saffier consciously accepts this compromise and remains true to its own product philosophy.
Equipment and prices
- Base price ex shipyard: 136.255 €
- Price ready to sail: 144.690 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/2 years
As of 2026, how the prices shown are defined, read here!
Compared to the previous model, the mast has also grown by around one metre. A high-quality twin-reef rig from Seldén is used as standard, while a carbon fibre mast from the same manufacturer is available as an option. The sail options are just as variable. The standard version of the Saffier comes with a self-tacking jib and Dacron mainsail, a suitable configuration for uncomplicated, single-handed daysailing. A genoa is available as an option for the sportier club racer, combined with infinitely adjustable 2D hoisting points and additional sheet winches on the cabin superstructure to the side of the companionway.
The cockpit layout also shows how consistently Saffier has customised the new SE 28 for different usage profiles. The boat is equipped with a tiller at the shipyard and double steering wheels are available as an option - an exclusive variant in this size, as there is usually not enough space for this on other boats. The big advantage: the passages in the cockpit remain free. Demand shows that this configuration is convincing: with a few exceptions, all orders to date have been placed 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 is agile, lively and responsive. Light rudder pressure makes it easy to guide the boat optimally along the wind edge and maximise its performance. Active and ambitious sailors will also be delighted with the impeccable trimming facilities. The sail profiles can be perfectly adjusted with the long traveller on the aft deck and the powerful backstay tensioner.
Remarkable performance
In 12 to 15 knots of wind (4 Beaufort), the small Saffier with self-tacking jib marches hard upwind at 6.2 knots. Even more astonishing are the turning angles, which level off at just 70 degrees. These are remarkable performance values for a boat of this size. The design also impresses with impeccable sea behaviour in the waves. Despite the full bow section, the short boat enters the waves, which are around one metre high, surprisingly smoothly and hardly tends to pitch. Under gennaker, the Saffier can be brought close to double-digit values 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 its wave pattern.
When it comes to handling, Saffier favours short distances and a clean deck layout. Sheets and halyards are concealed by the mast foot inside the cabin superstructure and run aft under the coaming to the winches directly in front of the helm stations. Everything is within easy reach of the helmsman, making operation easy even for single-handed sailors. If you want additional ease of use, the winches (from manufacturer Seldén) are also available with electric drives and can be operated at the touch of a button; the winches are also available with a rewind function and operation from both sides. With a little practice, this form of ultimate push-button sailing also works excellently on a small boat. The customer response has been correspondingly high: all 34 boats ordered to date are equipped with it. However, the stopper batteries and winches are very close together, and with five lines on each side, operating the functions can be a little fiddly at times.
Internal values of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard
Below deck, the SE 28 Leopard offers a surprisingly cosy interior for a boat of this size. There is sleeping space for up to four adults in the foredeck and on the long sofa berths, which extend far aft. There is also a sink, a well-dimensioned refrigerator compartment and, if required, a toilet, which is located under the bunk boards in the foredeck. Compared to the previous model, the available space is noticeably more generous. More width and more height are immediately noticeable below deck. The height between the seats and the roof is around 80 centimetres - enough to sit comfortably and upright.
In terms of price, there are cheaper alternatives in this class. However, the SE 28 Leopard counters with extensive standard equipment, solid build quality and a well thought-out overall package. The good sailing characteristics and the wide range of uses make it even more attractive. Saffier Yachts proves once again why the shipyard is regarded as the benchmark in the daysailer segment.
YACHT review of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard
Its multifunctionality and wide range of uses make the daysailer from Saffier something special. And the smart Dutchwoman can sail well too.
Design and concept
Very versatile orientation
Ultimately suitable for one-handed use
No variable attachments
Sailing performance and trim
Agile sailing characteristics
Very good height upwind
Perfect trimming facilities
Living and finishing quality
Berths for up to four people
Amazingly spacious inside
Good expansion quality
Equipment and technology
Diesel or electric motor
Double steering wheels possible
Little space at the winches
The Saffier SE 28 Leopard in detail
Technical data of the Saffier SE 28 Leopard
- Design engineer: Hennevanger
- CE design category: C
- Torso length: 8,40 m
- Total length: 9,20 m
- Waterline length: 7,68 m
- Width: 2,70 m
- Draught/alternative: 1,70/1,30 m
- Mast height above WL: 13,00 m
- Theor. torso speed: 6.7 kn
- Weight: 2,2 t
- Ballast/proportion: 750 kg/34 %
- Mainsail: 26,0 m²
- Self-tacking jib (Std.): 14,0 m²
- Genoa (110 %): 16,0 m²
- Code Zero: 46,0 m²
- Gennaker: 69,0 m²
- machine (Yanmar): 10 kW/14 hp
Hull and deck construction
GRP sandwich constructions with foam core, laminated using the vacuum infusion process. Solid laminate in the keel and rudder shaft area. Lead keel.
Rig and sail
Two-beam aluminium rig from manufacturer Seldén as standard with self-tacking jib. The carbon fibre mast of the same height (also from Seldén) costs around 16,600 euros extra. A single set of Dacron sails (main and jib) is included in the scope of delivery. The upgrade to 3Di sails from North Sails is available for an additional €9,800.
Motorisation
Built-in diesel (Yanmar 2YM15) with Saildrive or electric drive from manufacturer Mitek with 7.5 kW output. Both engine variants are included in the basic price. The buyer is free to choose.
Shipyard and distribution
Saffier Yachts B.V., 1976 IJmuiden (Netherlands), www.saffieryachts.com
Sporty sailing fun for in between: The competition
Cape Cod 767
Smart all-rounder from the Rosewest shipyard in France. With an integral swivelling keel and an attached rudder blade, the lightweight boat is easy to trailer. A slip cabin offers two berths. Read the YACHT test here.
Domani S 30 Sport
Attractive weekender from Belgium with many visual and conceptual features. In the test, the boat showed sporty and balanced sailing characteristics. Simple interior design with four berths. Click here for the test.
Lago 26 Speedster
Pretty and powerful daysailer from Austria based on the older Lago 26. Equipped with a lifting keel and an attached rudder blade, the boat can be easily slipped and trailered. You can read the test here.
Sunbeam 29.1
Directly comparable sports boat from Austria with swivelling keel, double wheels and individual design. The GT version is lighter and available with a fixed keel and tiller. Suitable for touring for four people. Read the test here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Saffier SE 28 Leopard insurance from 870.35 euros per year* - liability and hull. Many options available: skipper liability for the occasional charter cruise. Simply calculate online and take out cover: yachting24.de
* Yachting24 offer valid for a sum insured of EUR 136,000 (with current value cover), excess: EUR 800, liability cover: EUR 8 million.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
