SAFFIER SL 46
Dutch yard Saffier have a reputation for stylish, quick day sailers. While their origins lie in their smaller 6.5m and 8m cabin boats, the yard has seen real growth in its SE range, standing for Saffier Elegance.
These boats are highly refined day sailers that merely nod to the possibility of staying on board overnight if required. They focus instead on large cockpits and ample space for entertaining, especially on their large aft decks. This is achieved by pushing the helm forwards into the centre of the boat.
The SE 27 and SE 33 have been around for a while now, and have impressed with lively performance, while being easy to single hand. The newer SE 24 Lite offers a sportier experience, while the SE 37 Lounge does just that, with a vast cockpit and a very comfortable lounge below, with enough space to boil a kettle or pop champagne.
The SL 46 (Saffier Luxury) is Saffier’s first foray into large cruising yachts. While the boat retains the distinctive helm position ahead of the mainsheet and large lounging area aft, the SL 46 is much more on a par with other performance cruisers this size. Styling is distinctly modern, using clean, minimal lines and ‘luxury materials’ to create ‘wow factor’ amid a sensible layout.
The boat comes in two variants - Med and North in recognition of where most of their clients are likely to cruise. The big difference between the two is the wide open transom with easy access to the water of the Med version. On the North version, the aft deck has been raised to create a tender garage beneath cushioned lounging space.
Performance promises to be lively. Vacuuminfused vinylester resin over a Divinycell core has kept the weight under 11 tonnes with a 30% ballast ratio in a 2.2m cast iron keel and a lead bulb for a lower centre of gravity.
Below decks, there’s a spacious galley, large saloon with chart table, and what looks like good amounts of stowage. An owner’s cabin forward is huge, and includes a dressing table and sink, though no heads, sharing instead the aft heads with the two double cabins.
This is new ground for Saffier, but it looks to be a top-quality yacht for proper cruising and fun sailing, if the numbers and Saffier’s track record are anything to go by.