A dayboat that does not go unnoticed
Saffier Yachts claims with its slogan to build world class dayboats. The latest Saffier SE 24 Lite, presented at Boot 2023, is indeed elegant and does not go unnoticed. The 8-meter sailboat, with its inverted bow and metallic green hull color, is not for the discrete sailor. We can imagine it very well on the posh waters of the Gulf of Morbihan, the island of Ré or Arcachon, the boat being approved in category D.
Careful construction
The shipyard, located in Ijmuiden in the Netherlands, has been a real success, with well-built boats. To reduce the 2-year delay in its order book, it has expanded its factory to produce 120 boats per year.
The Saffier SE 24 Lite is built in glass-polyester composite infusion, even if its black paint could suggest otherwise. However, it has a displacement of 1200 kg, including 450 of ballast.
With 33 m2 of upwind sail area and the possibility of installing a 48 m2 gennaker, it should offer beautiful day trips. Especially since the sailboat, transportable, can be launched on a trailer from a hold.
An autonomous sailboat
In the specifications for the Saffier SE 24, the shipyard had set itself the goal of making a fully independent sailing boat. By opting for 100% electric propulsion, including a 3 kW Torqeedo pod motor, it was necessary to guarantee autonomy with solar panels, so that customers whose boats are often at anchor in the Dutch inland seas would not have to charge at a pontoon. Solar panels were elegantly integrated into the roof and foredeck via a central black strip in the design. For the electronics and interior lighting, easily removable systems allow charging at home in the evening.
Comfort above all
The large cockpit has large cushions, even at the stern, to provide sunbathing space at anchor. The mainsail track is discreetly integrated. To have a drink while on course, the helmsman even has a drink holder integrated into the coaming!
Inside, the layout is simple, with a front point, coffin berths at the rear and two side benches. The headroom will anyway limit the use of the cabin to occasional nights, but mostly to storage of stuff and equipment.
The Saffier SE 24 is clearly positioned in a niche market, with a price tag to match. This 24-foot dayboat is offered at a price starting in 2023 at 69,900 euros HT.
