As a distinguished name in the world of yachting, Saffier Yachts has carved out a unique niche, synonymous with elegant daysailers that marry classic aesthetics with cutting-edge performance. From its humble beginnings in the Netherlands to its current status as a global leader, the story of Saffier is one of passion, family dedication, and an unwavering commitment to sailing perfection.
The lineage of Saffier Yachts traces back further than its official founding year of 1972, with the family's deep-rooted connection to the marine world beginning in the 1950s. The patriarch, Richard Hennevanger, ignited this legacy, notably purchasing his first boat, the "Rainbow," at the tender age of twelve. This early immersion set the course for a lifelong pursuit. In 1972, the Hennevanger family took a pivotal step, selling their belongings in Australia and moving to the Netherlands with the express purpose of building yachts. Today, the company remains a proud family affair, steered by Richard's sons, Dean and Dennis Hennevanger. Dean, a naval architect, alongside his brother Dennis, spearheads the design and direction of Saffier's new generation of daysailers.
History and Evolution
While the family's yacht-building journey began in 1972, the name "Saffier Yachts" as it is known today was officially adopted in 1999. Over the decades, Saffier Maritiem has consistently pushed boundaries, moving from custom projects to a distinguished line of production daysailers. A significant milestone arrived in the autumn of 2008 with the introduction of the Saffier Se 26 open daysailer, a design that proved pivotal and was notably created by the Hennevanger brothers themselves. This period marked a clear focus on the distinctive "daysailer" concept that would define the brand. The company's commitment to growth and advanced manufacturing is evident in its recent acquisition of a new, iconic shipyard building in IJmuiden. This expansion supports Saffier's impressive output, with approximately 800 boats built to date, and a remarkable 163 boats sold in 2023 alone.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Saffier Yachts has cultivated a reputation as the world leader in daysailers, celebrated for creating yachts that are not merely vessels but an experience. Their design philosophy prioritizes easy singlehanded sailing, combining striking aesthetics with strong performance and premium build quality. A hallmark of Saffier's design is the emphasis on the cockpit, meticulously crafted to maximize the enjoyment of sun, water, and wind, reflecting the true essence of daysailing. The yachts elegantly blend beautiful classic lines with state-of-the-art modern technology, ensuring both timeless appeal and effortless operation. Uniquely, Saffier's designs are predominantly conceived in-house by the Hennevanger brothers, leveraging Dean's expertise as a naval architect. This integrated approach allows for a singular vision and consistent adherence to their core principles: comfort, speed, and uncompromising quality.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Saffier Yachts boasts a distinguished fleet of iconic models, many of which have garnered significant acclaim and redefined the daysailer market. The Saffier Se 26, designed by the Hennevanger brothers, was an early success that laid the groundwork for future triumphs. The brand has been a perennial favorite at prestigious industry awards, notably winning the European Yacht of the Year award multiple times. Victories include the Saffier Se 26 in 2009, the Saffier Se 23 in 2011, the Saffier Se 27 Leisure, and the Saffier Se 33 Life, which has won the award on multiple occasions, including in 2022. The Saffier Se 24 Lite was also nominated for the 2024 European Yacht of the Year, underscoring the consistent innovation.
Key models within their range include the versatile Saffier Se 27 Leisure, designed for speed and perfect daysailing, and the Saffier Se 33 Life, celebrated for its performance and comfort. Production numbers for these popular models highlight their success: over 120 units of the Saffier Sc 8m Open (previously Se 26) have been sold, alongside over 180 units of the Saffier Se 27 Leisure, and more than 90 units of the Saffier Se 33 Life. Looking to the future, Saffier is venturing into new territory with the highly anticipated Saffier SL 46, a 46-foot sailing yacht that promises to combine luxury and performance, crafted using advanced laminate techniques.
The Builder Today
Saffier Yachts remains a vibrant, family-owned enterprise, with Dean and Dennis Hennevanger at the helm, continuing their father's legacy. The company has solidified its position as the world leader in daysailers, appealing to discerning sailors who seek an unparalleled blend of comfort, speed, and ease of handling, whether sailing solo or with company. The Saffier ownership experience is highly personalized, allowing clients to tailor their yachts with customized interiors and specialized rigging setups. With a strong presence at international boat shows and a focus on direct engagement, Saffier cultivates a dedicated community of owners who appreciate the brand's commitment to quality and the joy of sailing. With 47 employees and a total of 14 industry awards, Saffier Yachts continues to set the standard for premium daysailers, embodying a "Home of Sailing Dreams."
