SE 33 (Saffier) Information, Review, Specs

The Saffier SE 33 was introduced in 2012, marking a significant addition to Saffier Yachts' esteemed line of daysailers. The company, officially adopting the "Saffier Yachts" name in 1999, has a deep-rooted family history in yacht building stretching back to the 1950s. Their design philosophy, largely steered by the in-house expertise of the Hennevanger brothers, centers on simplicity of sailing and handling, striking aesthetics, and unwavering performance. The SE 33 itself has seen evolution, with the more recent "SE 33 Life" model building upon the success of its predecessor and further refining the concept of a high-end, performance-oriented daysailer. Saffier's commitment to advanced manufacturing techniques, including vacuum-built methods for the hull, ensures a stable, light, and safe sailing yacht.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Saffier SE 33 is engineered for spirited performance, evidenced by its carefully balanced design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.0, the SE 33 boasts excellent light-air performance, allowing it to move efficiently even in gentle breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.39 indicates a stable and stiff boat, capable of standing up well to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 127 classifies the SE 33 as a relatively light and performance-oriented yacht for its size, rather than a heavy cruiser.

Anecdotal reports from sailing reviews consistently praise the SE 33 for its poised and pleasant handling characteristics, even in choppy head seas where it reportedly slices through waves with a "knife-like" ability. Reviewers highlight its excellent sailing performance, noting that performance takes precedence over extensive accommodation. The design also incorporates features that allow for extreme stability and the ability to be easily sailed single-handed, a hallmark of Saffier's design philosophy. In optimal conditions, such as surfing waves, the boat has been known to achieve impressive speeds, reportedly pushing into the high teens.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Saffier SE 33's primary focus is on exceptional sailing performance and an expansive, open cockpit experience, it still offers a practical and comfortable interior for a daysailer or sporty weekender. The cabin layout of the SE 33 and its successor, the SE 33 Life, is designed to be functional and provide essential amenities, often described as a "simple interior" yet one that contains "everything you need inside". Saffier has even offered two distinct interior layouts for the SE 33 Life to cater to different preferences. These accommodations typically include basic comforts such as a refrigerator, affirming its capability for short overnight stays or extended day trips. The design prioritizes the overall sailing experience, with the interior serving as a practical and well-finished space rather than extensive living quarters.