Design and Lineage
The basic hull dates to 2011, when the first Saare 38 was built as the yard’s second development after the inaugural Saare 41 CC. Yachting Monthly’s editors noted that the 38 shows a modern cruiser needn’t have chines, an ultra-wide transom, or twin rudders to look the part.
Instead, the Saare takes a very classic Scandinavian approach. It has a single, skeg-free spade rudder controlled by a central wheel, a deck-stepped mast, and a hull whose shape changes little when heeled—one reason testers found the boat so balanced. Sailing for Yachting Monthly, David Harding judged the 38 better balanced than the 41, though he noted that differences in setup may have played a part.
The yard builds closer to five than ten hulls a year. The 38 is the smallest and most approachable model in a range extending to 47 feet.
Construction, Finish, and Cockpit Protection
Every Saare uses foam-sandwich construction. On the 38, a Divinycell core makes the hull and deck markedly stiffer and stronger while also providing excellent acoustic and thermal insulation. The 38.2 generation is built using modern vacuum infusion.
Below, the interior is entirely wood, with no bare fiberglass visible anywhere. Early boats were finished exclusively in Khaya mahogany. Later examples have also appeared in light oak, some with horizontal grain, and both mahogany and European oak are available for the joinery.
High, wide cockpit coamings and a fixed windscreen, in the manner of Hallberg-Rassy or Najad, shelter the crew. The cockpit itself is ergonomic, safe, and comfortable.
Rig, Helm, and Performance
The fractional sloop rig is supported by generously sized winches, fittings, and rollers, arranged so the boat can be handled single-handed. A mainsheet arch is neatly integrated into the front of the sprayhood. Behind the wheel, the helmsman can always find a secure position, whether standing or seated.
Under sail, the Saare 38 cruises close to the wind at a convincing angle and stays fast in all conditions. The hull’s steady shape when heeled contributes to its well-balanced feel, and the boat sails safely and comfortably even in rough seas.
no-frills-sailing.com described the 38 as oriented toward long-distance cruising, very seaworthy, and optimized for all-round performance. It found the boat a little less lively than a Linjett, but sturdier in heavy weather.
Accommodations
The Saare 38 is laid out as a proper cruising yacht for two to four people. Forward, the owner’s berth shares the area with a very spacious wet room. The heads faces forward and can be used under way, while a large, separable shower area sits ahead of the main bulkhead.
In the saloon, two-meter settees face a modular table. The L-shaped galley to port includes a 92-liter fridge, a concealed trash bin, and a seawater foot pump. A two-burner gas stove is standard, although an induction cooktop has also been shown.
A proper chart table sits to starboard beside the companionway. Aft of it, a double cabin provides accommodation for guests or children. To port aft, a walk-in locker opens from the galley, supplemented by additional storage boxes in the stern.
The 38.2 can be ordered in a strictly owner-only configuration with only the forward cabin, or with the portside guest cabin. All interior lights are LED units with integrated USB sockets.
Verdict
The Saare 38 is a quietly persuasive Baltic cruiser: modest in production, serious in construction, and traditional in layout, yet thoroughly modern in its easy sail handling and sea-kindly balance. It should appeal to sailors who prefer a proven Scandinavian hull to showroom trends.
Pros
- Foam-sandwich construction with a Divinycell core, providing stiffness and genuine thermal and acoustic insulation
- Classic all-wood interior with no exposed fiberglass, available in oak or mahogany
- Hull shape that remains stable when heeled, contributing to the boat’s noted balance and composure in rough weather
- Single-handed-friendly deck layout with oversized, well-positioned winches and fittings
- Forward wet room with heads usable under way and a large, separable shower, well suited to cruising for two to four
Cons
- Not a lively sportboat; it is deliberately sturdier and slower to respond than a Linjett
- Low-volume production means limited choice on the brokerage market and slow yard-support cycles
- Later oak interiors and synthetic decking reflect a build evolution unavailable to buyers of early boats
