Yacht Feature- Saffier Se 23, European Yacht of the Year

by Nancy Knudsen on 2 Apr 2011 On 22nd January this year, the Saffier Se 23 beat the Corsair 750 DASH, the J 95, the Knierim P33 and the M 34 as the European Yacht of the Year in the 'special yacht' class. Dennis and Dean Hennevanger received the prize on behalf of the company.

So what made 10 journalists from European magazines, choose the Saffier 23 for this prestigious prize?

You could say because of the quality, the harmonic lines, the great sailing performance and its silent electric engine, but the new Saffier 23 is just a great small yacht to enjoy a nice day of sailing with friends or family, but also to finish with results while racing around the cans. There are other top features as well, so read on, after watching this video which was made BEFORE the yacht won the prestigious award:



Classical influences:
The Saffier 23 ft might be a modern build yacht but it also has beautiful harmonic lines with classical influences. The modern underwater hull has low displacement and the combination with a state of the art rig will give her striking performances while looking graceful on the water. With her narrow entry bow the Saffier 23 ft cuts easily through choppy waves while maintaining her speed.

Performance:
A lot of thought has been given to the hull lines transcending from the modern bow to the classic stern. Under 10 % heel she will use her full water length sailing up wind and perform above her polarities. Downwind she will match her polarities up to 15 knots of wind. The keel is a fix modern shaped bulbkeel of 1 m depth which ensures a high stability curve. This will increase the comfort on board and will ensure that the Saffier 23 ft is seaworthy.

Engine:
A unique point of the Saffier Se 23 is the electrical propulsion.
As silent as sailing, much cleaner then a fuel driven engine and minimal maintenance. The Saffier Se 23 ft can move forward for 4 hours under electric propulsion. A second battery can be added for longer voyages. The battery’s are very easily accessible and can be charged by shore power. Additionally the can be charged by solar panel or by simply replacing the lightweight battery (14 kg!!) and charge back home.

Hull and Keel:
With her narrow entry bow the Saffier Se 23 ft cuts easily through choppy waves while maintaining her speed. A lot of thought has been given to the hull lines transcending from the modern bow to the classic stern. Under 10 % heel she will use her full water length sailing up wind and perform above her polarities. Downwind she will match her polarities up to 15 knots of wind.
The keel is a fix modern shaped bulbkeel of 1 m depth which ensures a high stability curve.
This will increase the comfort on board and will ensure that the Saffier Se 23 ft is seaworthy.

Cockpit for six:
The cockpit is very large with two ergonomic benches which extend al the way to the stern. Because of this there is a large area to sit or, for that matter, to lay down with your back comfortably resting to the end of the stern. The cockpit area can fit six adults. For the anchor there is an anchor well which is integrated in the deck. When you want to sail more sportily the deck and cockpit coming is designed to sit over it comfortably.

Sails:
The Saffier Se 23 ft can easily be sailed by one person. The helmsman has the tiller, mainsheet and the sheet of the self tacking jib right at their hands.
Central behind the coach roof there are 2 winches easy accessible to hoist the mainsails and unfurl the jib The furling system of the jib is placed underneath deck. All lines can be stowed away in the sides of the cockpit ensuring a rope free cockpit floor. All lines run underneath the roof or the deck. A genaker can be set on a genaker pole. For the more performance orientated sailors a( optional) light genua (non self tacking) and spinnaker can be set.

Room for sleeping two:
Underneath the front deck there is sleeping space for two for that hideaway weekend, and can be used to stuff your sail and clothing wardrobe. Under the decksides there is enough space for fenders, mooring lines and stuff you want in your immediate surroundings. In the back bench there is a hatch for additional storage.

Technical Specifications:
LOA: 7.11 m
Length waterline: 6.21 m
Beam overall: 2.23 m
Draught: 1 m
Unloaden weight: 1100 kg
Ballast: 510 kg
Mainsail: 16.4 sqm

For more information, go to the www.saffieryachts.com!Saffier_Yachts_website.
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