The first Saffier 33 UD has arrived in Australia, and some of the Eyachts team took her out for the first shakedown sail. It was amazing to get a feel for what these impressive yachts. This boat sails phenomenally, exceeding wind speed with the code zero, and with the jib out, even in the light winds the boat was travelling very fast. This is all testament to the fantastic design and light weight of the Saffier, especially with the optional carbon rig.
Peter Hrones, Eyachts managing director said “There’s not much wind as you can see but this particular boat has the upgraded Elvstrom Sails which are quite impressive, as well as, the selden carbon rig and black painted aluminium boom. She’s beautiful to sail. Very easy. It’s definitely a single-handed boat. You have the reversing electric winches all easily accessible from the helm. As for comfort, this aft lounge is perfect for relaxation, the cockpit is enormous probably two-thirds of the actual length of the boat which is 33 feet, so there’s about 20 feet of cockpit. We are going 7.2 knots in 6.3 knots of wind, so we’re going a lot faster than the actual wind. She’s beautiful and so light”
Ross Turner, Eyachts general manager who was also onboard explained. “We now have 9 to10 knots of breeze, close hauled and heading up wind at about five and a half to six and a half knots, consistently gliding through the waters. Downwind with the code zero up we were exceeding wind speed.
This Saffier has taken maybe a week and a half, maybe two weeks at the most to actually put together from commission to sea trial. The assembly and quality control is very quick for a boat of this type. The quality that it came out of the factory with was superb. The finish of it throughout has been excellent. There really hasn’t been a great deal we’ve had to do other than put the rig together, give her a clean, do the engine PDI, and the electrical calibrations. We are very impressed.”
This carbon hybrid yacht is one of the fastest daysailers on the water. From behind the steering wheel, everything is at your control, all sheets, halyards and trimlines are running underdeck back to the helmsman position.
Down below are accomodations for the family to stay overnight. The toilet is easily accessible for use day and night. In the galley, you are able to prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is a lot of natural light from the iconic hull windows.
In the cockpit you will find ergonomic cockpit seats, a large sunbathing area with cushions, and if needed a bimini for protections of the sun. All controls, instruments and even an integrated fridge is accessible from the helmsman’s position. From the wide sundeck you and your family have easy access to the water.
Saffier Yachts is a family business:
Dennis, Richard and Dean Hennevanger
Saffier 33 UD Specifications
Draft – 1.40 / 1.70 / 2.10 m
Ballast – 1.250 kg
Mainsail – 33 m² Genaker – 95 m²
Self-tacking jib – 23.5 m²
Watertank – 60 L Fueltank – 40L
Contact Eyachts for more: bo***@ey*****.au or explore the website www.eyachts.com.au
Published in print July-September 2022
