Tijdlijn Archive | Saffier Yachts

1960

Introduction of the Saffier SE 33 Life

Building upon the success of previous models, the SE 33 launched, offering enhanced speed, easy handling, and spacious cockpit, setting a new standard for daysailers.

Building dreams in Sydney

In 1960 Richard Hennevanger opens his first yard in Sydney, Australia. He builds the Santana 22 and 26 ft, marking the start of a lifelong dedication to yacht building.

1960

1965

Dennis is born

In 1965 Dennis Hennevanger is born in Mona Vale Hospital, Australia.

Dean is born

Dean Hennevanger is born in the same hospital in Mona Vale, Australia.

1968

Working on Gretel 2

Richard Hennevanger works on Gretel 2, a 12-metre class yacht built to challenge for the 1970 America’s Cup. Gretel 2 becomes the first non-US challenger to win a race in the finals.

Collaboration with ben lexcen

During the Gretel 2 campaign, Richard Hennevanger met Bob Miller, who later changed his name to Ben Lexcen. Lexcen became famous as the designer of Australia 2, the groundbreaking yacht that ended 132 years of American dominance by winning the America’saking the trophy to Australia. Together, they designed a 56-foot ketch to fulfill Richard’s dream of sailing around the world with his family. Cup and t

1970

1972

Spirit of Sydney launched

The 56 ft ketch Spirit of Sydney is completed and ready to take the family on a circumnavigation adventure around the world.

Family sets sail around the world

The Hennevanger family with father Richard, mother Beatrice and sons Dennis and Dean spend eight years sailing around the world together.

1972

1980

Settling in the Netherlands

It’s time for Dennis and Dean to get a formal education. The family sells Spirit of Sydney and moves to the Netherlands to start a new chapter.

Windsurfing success

Dennis competes as a semi-pro windsurfer, winning three national titles and two European titles, all while studying to become a maritime officer.

1980

1982

Richard starts a small boatyard in IJmuiden, focusing on maintenance for the fishing fleet, coast guard and pilot boats.

Catamaran ‘Hot Legs’ launched

Dean works with his father while studying naval architecture. His first project is building a radical catamaran named Hot Legs.

1984

1986

Maritime experience grows

Richard keeps building and maintaining boats together with Dean, while Dennis works as first mate and skipper on some of the first mega sailing yachts, up to 120 feet.

New IJmuiden marina

A new marina is being developed in IJmuiden, finally providing a nearby place to berth pleasure boats. Inspired by this, Richard decides to build a small but seaworthy sailboat, saying in his own words: “I want to build a small boat to enjoy a day sailing around IJmuiden bay."

1997

1998

Saffier Yachts is born

Dennis and Dean decide that this small sailing boat looks so good, it's a shame not to show it on a boat show. During a family meeting with some good wine, they decide on the name Saffier. Later that night, Dennis sketches a simple diamond-shaped logo. The name Saffier Yachts and the logo turn out to be easy to pronounce in many languages and instantly recognizable on the sails.

First show and orders

In March, the Saffier 6.50 is presented at the Hiswa Boatshow in Amsterdam. Within two months, the first 15 orders come in. The Hennevanger family begins series production, drawing on the experience Richard gained during his years in Australia.

1998

2000

Proving seaworthiness

In May, Dennis sails the Saffier 6.50 from IJmuiden to Lowestoft facing 28-knot winds and 2-3 meter waves. The Saffier 6.50 shows its excellent seaworthiness. Articles in Telegraaf and Waterkampioen follow, boosting sales. Hull number 50 is delivered the same year.

Family handover

Dennis and Dean take over the yard from their father. Meanwhile, Richard enjoys sailing with his wife in the Caribbean but remains available to advise the boys whenever needed.

2001

2003

Launch Saffier 8 meter

A new model is launched, the Saffier 8 meter. Out of five yachts nominated, she is selected as a contender for Dutch yacht of the year. A total of 50 units are produced before production ends in 2009.

Introduction Saffier Se 26ft

The saffier se 26 feet was a breakthrough in daysailing, designed so all lines lead to the helm for easy solo sailing. It was one of the first 26-foot boats to feature a wheel. Setting a new standard, it won the prestigious European yacht of the year award. Over 140 units were built before production ended in 2020.

2008

2009

International breakthrough

Winning the European Yacht of the Year with the Saffier SE 26 brought the yard into the international spotlight. Orders started pouring in from around the world, making the Saffier name widely recognized across the globe.

Switch to esthec decking

Dennis and Dean decide to stop using teak for the yacht decks. Instead, they choose Esthec, an artificial teak substitute. Esthec proves to be the best in its class and is now used on every Saffier yacht to this day.

2010

2011

First electric daysailer

The Saffier Se 23 is launched and wins European Yacht of the Year 2011 by unanimous jury decision. She’s the first Saffier fitted with electric propulsion and is built as sustainably as possible for her time.

Rebranding

The yard rebrands its models into two lines: Saffier Elegance (Se) and Saffier Classic (Sc). The Se line represents modern design, while the Sc line keeps a timeless classic look.

2012

Saffier Nitro is built

The Saffier Nitro is built as a one-off racing yacht. Over the years, Nitro wins numerous medals in major regattas like Cowes Week, Kieler Woche, the North Sea Regatta and many more. Nitro also serves as a testing ground for new ideas and equipment, helping the yard stay ahead in technology and design.

Launch Saffier Se 33 UD and Sc 8m Cabin

Marks the launch of the Saffier Se 33 UD and the Saffier Sc 8m Cabin. Both yachts are praised by international media and win several awards. The Se 33 UD is the first Saffier that can plane fully while being sailed single-handed. 80 Se 33 UDs are built, while the Sc 8m Cabin remains in production with over 100 units delivered so far.

2013

2018

Debut Düsseldorf boat show

The Saffier Se 37 Lounge makes her debut at the international Düsseldorf Boat Show. With twin wheels placed mid-cockpit and a fast hull, she delivers high speed while remaining easy to sail single-handed. Her large, open cockpit offers plenty of space to enjoy a day on the water with 8 to 10 guests.

Richard passes away

Marks the passing of Richard Hennevanger. His funeral is held at the yard, where family, friends and many others pay their last respects to a great man. Local newspapers honour him for his achievements and his humble, peaceful spirit.

2020

Launch Saffier SE 27 Leisure

The Saffier Se 27 Leisure is launched. Never before did the yard collect so many orders at the Düsseldorf Boat Show. With her sleek design and attention to detail, she becomes the roadster of yachts and is quickly nominated Yacht of the Year.

Saffier SE 27 Leisure wins

After testing in La Rochelle by the EYOTY jury, the Se 27 Leisure is awarded Yacht of the Year. Meanwhile, over 100 orders have been placed for this model.

2021

Saffier SE 33 Life wins

The Saffier Se 33 Life follows up the Se 33 UD and takes the EYOTY prize in January 2022. No yard has ever won this top award two years in a row. With 6 nominations and 4 wins, Saffier ranks among Europe’s top yards today.

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