Every Saffier yacht carries a long story of passion, craftsmanship and adventure. It all started when Richard Hennevanger, only twelve years old, bought his first boat 'the Rainbow' with the help of his father. It was hardly more than a pile of scrap wood, but with dedication and countless hours of work, father and son brought her back to life. When a passing coaster spotted her off the IJmuiden estuary, the captain fell in love, bought her on the spot and hoisted her aboard. Richard’s love for boats and the sea was sealed for life.
From dream to reality: a story born at sea
“The Rainbow wasn’t just a boat—it was the spark that ignited a passion that would define our family’s future”
RICHARD (Founder)
Expanding horizons
After his service in 1961, Richard and his wife moved to Australia, where he founded his first yard. By the mid-sixties, his team of fifteen craftsmen produced around forty yachts a year, including the Santana: a cabin sailing yacht of 9.50 to 11 meters. He worked closely with designers on special one-offs over twelve meters, drawing inspiration from figures like Bob Miller — later known as Ben Lexcen, the designer of the legendary Australia II with its winged keel that broke America’s dominance in the America’s Cup. Together, Richard and Bob dreamed up a new yacht for Richard’s next big goal: to sail around the world with his family.
In 1972 the Hennevanger family sold everything they owned in Australia and returned to the Netherlands to build this dream yacht: a 16-meter ketch named Spirit of Sydney. Within a year she was launched, and for eight years Richard, his wife and their sons Dennis and Dean sailed the world’s oceans. Along the way, the boys grew up at sea — learning to sail, navigate and moor the yacht blindfolded, while their mother taught them reading and writing on board.
Building the Saffier Yachts legacy
When they returned to the Netherlands in 1980, Richard launched a new yard. Dean chose naval engineering and Dennis trained as a mate, while also becoming a three-time Dutch windsurfing champion and twice European champion. Dean soon built his first boat: a 9-meter catamaran named Hotlegs, which turned heads on the IJsselmeer as he blasted past sailors at over 20 knots. Dennis, meanwhile, worked as captain on large yachts in the Mediterranean, but his passion for designing never faded.
In 1999, the brothers joined forces again to launch the first Saffier model: the Saffier 6.50. To prove her seaworthiness, Dennis crossed the North Sea from IJmuiden to Lowestoft in a force 7 south-westerly — 110 miles without a hitch. Encouraged by her success, they introduced the Saffier 8.00 in 2002, designed by their father. The boat was nominated Boat of the Year in 2003 and European Boat of the Year 2004. Demand soared, and by 2005 the 100th Saffier 6.50 left the yard. New models followed, including the Saffier 32 — with buyers lining up even before the first hull was finished. Orders soon came from all over Europe, America and the Caribbean.
“All we wanted was to build a boat to enjoy a day's sail around the IJmuiden bay.'
Dennis Hennevanger
Explore the journey
The story of Saffier Yachts is built on decades of passion, craftsmanship and continuous development. From the early days in small yards to becoming a respected name in sailing, every step reflects a commitment to quality and innovation. To understand how Saffier Yachts evolved and what defines us today, take a closer look at our detailed timeline. Discover the milestones, breakthroughs and key moments that have shaped the legacy and spirit of Saffier Yachts.
View our timeline
Discover the milestones that shaped Saffier Yachts from the very beginning