Tijdlijn Archive | Page 2 of 4

1960

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.

Dennis is born

In 1965, Dennis Hennevanger was born in Mona Vale Hospital, Australia. Looking at this photo, it’s easy to see that it was immediately clear what Dennis was expected to do with his life.

1965

1968

Dean is born

Dean Hennevanger was born in the same hospital in Mona Vale, Australia. In this picture, he’s shown on his father’s lap, with his uncle and brother sitting beside him.

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.

1968

1970

Collaboration with ben lexcen

During the Gretel 2 campaign, Richard Hennevanger met Bob Miller, later known as Ben Lexcen, designer of Australia 2, the yacht that ended 132 years of American dominance in America’s Cup. Together, they designed a 56-foot ketch to fulfill Richard’s dream of sailing the world with family.

Spirit of Sydney launched

The 56-foot ketch named "Spirit of Sydney" is ready for the circumnavigation.

1972

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.

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.

1980

Windsurfing success

Dennis is heavily into windsurfing and surf as a semi pro to three national titles and 2 European titles. Meanwhile he studies for maritime officer.

Richard Hennevanger

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

1982

1984

Catamaran ‘Hot Legs’ launched

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

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.

1986

1997

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."

Saffier Yachts is born

Dennis and Dean agree their small sailing boat looks so good it should be shown at a boat show. During a family evening with wine, they choose the name Saffier. That night, Dennis sketches a diamond-shaped logo. Both name and logo prove easy to pronounce worldwide and instantly recognizable on sails.

1998

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.

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.

2000

2001

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.

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.

2003

2008

Introduction Saffier Se 26ft

The Saffier Se 26 was a breakthrough in daysailing, with all lines led to the helm for easy solo sailing. One of the first 26-footers with a wheel, it set a new standard and won the prestigious European Yacht of the Year award. Over 140 units were built before production ended in 2020.

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.

2009

2010

Sustainable solutions

The Saffier SE 23 is launched and becomes European Yacht of the Year 2011 by unanimous jury decision. As the first Saffier with electric propulsion and Esthec decks instead of teak, she marks the start of a more sustainable approach that continues in every Saffier yacht today.

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.

Saffier Se 33 UD & Sc 8m Cabin

Launch of Saffier Se 33 UD and Sc 8m Cabin. Both yachts win multiple international awards. The Se 33 UD is the first Saffier to plane fully while sailed single-handed. 80 Se 33 UDs are built, and the Sc 8m Cabin remains in production with over 100 units delivered.

2013

2018

Introduced at boot Dusseldorf

The Saffier Se 37 Lounge makes her debut at the international Düsseldorf Boat Show. With twin wheels 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 wins European Yacht of the Year 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.

2022

Opening new shipyard

In 2022 Saffier Yachts opens a new, modern shipyard. Designed for the future, it offers more space, efficiency and the opportunity to build even more sustainably. Ready for the next generation of sailors.

Launch Saffier SE 24 Lite

The Saffier SE 24 Lite, a completely new model with a fresh modern design and ultra-light handling, is launched to great acclaim. She is nominated and later crowned European Yacht of the Year 2024, a clear sign she hits all the right notes

2024

2025

Launch Luxury line

Saffier introduces its new luxury line with the launch of the SL46 MED during Boot Düsseldorf 2024. This model combines elegant design with superior comfort and craftsmanship, setting a new standard for modern sailing yachts.

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