Puff – Saffier 33′

“We liked the design… it is contemporary but not edgy.  The two helms are unusual in a boat of this size.  [She] sails really well, handles beautifully, is easy to rig and unrig, and has a lot of space.”

Puff, Saffier 33′

Interview with the Captain — Phil Smith
One of Phil’s hobbies is taking photos of sailing races.
Check out his stunning work here: Philipsmith-photography.smugmug.com

Why did you choose to buy a Saffier 33′?
We liked the design of the Saffier 33.  It is contemporary but not edgy.  After Ann and I sold our J-46, we wanted a boat in the 33-foot range that was primarily a day sailor.  The two helms are unusual in a boat of this size. The cockpit is very spacious. The boat has an enclosed head.

What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this model?
The 36’ Sabre Spirit; the Alerion 30 and 33 (older model), the S&S 30 design that Bluenose Yacht sells; the Morris S&S day sailor line; the J-100.

How did you come to find / locate her before purchasing?
A friend sent me an ad for a Saffier 37 a few years ago and I followed the various boats that Saffier was building.  The 37 was too big so we focused on the 33.  When I saw one at the Newport Boat show, it was love at first sight.

Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
I began sailing at 12 at a summer camp on Lake Dunmore, Vermont.

What other boats have you previously owned?
Sailboats:  Contest 30, International 210, Cabot 36, J-46. 
Powerboats: Sea Otter designed by Don Aronow, Sabre 42 and Sea Legs 7.1 RIB. The Sea Otter was a unique design with a North Sea rounded stern. It looked like a slow launch but would actually go 30 knots.  We had that boat for almost 40 years.

Can you tell us a bit more about the boats you currently own?
We have a Sabre 45 Express Cruiser named “Strega” that we use to go up and down the coast from Newport to Maine; we also have a Sea Legs 7.7 RIB named “Wheelie Fast” which is an amphibious RIB that we keep in the EYC dry sailing area.  The boat drives from there into the water on its own wheels (driven by  hydraulic fluid).  When the wheels are raised, the boat performs like an ordinary RIB. It has a top speed of 40 knots.

What are the features you like most about Puff?
Sails really well; handles beautifully; easy to rig and unrig; and has a lot of space.

What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
The boat needed a bow pulpit and grab handles near the helm. Nothing else was needed.

How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
Puff is a day sailor. We go out regularly for afternoon sails.  We may race her occasionally or ask a crew of young sailors to race her.

What’s the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
So far there haven’t been any challenges. We rely on the team at Marblehead Trading.

Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Saffier 33′ like yours?
Call Glenn Walters or Richard Barker at Bluenose Yacht Sails in Newport. If you are serious we’d be happy to talk with you about the various options that are available.

What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Puff is a friendly name that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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