The Saare 38.2 is an Estonian cruising sailboat designed for small crews, especially couples. This robust and comfortable boat is undoubtedly one of the best platforms for sailing in all conditions and for extended periods. Built by Saare Yachts, this cruiser stands out for its meticulous construction, ease of handling, and interior layout optimized for long voyages. Launched in 2019, this model is an evolution of the Saare 38, with a rethought interior to maximize storage space and onboard comfort. Its reinforced polyester hull and L-shaped steel keel provide excellent stability and the ability to tackle all seas, including the most demanding conditions.
Key Features
- Designed for 1 to 2 sailors, ideal for couples.
- Robust construction with high-quality, handcrafted finishes.
- Excellent sea qualities: stable, rigid, and high-performing both upwind and in strong winds.
- Interior layouts optimized for comfort and storage.
- Easy handling thanks to a secure cockpit and modern equipment (electric winches, self-tacking jib, furling mast).
History of the Boat
The Saare 38.2 was born from the experience of Saare Yachts, based on the island of Saaremaa in Estonia, and has been led since 2016 by Thomas Nielsen, a former importer and sailing enthusiast. The yard, building on its heritage as a subcontractor for Finngulf, developed the Saare 38.2 from the Saare 38, a model already renowned for its sea qualities and robustness. The Finnish naval architect Karl-Johan Stråhlmann, known for his designs balancing performance and livability, created the plans for this sailboat.
The Saare 38.2 program is clearly focused on offshore and coastal cruising, with special attention to small crews. Its direct competitors include models such as the Hallberg-Rassy 372, the X-412, or the Dufour 385, but the Saare 38.2 stands out for its quality-to-price ratio, solid construction, and custom interior designed for private owners, far from charter standards.
The number of units produced remains limited, reflecting the yard’s philosophy: prioritizing quality over quantity. Each boat is configured according to the owner’s precise wishes, with a wide range of options and finishes available.
Interior Layout
The interior of the Saare 38.2 is designed to provide maximum comfort and functionality for a small crew. The salon is spacious and bright, thanks to numerous opening portholes and skylights. The galley is equipped for cooking at sea, with optimized storage and ergonomic work surfaces. The head, adjacent to the companionway, features a separate shower—a rare asset on a sailboat of this size. The forward cabin is large, with a 1.90 m wide berth, and an optional aft cabin can accommodate guests.
The finishes, in solid wood (mahogany or oak depending on the version), are of remarkable quality, with careful details and enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation. Storage space is generous, with lockers under the settees, cabinets, and dedicated compartments for navigation equipment and personal belongings. The overall atmosphere is warm and functional, with no compromise on discreet luxury.
Sea Qualities
The Saare 38.2 is recognized for its performance and ease of sailing. Its hull, designed to cut through waves smoothly, and its 3-ton L-shaped keel (37% of displacement) ensure great stability and remarkable seakeeping. The sailboat sails close to the wind, performs magnificently in both light and strong winds, and remains manageable even in rough seas. Maneuvers are centralized in the cockpit, which is secure and well-protected, allowing everything to be managed from the stern without excessive effort.
Owners and testers highlight its rigidity, responsiveness, and balance, even under reduced sail. The self-tacking jib and Harken electric winches make adjustments easier, while the twin rudder (bow and stern) provides exceptional steering precision. The Saare 38.2 is CE Class A certified, attesting to its ability to sail safely on the high seas.
Owners’ Reviews
Owner feedback is unanimous: the Saare 38.2 is a sailboat that delivers on its promises. Couples particularly appreciate its ergonomics, comfort, and ease of use. An experienced owner, who has owned ten sailboats from various Scandinavian yards, noted after a long cruise that the Saare 38.2 was the most accomplished of all, both technically and in terms of livability. Other testimonials emphasize the build quality, robustness, and the pleasure of sailing on such a well-designed boat.
A 2025 cruise account to the Lofoten Islands reports that the Saare 38.2 handled difficult conditions with ease, thanks to an effective autopilot and controlled fuel consumption. Most owners stress the sense of security and confidence this sailboat provides, as well as its ability to make sailing enjoyable, even over long distances.
Saare 38.2 Technical Specifications
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.40 m |
| Waterline length | 10.16 m |
| Beam | 3.66 m |
| Draft | 1.95 m (1.80 m option) |
| Displacement | 8,100 kg |
| Ballast | 3,100 kg (L-shaped keel, tempered steel) |
| Upwind sail area | 74.1 m² (mainsail 40.9 m², genoa 33.2 m²) |
| Gennaker | 118.8 m² |
| Code Zero | 68.7 m² |
| Engine | Volvo D2-50 (51 hp) or Yanmar 4JH4S |
| Fuel tank | 200 to 360 L (depending on version) |
| Water tank | 240 to 360 L |
| Headroom | 1.95 m |
| Cabins | 2 (1 forward, 1 optional aft) |
| Berths | 4 to 6 |
| CE Certification | Class A (ocean) |
| Naval Architect | Karl-Johan Stråhlmann |
| Builder | Saare Yachts (Estonia) |
| Launch Year | 2019 |
| Hull Material | Reinforced polyester (GRP) |
| Rigging | Fractional 9/10, furling mast |
| Standard Equipment | Harken electric winches, self-tacking jib, twin rudder, thermal insulation |
Conclusion
The Saare 38.2 stands out as a high-end 11-meter cruising sailboat, ideal for small crews seeking performance, comfort, and safety. Its robust construction, refined interior layouts, and sea qualities make it a wise choice for long-distance cruising as well as coastal getaways. While its price is high, it is justified by the rare quality of finish and customization available on the market.
For those seeking a reliable, easy-to-handle, and enjoyable sailboat, the Saare 38.2 deserves special attention.