FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/5/2026

Raymond, ME: Sabre Yachts, in collaboration with Volvo Penta, is excited to announce the reintroduction of the iconic Sabre 38 Salon Express, now featuring the Volvo Penta Aquamatic DPI propulsion package. This update is a result of listening to how Sabre owners use their boats, pairing the 38’s proven design with Volvo Penta’s advanced driveline to enhance the vessel’s cruising capabilities while maintaining a compact and durable performance package.

Volvo Penta’s DPI propulsion package combines joystick control, twin counter-rotating DuoProp propellers, and trimmable thrust angle, all in a compact package. Designed to deliver smooth handling and confident control, DPI enhances drivability while reducing complexity at the helm.

“The reintroduction of the Sabre 38 Salon Express with Volvo Penta DPI reflects our commitment to precision craftsmanship and thoughtful design,” says Aaron Crawford, CEO and President of Sabre Yachts. “We aim to deliver exceptional performance and improved cruising capability while representing a long-term investment in quality and reliability, and we’re supported by more than 20 years of trusted partnership with Volvo Penta.”

One of the most notable advantages of the DPI system is its shallow-water capability, allowing owners to explore coastal cruising grounds, beaches, and “skinny water” with greater confidence. The system’s reduced draft and trimmable drives make it particularly well-suited for exploring regions like the Bahamas, the ICW, and the shallow coves of the Great Lakes. Additional benefits include improved low-speed maneuverability, responsive handling, optimized fuel efficiency, and lower cost-of-maintenance.

“We want customers to feel confident from the moment they leave the dock and to carry that peace of mind wherever their journey takes them,” said Brock Gavin, Vice President of Marine at Volvo Penta. “Delivering that level of performance requires precision and reliability at every level, from how the driveline performs on the water to the systems and support that protect it over time. That’s why Volvo Penta’s DPI drive and integrated technology are engineered to lower total cost of ownership while enhancing durability and long-term performance for boaters.”

The reintroduced Sabre 38 Salon Express with Volvo Penta Aquamatic DPI underscores Sabre’s dedication to building yachts that grow with their owners’ cruising ambitions. The rearranged engine room allows for a dedicated Seakeeper location, a utility space with access from the main salon, and a sliding salon door – enhancements that reflect Sabre’s continued focus on comfort, functionality, and flexibility – backed by Volvo Penta propulsion that delivers the confidence, quality, control, and reliability needed to enjoy every mile underway.

Delivering March 2026. For more information, visit sabreyachts.com or volvopenta.com.

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The Hands That Built a Legacy: Sabre’s 200th 48

This year, Sabre Yachts marked two incredible milestones: 55 years of building Maine-crafted yachts and the completion of the 200th hull of our iconic Sabre 48. But for us, these numbers only tell part of the story. The real story is in the hands that built them.

The crew behind the 200th Sabre 48 is remarkable, with an average tenure of 12 years. Over half of the team who worked on hull #200 also worked on hull #001. Watching them work is like watching a well-rehearsed symphony, each movement precise, each detail deliberate, each person quietly perfecting their part. Their dedication isn’t just to a job; it’s to a craft, a legacy, and to every owner who trusts a Sabre yacht to carry them safely across the water.

From the lamination department in Rockland that lays the foundation of every hull, to the woodshop whose joinery brings warmth and character to each interior, to Raymond’s – mechanics, finish workers, and electricians whose expertise brings every system and surface to life – each department’s skill is vital to every yacht we launch.

Even as they carefully designed and built the first Sabre 51, this team was already thinking ahead, refining processes, improving production, and imagining the yachts of the future. Every hull carries their experience, creativity, and pride. Every Sabre is a testament to Maine craftsmanship and to the extraordinary people who make it possible.

Explore More

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A New Era: The Sabre 51 SE

In August of 2024, something incredible rolled into our facility in Rockland, Maine. It was a project years in the making, born from anticipation as we approached hull 200 of the Sabre 48 SE. We knew the 48 had carried us far, but it was time for a new chapter, one that carried its spirit forward while reimagining what a yacht in this size range could truly be. The Sabre 51 Salon Express is not just a new model. It’s a natural evolution. A little more space. A little more user-friendly. A design updated for today’s owners while staying true to our heritage.

From Mockup to Reality

The journey began in February, when the hull was infused in Rockland before making its way to Sabre headquarters in Raymond. There, production started with alignment. This was going to be the first time everybody was going to see the design at full scale. Creating a new model always takes longer, as design, engineering, and production teams refine their ideas in real time. Months of full-scale mockups had prepared us for this moment, but now, everything would be tested.

The cockpit was one of the most exciting spaces to see take shape. It is the largest cockpit we’ve ever built, with generous lounge seating tucked below the longest hardtop we’ve ever installed. Added to the tremendous mix of covered and uncovered lounge space is the bow seating – a rumble seat and a sunpad that both stow flush, allowing us to make use of every inch of open deck. Suddenly, the Sabre 51 SE feels not just new, but transformative.

A Team Effort

As production gained momentum, the collaboration was remarkable. Every department worked hand in hand, solving challenges, refining details, and bringing this vision to life. The pride was unmistakable. By the time hull 001 was ready to leave the factory, the entire floor gathered, grinning from ear to ear.

It was a bittersweet moment. Watching the 51 SE roll out for the very first time brought joy, pride, and relief, but also carried the weight of responsibility. Excitement mingled with suspense as the team prepared to launch hull 001, eager to see her strength and spirit revealed on the open water.

_{The Raymond crew proudly stands in front of Hull #001 of the Sabre 51 Salon Express before it leaves the production facility for commissioning.}

Toward the Water

Hull 001 now heads to commissioning, the next step before it touches the water for the very first time. For the craftsmen and women who poured their energy, skill, and passion into this project, it’s a milestone to celebrate and the beginning of an all-new legacy.

The Sabre 48 SE set a standard. The Sabre 51 SE builds on it, reorients it, and propels it forward. This is more than a model launch. It’s the dawn of a new chapter, one we’re proud to share with you.

Here’s to the future — and to the all-new Sabre 51 SE.

Explore the Sabre 51 Salon Express

Inquire

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Chartering New Waters: How a Sabre 38 Inspired the Move to a 43

In 2019, Rick and Cheryl purchased Theodora, a Sabre 38 they found through Bellingham Yacht Sales. Since then, they’ve logged thousands of nautical miles exploring the Pacific Northwest, including a three-month journey through the Inside Passage of Vancouver Island. Now, with a deep love for their boat and confidence in the Sabre brand, they’re preparing to take delivery of a Sabre 43 — a natural next step in their cruising lifestyle.

Falling for Sabre

Their jorney with Sabre began on the advice of a trusted friend — a seasoned boater who owned a Sabre 42.

“He said he loves walking down the dock and seeing his boat. They’re just beautiful,” Rick recalled.

At first, Rick didn’t fully grasp what made Sabre so special — until he owned one. Theodora quickly proved herself in handling, craftsmanship, and design. Joystick control made maneuvering simple for Cheryl, and the walkaround safety and solid construction made every cruise feel secure.

“It’s the smallest big boat I felt comfortable with,” Rick says. “And now, I honestly think the Sabre 38 is the perfect cruising boat for a couple.”

Orcas Below, Rainforests Ashore

Among their many adventures, a few stand out. One highlight was cruising up Chatham Channel when a pod of orcas passed directly beneath Theodora.

“There was nowhere to go, so we put the boat in neutral and let the orcas swim by… They went down, the water was silent, then all surfaced behind us at once.”

Their time at Neemo Bay — a remote wilderness resort in the Great Bear Rainforest — was equally unforgettable, with floating saunas, kayaking beside bears, and hikes through untouched forest. Stops at Dent Island Resort and Sullivan Bay rounded out the kind of adventure most boaters only dream about.

Weathering the Waters

While beauty is part of the appeal, performance is what kept Rick and Cheryl loyal. From handling strong currents in Johnston Strait to accidentally striking a log at 20 knots, the Sabre 38 proved itself resilient. Despite bending all four props, the pod drives were unharmed — a testament to Sabre’s engineering.

“Theodora handled it well. The boat was more comfortable than the crew that day.”

Why the 43?

After five years aboard the 38, the couple decided to upgrade — not because they were dissatisfied, but because their love of cruising had become a way of life.

“We realized this wasn’t a passing fad,” Rick says. “So we felt good investing in the next step.”

The Sabre 43 offered something just right: a second lounge space for remote work (thanks to Starlink), ample storage, and a layout built for two. They didn’t want more staterooms — just more comfort, flexibility, and the same attention to detail they’ve come to trust.

Looking Ahead

Their 43 is currently in production, and the couple is eager to see their choices come to life — from interior colors and tile to the fit and finish that Sabre is known for.

As for their cruising goals? They plan to continue exploring the Inside Passage, this time pushing all the way to Alaska.

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Roger Hewson, the founder of Sabre Yachts, passed away over the weekend. Roger was a visionary and a pioneer in the sailing industry, founding Sabre Yachts in 1970 with a passion for creating high-quality and innovative sailboats that combined performance, comfort, and style.

From hull #001 of the Sabre 28 to the newest motor yachts coming off the production lines in Raymond, every Sabre has been “Crafted in the Maine Tradition,” a standard that Roger helped to set and that we’ve held ourselves to, for more than 53 years. Roger was responsible for designing and building thousands of yachts in his career, many of which remain sought-after and on the water today, and earned numerous awards and recognitions for his work.

Roger was an innovator who would make difficult decisions to always make the product all it could be. He was a leader and a mentor to many who shared his love for the sea and the craft of boatbuilding. He was also a generous and kind-hearted man who valued family, supported the boatbuilders at Sabre, and gave to many charitable causes and initiatives in the community. 

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and customers. We are grateful for his legacy and his contributions to Sabre and the entire yachting community. We kindly ask you all to respect the family’s privacy at this time. 

– Sabre Yachts

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“Never Forget” are two words that when spoken will ultimately take us back to the horrific events of the terrorist attacks of 9-11.  For us in New England that Tuesday morning was a Chamber of Commerce pick of a beautiful day with barely a cloud in the sky and very comfortable temperatures.  How quickly it turned into a nightmare we will “never forget”.

Personally, I was helping stage in our sail and power boats for the Newport Boat show.  The mood was boisterous on Bannisters Wharf that morning.  We were happy to connect with friends and to see the display coming together for all to enjoy later that week.  Little did we expect that by late in the morning the typical frantic and festive mood would become somber.  Do we continue setting up?  Will the show go as scheduled?  There was a feeling of just wanting to go home and be with our families.  The sickening feeling of the unknown and the fear for ourselves and our country were starting to sink in.  By nightfall instead of a bustling downtown, quiet impromptu candlelight vigils could be seen on every street corner.  They were not coordinated, but they showed the world that even in such a time, we were united. On a day filled with emotion, it was a moving scene, and another part of that experience that won’t be forgotten.

The show organizers decided to continue as planned with the show.  It was quiet but it did help give us a sense of normalcy.  It was a break from the relentless news coverage from the crash sites of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a field in Stonycreek Township Pennsylvania.  

In the late  spring of 2002 I had the pleasure of giving the owners of a Flag Green Sabre 36 Express hull #145 with a teak windshield a tour of our facility.  Much like the Chamber of Commerce picture perfect weather day on 9-11, this spring day was just as beautiful. Their boat was in the final stage of build and almost ready to ship.  This tour started out much like most others for new boat owners.  The mood was filled with excitement as I explained our build process and introduced them to Sabre associates along the way that had a hand in working on their new boat.  At the end of the tour, they finally got spend time onboard their new boat. 

As I do with all new owners I asked what name they chose for the boat.  The name was LET’S ROLL.  My typical follow up question is “how did you come up with that name?”  I was not anticipating their response and it is something I will never forget.  The owner’s brother was one if the passengers on flight 93 and he was honoring him by naming the boat LET’S ROLL.  Needless to say a flood of emotions overcame all of us at that moment.  That moment in time for me is one that I will always remember. 

A few years later the boat changed hands.  The new care takers of LET’S ROLL contacted me with questions and to let Sabre know their contact information.  I distinctly remember saying  two things in my very first conversation with the new owner.  The first was to let him know that particular boat with the distinctive teak windshield and Flag Green hull was my personal favorite.  The second comment immediately following was, “you are not changing the name, right?”.  He was fully aware of the significance of the name and already decided that she had to remain LET’S ROLL.

This summer (2022) we were cruising on our personal boat and part of the cruise included four fun filled days on a mooring in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard.   On the morning of August 10^th my children and I were running our tender into shore.  My son loves running the outboard which allows me time to enjoy the anchorages we visit.  We started to pass mooring ball #911, heading towards a Flag Green Sabre with a teak windshield that we could only see the starboard side profile but I knew it had to be LET’S ROLL.  The wind shifted and started swinging the stern towards us.  I quickly grabbed the outboard out of my son’s hands without saying a word, went back to the other side of mooring ball 911, and captured the image of it in the foreground and LET’S ROLL in the background.  A few days later I checked the time stamp of the image I took and it was at 8:42 am.  I was curious if there was any significance of that time and I was astonished to find that San Francisco bound Untied Airlines fight 93 took off from Newark at 8:42am on 9-11.

I wanted to reach out to the original owner and ask his permission to use his name in this article, but, I learned he passed away in December of 2016.  In reading his obituary that his daughter wrote It started with “Irishman dies from stubbornness and whiskey”.  Apparently he was a “ladies man, game slayer, and outlaw” telling his last “inappropriate joke on Friday December 9, 2016 which can not be printed here”.   I have to wonder, did this stubborn humorous Irishman and his brother place me in that location, shift the boat enough for the transom to line up with mooring ball 911,  and time the image for exactly 8:42 am?   

We will never know if the stubborn Irishman influenced that event.  Regardless, its another reminder that we will NEVER FORGET the attacks on our country on 9-11.      

– Tucker Thompson

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Sabre 43 Salon Express Debuts

If you’re familiar with Sabre and have been following the development of the 43, you know that this is the latest in a long line of successful yachts that the company has built. Like all new models, this design draws from the best parts of the spirit of her predecessors, while simultaneously incorporating years of customer feedback along with significant technological innovations that are now available. While the 43 represents a new generation of boat, it nevertheless remains recognizably a Sabre.

As Hull 001 neared completion, so did the plans to capture photos and video of the new model. While many months of planning had solidified our plan, we were still at the mercy of Mother Nature and a variety of other elements outside of our direct control. As the clock ticked closer to the shoot day, our fingers were crossed that things would go our way.

The night before our shoot, I finished cleaning the boat and loading all of the things we needed on board before shutting off the lights and heading home for a few hours of sleep. Even before I got to the boat for our 3:30am call time, some of the features of the Sabre 43 were on display. Despite having been shut down the night before, the 43 was easy to pick out of the crowd at Maine Yacht Center when we pulled into the parking lot. Our head of engineering had utilized one of the many technological innovations to remotely put the boat into “Night Boarding” mode as he made the commute to the marina. This meant no fumbling around without lights or waiting for things to warm up. Additionally, the plethora of storage space was evident as we stowed gear from the seven people on location along with the mountain of photo and video equipment. We were quickly ready to depart to capture the 43 in all its glory. 

We accomplished our first goal of being in position on Casco Bay before the sunrise. I rode along in the chase boat with our photographer, Alison Langley, and our videographer, Truman Forbes from OS Media. The chase boat was graciously provided by DiMillo’s Yacht Sales and was driven by broker Tim Kennedy, who brought valuable knowledge and experience from previous shoots to make sure we were in the right place at the right time. We had planned the initial shot sequence with the team on board the 43, and as the sun broke the horizon, it was on…

Moments later, the sound of the sea birds was interrupted by the clicking of the camera shutter and the distinct roar of the twin Volvo-Penta engines as the 43 sliced effortlessly past us. The beautiful sweeping lines of a vessel steeped in Downeast heritage were on display on a picture-perfect Maine summer morning.

The early morning hours were spent cruising around the islands, passing by Peaks and  Cushing through Whitehead Passage, and venturing up past Long Island, Hope Island, and Chebeague. On board the chase boat, Alison snapped away, rotating between three different camera and lens combinations to get the most variety in the shots. At the same time, Truman switched between two different drones, including one that is flown using a VR headset… it was a sight to behold! As the sun rose higher, we zipped over towards Cape Elizabeth to get a few shots in front of Portland Head Light before the light got too harsh.

After four hours of shooting, we headed back to Maine Yacht Center to regroup and prepare for the afternoon shoot. In my experience, there is no such thing as downtime during production, and this was no different. There were shots to plan, models to assemble and direct, and a never-ending number of things to be cleaned and organized.

When the time came, we departed the docks once again and headed towards Great Diamond Island to get the next round of imagery. Our model family got to experience what life on the Sabre 43 is like. They enjoyed a cruise around the island, sipped some beverages and had a variety of snacks in the cockpit, played cribbage and did some reading in the main salon, and experienced the hybrid lounge in its different configurations. There was even a dip into the water, as brisk as it was!

The last remnants of the sunset were just visible as we pulled into the marina, and while the camera was done for the day, we began preparations for shoot day 2. With another early morning scheduled, our crew got everything ready for us to capture the beautiful interior. Alison’s experience was on display as we moved from one area to the next. The outcome was a series of photos capturing each of the meticulously designed spaces and what makes them ideal on the 43. 

Although the initial shoot was done after we docked once again, the big week for the Sabre 43 was not yet finished. On that Thursday night, the boat moved to the docks at the Custom House Wharf for a launch celebration. We were joined by several Sabre and Back Cove personnel, a number of our dealers and their brokers along with customers with a 43 on order, and key vendor partners. Our hosts, Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, served a plethora of delicious bites and provided everyone with an incredible, memorable experience to launch such an exciting new model. A big thank you to all who came out!

Lastly, the Sabre 43 will be debuting at the Newport International Boat Show in a few short weeks! Our display will be on Bannister’s Wharf (South Docks) M-20, we hope to see some of you on the docks!

More About The Sabre 43 Salon Express

Sabre Yachts has a long history of success with models between 40 and 45 feet, beginning in 1987 with the Sabre 42 sailboat. Since that date, Sabre has built more than 660 boats in this size range across fifteen different models. Today, they add another:

Family Tradition

With this announcement, Sabre Yachts reaffirms its commitment to evolving with the changing needs of boaters in this size range. Designed as a direct replacement for the recently-retired Sabre 42 Salon Express, the new Sabre 43 draws appreciably from the best points of her older sister while incorporating significant technological innovations and answering some of the frequently noted needs of boats of this size. This blank-slate design preserves the spirit of her predecessors while representing an entirely new generation of Sabre yacht. 

“Having an opportunity to explore a design which lands in Sabre’s ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is always exciting for the team here in Maine.  Boats at this scale are at the confluence of where our lovely lines and proportions really get in step with the human scale and the ergonomic balance between ease of operation and comfort.  The Sabre 43 enjoys a just-right blend of displacement, driveline options, and arrangement of spaces. We expect this model will resonate with our owners in the same way that our previous heritage models in this size have done, but with a contemporary Sabre silhouette and the added Owner’s authority afforded by our networked command and control system.” – Kevin Burns, VP of Product Development & Design

The Sabre 43 Salon Express boasts expansive fixed-glazed windows, sloping deck rails, and a sleek new mast design, all of which contribute to her striking nouveau-vintage silhouette. Described as “the most social Sabre to date,” the arrangement of the Sabre 43 encourages connection through circular seating configurations in the cockpit, salon, and hybrid lounge. While she remains true to the much-loved fundamentals of the Sabre 42, this new model leans into Sabre’s drive toward modernization and innovation, with oft-requested solutions like added storage and versatile guest accommodations baked-in from the start. Owners will appreciate her contemporary approach to Downeast proportions, with sweeping lines and fresh angles contained in a boat that, nevertheless, remains recognizably a Sabre.

Beneath her classic appearance, owners will discover the technology and features of a much larger yacht. The new 43 Salon Express will be the first full-network Sabre below 58-feet. As a result, owners can not only check critical functions and control any circuit on the boat from either the helm MFDs or iPad mini but also control the “mode of operation” or “scene” – setting the lighting and circuit configuration of the boat with the simple touch of a button. Remote access to these components, as well as GPS monitoring, geofencing, trip logging, and NMEA 2000-based alarms, are available via cell phone through the included Sentinel Telematics feature. 

The gem of her onboard living spaces is the versatile Hybrid Lounge, which accommodates a wide variety of needs from home office to guest accommodations. In the “berth” configuration, guests enjoy a spacious and comfortable overnight oasis. Meanwhile, in the “lounge” configuration (pictured above), a high-gloss table provides space for laptops or refreshments while the lower-third of the berth converts into a convenient storage compartment hidden behind the aft-most backrest.

Finally, the Sabre 43 Salon Express truly delivers when it comes to storage – an oft-noted need in vessels of this size. Key among the many cleverly designed storage solutions are hatches under the side-deck steps that provide easy storage for fenders and lines, a galley outfitted with ample under-counter and counter-level compartments, and a multipurpose Utility Space under the salon sole which offers various storage and appliance options, including storage lockers, wine cooler, or even separate side-by-side washer and dryer units.

Production on the Sabre 43 Salon Express is expected to begin in the coming months at the company’s headquarters in Raymond, Maine, and the prototype hull will be completed late in the spring of 2022. The Sabre 43 Salon Express will debut to the public at the 2022 Newport International Boat Show and feature in subsequent shows throughout her inaugural boat show season. 

Tooling Underway for the Sabre 43 Salon Express

We are thrilled to share that the hull mold is nearing completion and the deck plug is underway for the new Sabre 43 Salon Express. Below you will find several “in progress” photos of the hull mold, deck plug, and 3D-printed transom door plug, as well as a compilation of early press articles featuring our newest model.

UPCOMING: Sabre Yachts’ Lamination Supervisor, Michael Inman, will “take over” our Instagram account to live-broadcast the infusion of the very first Sabre 43 hull! Get ahead of the game by following us on Instagram, and stay tuned for official dates and times.

The Sabre 43 Hull Mold nearing completion! We anticipate the completed part will arrive at the Sabre facility early in September.

The deck plug of the Sabre 43 with anti-skid texture installed. (Note: a “plug” is an exact replica of the finished deck, a master pattern which is used to create the mold, from which the actual deck is created.)

Our expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities are already beginning to change the way that we build! As seen here, the 3D printed plug of the transom door and hinge is tested against the hull plug. This printed part will be used to create the transom door mold down the line.

Pictured here is the Sabre 43 pilothouse plug (in its early stages). Even unfinished, it shows off her modern lines, wide windows, and convenient helm door.

Sabre 43 Salon Express – Helm and Salon Renderings

SALON – Upon entering the salon, owners will feel instantly at home amidst the bespoke soft goods and iconic Sabre joinery in American cherry. The counter-balanced sliding salon doors, made of mirror-polished stainless, continue the modern appeal and don’t infringe on cockpit space. Her wide bench-style settee to port is complimented by an L-shaped configuration to starboard with drawers beneath, and both are over six feet in length. The L-settee is paired with a sizable high-gloss table with a high-low pedestal for extra versatility.

Onboard entertainment systems feature a Bluetooth-capable Fusion Apollo stereo system and 32-inch high-definition television on an electric fold-down ceiling mount. Fixed-glazed windows, overhead hatches (with a sunroof option), and the expansive windshield ensure that light and air are plentiful. With room enough for everybody, this gathering space is as good for watching the morning news as it is for escaping the elements or enjoying an evening game of cards.

HELM – Forward of the salon, the helm of the Sabre 43 represents the epitome of modern boating technology. Twin Volvo/Garmin multifunction displays (MFDs) provide the captain access to the onboard system network, as well as safety and navigational details. Her Dynamic Positioning System, armrest-mounted joystick driving, and slow speed, single lever, and cruise control capabilities make maneuvering a dream. Dual Stidd seats for captain and mate ensure a secure ride in rough seas, while the convenient helm door makes docking a breeze.

As a state-of-the-art networked vessel, the Sabre 43 provides a high degree of systems integration allowing owners to not only control any circuit on the boat from either the helm MFDs or iPad mini but also control the mode of operation, for example setting the lighting, and circuit configuration of the boat with the simple touch of a button.

Likewise, monitoring of battery voltages, fluid levels, inverter/charger status, and power consumption is available at the helm displays, the iPad, and via the included Sentinel Telematics feature for remote access from a customer’s cell phone. In addition to mode selection and systems monitoring, Sentinel Telematics also provides remote GPS location and geofencing, display of NMEA 2000-based alarms, trip logging, and optional remote control of generator start.

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Announcing the Sabre 43 Salon Express

Sabre Yachts has a long history of success with models between 40 and 45 feet, beginning in 1987 with the Sabre 42 sailboat. Since that date, Sabre has built more than 660 boats in this size range across fifteen different models. Today, they add another: The Sabre 43 Salon Express.

Family Tradition

With this announcement, Sabre Yachts reaffirms its commitment to evolving with the changing needs of boaters in this size range. Designed as a direct replacement for the recently-retired Sabre 42 Salon Express, the new Sabre 43 draws appreciably from the best points of her older sister while incorporating significant technological innovations and answering some of the frequently noted needs of boats of this size. This blank-slate design preserves the spirit of her predecessors while representing an entirely new generation of Sabre yacht. 

“Having an opportunity to explore a design which lands in Sabre’s ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is always exciting for the team here in Maine.  Boats at this scale are at the confluence of where our lovely lines and proportions really get in step with the human scale and the ergonomic balance between ease of operation and comfort.  The Sabre 43 enjoys a just-right blend of displacement, driveline options, and arrangement of spaces. We expect this model will resonate with our owners in the same way that our previous heritage models in this size have done, but with a contemporary Sabre silhouette and the added Owner’s authority afforded by our networked command and control system.” – Kevin Burns, VP of Product Development & Design

The Sabre 43 Salon Express boasts expansive fixed-glazed windows, sloping deck rails, and a sleek new mast design, all of which contribute to her striking nouveau-vintage silhouette. Described as “the most social Sabre to date,” the arrangement of the Sabre 43 encourages connection through circular seating configurations in the cockpit, salon, and hybrid lounge. While she remains true to the much-loved fundamentals of the Sabre 42, this new model leans into Sabre’s drive toward modernization and innovation, with oft-requested solutions like added storage and versatile guest accommodations baked-in from the start. Owners will appreciate her contemporary approach to Downeast proportions, with sweeping lines and fresh angles contained in a boat that, nevertheless, remains recognizably a Sabre.

Beneath her classic appearance, owners will discover the technology and features of a much larger yacht. The new 43 Salon Express will be the first full-network Sabre below 58-feet. As a result, owners can not only check critical functions and control any circuit on the boat from either the helm MFDs or iPad mini but also control the “mode of operation” or “scene” – setting the lighting and circuit configuration of the boat with the simple touch of a button. Remote access to these components, as well as GPS monitoring, geofencing, trip logging, and NMEA 2000-based alarms, are available via cell phone through the included Sentinel Telematics feature. 

The gem of her onboard living spaces is the versatile Hybrid Lounge, which accommodates a wide variety of needs from home office to guest accommodations. In the “berth” configuration, guests enjoy a spacious and comfortable overnight oasis. Meanwhile, in the “lounge” configuration (pictured above), a high-gloss table provides space for laptops or refreshments while the lower-third of the berth converts into a convenient storage compartment hidden behind the aft-most backrest.

Finally, the Sabre 43 Salon Express truly delivers when it comes to storage – an oft-noted need in vessels of this size. Key among the many cleverly designed storage solutions are hatches under the side-deck steps that provide easy storage for fenders and lines, a galley outfitted with ample under-counter and counter-level compartments, and a multipurpose Utility Space under the salon sole which offers various storage and appliance options, including storage lockers, wine cooler, or even separate side-by-side washer and dryer units.

Production on the Sabre 43 Salon Express is expected to begin in the coming months at the company’s headquarters in Raymond, Maine, and the prototype hull will be completed late in the spring of 2022. The Sabre 43 Salon Express will debut to the public at the 2022 Newport International Boat Show and feature in subsequent shows throughout her inaugural boat show season. 

Tooling Underway for the Sabre 43 Salon Express

We are thrilled to share that the hull mold is nearing completion and the deck plug is underway for the new Sabre 43 Salon Express. Below you will find several “in progress” photos of the hull mold, deck plug, and 3D-printed transom door plug, as well as a compilation of early press articles featuring our newest model.

UPCOMING: Sabre Yachts’ Lamination Supervisor, Michael Inman, will “take over” our Instagram account to live-broadcast the infusion of the very first Sabre 43 hull! Get ahead of the game by following us on Instagram, and stay tuned for official dates and times.

The Sabre 43 Hull Mold nearing completion! We anticipate the completed part will arrive at the Sabre facility early in September.

The deck plug of the Sabre 43 with anti-skid texture installed. (Note: a “plug” is an exact replica of the finished deck, a master pattern which is used to create the mold, from which the actual deck is created.)

Our expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities are already beginning to change the way that we build! As seen here, the 3D printed plug of the transom door and hinge is tested against the hull plug. This printed part will be used to create the transom door mold down the line.

Pictured here is the Sabre 43 pilothouse plug (in its early stages). Even unfinished, it shows off her modern lines, wide windows, and convenient helm door.

Sabre 43 Salon Express – Helm and Salon Renderings

SALON – Upon entering the salon, owners will feel instantly at home amidst the bespoke soft goods and iconic Sabre joinery in American cherry. The counter-balanced sliding salon doors, made of mirror-polished stainless, continue the modern appeal and don’t infringe on cockpit space. Her wide bench-style settee to port is complimented by an L-shaped configuration to starboard with drawers beneath, and both are over six feet in length. The L-settee is paired with a sizable high-gloss table with a high-low pedestal for extra versatility.

Onboard entertainment systems feature a Bluetooth-capable Fusion Apollo stereo system and 32-inch high-definition television on an electric fold-down ceiling mount. Fixed-glazed windows, overhead hatches (with a sunroof option), and the expansive windshield ensure that light and air are plentiful. With room enough for everybody, this gathering space is as good for watching the morning news as it is for escaping the elements or enjoying an evening game of cards.

HELM – Forward of the salon, the helm of the Sabre 43 represents the epitome of modern boating technology. Twin Volvo/Garmin multifunction displays (MFDs) provide the captain access to the onboard system network, as well as safety and navigational details. Her Dynamic Positioning System, armrest-mounted joystick driving, and slow speed, single lever, and cruise control capabilities make maneuvering a dream. Dual Stidd seats for captain and mate ensure a secure ride in rough seas, while the convenient helm door makes docking a breeze.

As a state-of-the-art networked vessel, the Sabre 43 provides a high degree of systems integration allowing owners to not only control any circuit on the boat from either the helm MFDs or iPad mini but also control the mode of operation, for example setting the lighting, and circuit configuration of the boat with the simple touch of a button.

Likewise, monitoring of battery voltages, fluid levels, inverter/charger status, and power consumption is available at the helm displays, the iPad, and via the included Sentinel Telematics feature for remote access from a customer’s cell phone. In addition to mode selection and systems monitoring, Sentinel Telematics also provides remote GPS location and geofencing, display of NMEA 2000-based alarms, trip logging, and optional remote control of generator start.

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Post and recipe by Tucker Thompson – Sabre Yachts Customer Service Representative

What’s the definition of a Maine clambake?  

Some prolific writer would dream up a romance story combining the fresh bounties from the bay, local farms, Tyson Foods Corp. “Home of the Ball Park” beef franks, and the artist who skillfully blends all of these locally sourced ingredients to create a colorful feast for all to enjoy.   I have an easier but less colorful definition of a Maine Clambake (aka: bake), it’s a fun way to bring family and friends together while and eating some really good food! 

My wife and I look for excuses to have a bake.  Any excuse from “it is the first day of spring,” to “Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is still two weeks away.”  Our most common excuse is “it’s Saturday, it’s summer, let’s have a bake!”  For generations (five that I am aware of), my family has been hosting clambakes in southern Maine.  Whether it’s in the backyard, on an island, or at the most photographed lighthouse in the country for the crew of the Coast Guard EAGLE back in the early 1970s, hosting a clambake is a family affair.  We all participate.  As our kids grow so does their participation.  My wife and I are proud of their excitement to carry on this family tradition.

There is one important topic to touch upon before I describe the clambake experience. 

Some people insist on referring to clambakes as “lobster bakes.”   If you use that term around me I don’t need to even look at your car’s license plate, you are clearly “from away,” and that’s enough said about that. 

The essentials to a successful clambake are pretty straightforward as long as you have the basics on hand.  Listed below are the bare minimum requirements for a bake:

1. Vodka.  You can substitute vodka with scotch or in some cases, beer.  This plays an important and unexpected role (which I will explain in more detail later) in the bake’s success.  It also helps with embellishing stories to impress your guest.
2. Steel plate.  It needs to be custom-made.  I prefer my plate to be 40” square for strictly a selfish reason, it fits between the wheel wells in my car.  May father preferred round plates so they could be rolled easily off the skiff onto an island.  On Large Green Island in Penobscot Bay, we use a custom-built plate from the bed of a late 1960’s Chevy pick-up.  
3. Seaweed.  No seaweed, no bake!   My son and I usually venture to a local (undisclosed) location a few hours in advance to pull the seaweed.  We put as much as we can carry into heavy-duty trash bags to bring home.  If any picnickers watching us ask why we are taking seaweed home we tell them it is for the garden.  Seaweed apparently makes for good organic fertilizer which was something I didn’t know until I read about it on the internet.   
4. Fire.  Dry wood that burns hot and fast is the best.  I learned several years ago to also add a bag of charcoal to keep the heat consistent.  There is nothing worse than a slow steaming bake. 
5. Helpers. The guests get the biggest kick with helping build the layers of seaweed and food which allows me to focus on the important details like giving directions and sounding impressive.  
6. Old clothes.  You are going to be standing next to a hot fire with billows of smoke and steam getting in your eyes.  You have to look like a “bake master” to be one!  This is serious business, and not a place for colorful Vineyard Vines polos with khaki shorts and Sperry boat shoes.  Leave that to the models in the photoshoots for Coastal Living Magazine.    
7. Water source.  It helps with steaming and putting out fires in case you don’t pay close enough attention to the surrounding area.
8. Lobsters, clams, corn, potatoes, hot dogs, eggs, and butter.  Aka: the locally-sourced bounty
9. Roll of good quality aluminum foil, or better yet, an old piece of canvas.  

Assembling the bake:

1. Set the plate atop cinder blocks (if done in the backyard) or rocks from the beach (if on an island).  The plate needs to be high enough to build a hot fire beneath.  WARNING – don’t start the fire until everything is assembled on the plate above.
2. Cover as much of the plate as needed for the amount of food you are cooking with a 5-6” layer of seaweed.  This is the foundation on which you will start layering all of the locally-sourced bounty.  On that first layer, we like to wrap the clams and fingerling potatoes separately in cheesecloth bags.  It makes them easier to handle.
3. Build the second layer of seaweed and make a nice cozy bed for the reason everyone is there in the first place…. lobsters.  We remove the rubber bands from the claws as we tuck them in their seaweed bed.  There is a trick to safely removing the bands, and if it isn’t done right and tt will come back to bite you!  Seriously, they are quick and will clamp onto a finger or your hand and it will hurt.  As you can imagine, these pound-and-quarter to pound-and-half little guys are not too excited about being there, and some will try to make a break for it.  That’s why it’s important to do the next step quickly.
4. Cover those “bugs” (lobstermen’s slang for lobster) with another blanket of seaweed and corral them if they try to crawl out.  On top of that layer is where we place the almost-completely-husked corn on the cob and the Tyson Foods Corp. “Home of the Ball Park” beef franks.  Why Ball Park beef franks?  No reason in particular, except the best part of the whole damn bake to me is the steamed smokey flavor infused from the layers below, and I want a dog that I prefer.  If you want a different dog,  go to a different clambake!  The whole family agrees, NO substitutions are allowed.
5. Build another layer of seaweed to create a nest for the eggs.  The eggs serve a dual purpose (explained below).
6. Cover the eggs with the last layer of seaweed and finally cover the entire heap with either wet canvas or aluminum foil.

Now the magic begins. 

As clambake rookies (those “lobster bake” tourists) photograph the entire build process to post on to their Facecrack, Instantgram, Tweeter, or Tickle Tock accounts and brag to their virtual friends that they are at a bake, I broadcast a general request to real people for a drink.  Currently, my go-to is vodka with a few ice cubes and a lemon wedge (if available).   My request is usually fulfilled just as the fire is lit. 

Lighting the fire has become my son’s favorite job. Drinking the vodka is mine.  Once the fire has reached the right temperature, in other words, it “looks good,” then I can relax more than I already have.  At this crucial junction of relaxation and cooking,  I will ask for a time check.  The rookies think this is important, but it’s not.  It’s just for show and to give them a meaningless responsibility which they believe is a real contribution to the success of the bake.  

The real timing is measured in two different ways.  Remember I said above that vodka plays an important role in the bake’s success?  It’s one of the timers.  For me, it is a two-drink process, and a judgment call to know when the food is ready.  It is usually between 40-45 minutes.  When I am done with my second drink the bake should be done.  With that said, I always verify with the “egg timer”.  I am not referring to the egg timer found in the kitchen from days gone by.   I am referring to the eggs on top of the bake.  Wearing gloves for heat protection,  I reach into the top layer, pull out an egg, and crack it open on the plate.   If it is hard-boiled the bake is done.   

It makes me feel like Santa in “The Polar Express,” holding up one of the reindeer’s bells and declaring it the first gift of Christmas. 

Next comes tearing down the layers and plating the food. 

First to come off are the eggs.  Following that is the corn and Tyson Foods “Home of the Ball Park” beef franks, of which I always keep a few strategically behind.  The next layer is the stars of the show, lobsters.  Always a crowd-pleaser with the rookies and they can’t help themselves but take photos thinking they are going to win a Sony World Photography Award for a bunch of cooked lobsters on a bed of slightly chard seaweed.  The final layer to come off are the cheesecloth bags of steamers and potatoes.

As the guest start enjoying the bounties from the sea and local farms I find it heartwarming that, living in a small coastal Maine town, we are fortunate to be able to deliver a unique experience that they will never forget.  I usually stand by the empty clambake plate, now with just a small smoldering fire beneath, listening to the not-so-distant cracking noises of the lobster claws, laughter, and the occasional request for me to hurry and join them.  Little do they know, I am in my happy place.  It’s not because I’m satisfied with how successful the bake turned out or the smiles on their faces.   No, I am in my happy place because I saved a few Tyson Foods Corp. “Home of the Ball Park” beef franks for just me!

For myself, my wife, and our kids, hosting clambakes is family time that we cherish. 

Special thanks to Tucker Thompson, for sharing his wisdom with the Sabre Yachts blog!

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