Saxdor Yachts will launch its innovative new 400 GTO flagship at the Cannes Yachting Festival next month. The sleek, low, cruiser with its minimalist lines is the latest from Saxdor, a company with a creative DNA that opened its doors in Finland just four years ago.
The Saxdor 400 GTO is marked by its folding out terrace that runs about half the length of the boat. In the past few years, many boats have built terraces that fold down from aft bulwarks, creating more usable space in the cockpit. Saxdor’s is different because of its length; it far exceeds the norm here.
The cockpit holds modular furniture. It can be arranged in many different configurations to serve many different purposes, and it can seat up to six guests. They will all have unobstructed views of the waters aft; the transom is built of glass.
The wheelhouse is full-beam wide (before you step out onto the deployed terraces) to maximize the interior space. The sides open up completely to the terraces. You can access the foredeck through a forward door.
Saxdor says the accommodations deck is one of the largest in the 40-foot segment, with a large double cabin forward with 6-foot standing headroom and a separate head and shower. A double cabin amidships means there’s sleeping space for four adults, plus a kids’ cabin (or storage area) tucked under the companionway steps.
Power comes from twin 300-hp Mercury V8 outboards or twin 400-hp Mercury V10 outboards.
Saxdor has a unique backstory. It was founded in Helsinki (the boats are built in Elk, Poland) by Sakari Mattila, who also is the chief designer. Its first boat, a 20-footer, won three international awards in 2020. Saxdor now has nine models from 20 to 40 feet.
The boats are designed with J&J Design of Slovenia. It was founded in 1983 and has worked on sail and power boats with Jeanneau, Bavaria, Beneteau, Aquila, and Azimut, among others.
Mattila is something of a serial boat company founder. He started with Aquador in 1994, then Paragon in 2003, and co-founded Axopar in 2012. The name Saxdor comes from a combination of S (Sakari), AX (Axopar), and DOR (Aquador).
Saxdors are built to provide owners with a lot of value for the money. In the past, Matilla has said, “I have always admired Italian design, American functionality, and French pricing.”
