Well known for good reason.
For over 55 years, Sabre has proudly crafted luxury Downeast-style yachts in Raymond, Maine, continuing our state’s centuries-old boatbuilding tradition.
Our commitment to traditional craftsmanship, modern amenities, safety, and an unprecedented relationship with owners and dealers has made Sabres some of the most sought-after yachts in the U.S. and the world.
Crafted in the Maine Tradition
Sabre Yachts is a leader in American yacht building, recognized worldwide for our classic designs, industry-leading quality, and nautically sensible style.
Our reputation begins with the proud men and women who build our boats. Their unceasing demonstration of artistry, dedication, and craftsmanship have made Sabre a gold standard of our industry and honors the centuries-old boatbuilding tradition of the State of Maine – hence the company motto, “Crafted in the Maine Tradition.”
Sabre Yachts, in conjunction with our sister company Back Cove Yachts, employs more than 300 Maine associates. Many have been with us for more than a decade, and all bring a fierce sense of pride to their work. Their commitment and know-how have made Sabre the standard of excellence.
Rooted in Sail, Raised by Maine
Sabre Yachts was founded in 1970 with a single mission: to build sailing yachts that offered equal measures of elegance, safety, and performance. That same dedication to beauty and practicality still drives us today. While we now build motor yachts exclusively, our sailing roots remain deeply embedded in every hull we lay. They inform the way we approach design, prioritize safety, and respect the sea.
We build our yachts not just for those who captain them, but for those who truly embrace being on the water as a way of life.
A Relentless Commitment to Quality
At Sabre Yachts, quality isn’t a department, it’s a philosophy woven into every step of the build process. Each hull is assigned a dedicated “Boat Parent” who follows the boat from start to finish, serving as the customer’s advocate and ensuring a personal standard of excellence. Throughout production, each vessel undergoes a rigorous 600-point inspection across six key stages, conducted by a small Quality Assurance team bringing over 60 years of combined experience.
The fit and finish specialist reviews every detail, from woodworking and countertops to doors, drawers, trim, cushions, and blinds, ensuring each element meets the standard of excellence we refuse to compromise on. In a yacht’s final stage, he walks the boat from bow to stern, hardtop to bilge, ensuring a seamless onboard experience.
Before delivery, the technical specialist conducts a full evaluation supported by a detailed 12-page report, carefully inspecting all electrical and mechanical systems. Then comes the “Gold Inspection” – a final, collective review to ensure the yacht not only meets our technical standards, but lives up to the unmistakable look, feel, and
quality of a Sabre.
Every Sabre is backed by a thorough commissioning process at the dealership level, and our After Sales team is always ready to support whatever our owners may need, generating internal reports to ensure ongoing improvements and accountability.
Be Part of the Sabre Family
Owning a Sabre is more than owning a yacht, it’s joining a community. From the moment you step aboard, you are welcomed into a network of owners who share your passion for the water, your appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and your spirit of adventure. Whether cruising down the coast or gathering at a rendezvous, Sabre owners know the feeling of belonging to something greater: a family built on trust, camaraderie, and the quiet confidence that comes from captaining a truly exceptional vessel.
Design Philosophy
“The architectural concept of ‘informed simplicity’ is something that I carry around with me. It’s both a goal and an approach to design. At Sabre, each design must be a boat first, and that mandate informs the lines, shapes and spaces that eventually grow into a new model. I think that Sabre has challenged people’s notion of what ‘Downeast’ can be. Not to say the designs don’t carry the timeless Downeast appeal – they do – but there’s almost a flirtation with irreverence that speaks to the fact that we’re not afraid to push boundaries if it results in a better boat.”
– Kevin Burns, VP of Product Development and Design
The Sabre range is a development of the comfort and tradition of the Downeast style, blended with the performance of a contemporary motoryacht.
The Sabre Salon Express model is defined by its enclosed helm deck, expansive cockpit, and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. With timeless Downeast lines and precision-engineered performance, the Salon Express offers a refined and versatile cruising experience – equally suited for day trips, extended voyages, and everything in between.
At low engine speeds, the Sabre range is very fuel efficient and at speeds of 8-10 knots, where trawler yachts operate, low-speed gunkholing is a pleasure. But it is when conditions or time allow for higher speed that the performance of the Sabre’s deep-vee hulls truly comes into its own. Typical cruising speeds are in the 27-knot range and top speeds, with average load and conditions, are around 30 knots. Higher speeds are available on some specific models. In rough sea conditions, the spray rails and chines of the Sabre hull keep the ride dry and stable, while the yacht’s solid construction and balanced design provide a sense of safety and comfort that inspires confidence at the helm and relaxation for everyone aboard.
Leadership
CHAIRMAN
Daniel Zilkha
Daniel Zilkha was founding partner in Soditic S.A., a Geneva-based investment bank. He moved to New York in 1973 and was the founder and publisher of Art & Auction Magazine. Daniel came to Portland, Maine, from New York in 1983 and has been involved with several Maine companies. He was the CEO of Sabre Yachts, Back Cove Yachts, and North End Composites for almost 35 years. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering degree from Princeton University and an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
VICE CHAIRMAN
Ed Miller
Ed Miller served as a Vice President at Rothschild Inc. in New York from 1972 to 1980 before founding Island Couriers, which he grew into an express delivery service operating in 22 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. He sold the company to Federal Express in 1987 and became President of the newly formed Federal Express (Caribbean and South America) Ltd. He is currently Chairman of Westwind Management. A proud owner of a 2005 Sabre 426 sailboat – immaculately maintained and loaded with the latest gear – Ed enjoys staying active on the water with a few extra toys to help out as he ages a bit! He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Aaron Crawford
As President and CEO of Sabre Yachts, Aaron Crawford sets the company’s strategic direction and oversees operations, drawing on more than 30 years in the marine industry. His background includes key roles at Sparkman & Stephens, Carroll Marine, and Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats. A graduate of the Landing School of Yacht Design, he also studied at Drake University and completed Harvard Business School’s Owners, Presidents, and Managers program. A lifelong boating enthusiast with thousands of offshore miles under sail and power, Aaron lives on the coast of Maine with his wife and two daughters, where his passion for the water continues to guide his leadership.
FINANCE MANAGER
Jackie Harlow
Jackie Harlow is the Finance Manager at Sabre Yachts, bringing years of dedication and a strong commitment to her community. She began with the company in 2008 as a payroll clerk and receptionist, later expanding her role to include HR, accounts payable, and receivables. Today, she serves as Finance Manager and sits on the Workers’ Compensation Board for the Manufacturers of Maine Group Trust. Based in Naples, Maine, Jackie lives with her husband Ryan and their four children. She also coaches middle school girls’ soccer and serves on the board of the local soccer club. Jackie views her role as a meaningful way to give back to the Lakes Region community she’s proud to call home.
VP OF DESIGN & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Kevin Burns
Kevin Burns is a former US Merchant Marine Officer and was born and raised in Ohio where he was educated at Miami University before moving east to begin his career in yacht design. Kevin studied engineering while serving in the United States Coast Guard, and went on to graduate from the Design Program at the Landing School of Yacht Design. He served as a Naval Architect with Setzer Design Group in North Carolina before joining Sabre Yachts & Back Cove Yachts in 2006.
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Lynn Beaudoin
Lynn Beaudoin is instrumental in Sabre Yachts’ success, playing a crucial role in managing the dealership network and owner relationships, which helps to maintain customer satisfaction and drive sales. Her responsibilities include representing the company at national events, coordinating the production calendar and build specifications, and acting as a bridge between engineering, production, and dealerships. With 24 years of experience within Sabre, including a seven-year tenure in After Sales, Lynn offers invaluable insight and expertise.
ENGINEERING MANAGER
Glenn Campbell
After receiving his BS in Industrial Technology from the University of Southern Maine, Glenn initially joined the Sabre engineering team as an intern as he completed his degree in 1997. Since then, he has contributed to more than 16 new models, becoming an integral part of the engineering team and was ultimately promoted to Engineering Manager in 2017. Glenn especially enjoys summers on the coast of Maine with his wife and four kids.
PURCHASING MANAGER
Allison Beal
Allison Beal joined Sabre Yachts in 2016, starting in a support role before becoming Purchasing Manager. She holds a BA in English from Union College, where she developed strong communication and critical thinking skills. After living abroad and gaining insight into international operations, the Maine native returned home to pursue a career that blends her global perspective with a love of the coast. Passionate about resource management, she builds efficient, sustainable procurement systems that support Sabre’s craftsmanship and performance. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Maine and contributing to local environmental efforts.
MARKETING MANAGER
Allie Alsup
Allie Alsup is the Marketing Manager for Sabre and Back Cove Yachts, driven by her love of the water and passion for building meaningful relationships. She grew up spending summers aboard her family’s sailboat along the New England coast, later working on Block Island and sailing the ICW from Connecticut to Florida. Allie holds a BS in Marketing and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in HR Management from the University of Connecticut, where she also competed as a Division I track athlete. She brings energy, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for the boating lifestyle to her work.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jason Douglass
Born and raised in rural Maine, Jason’s values of hard work and integrity were shaped early on. Before joining Sabre as a final carpenter in 2007, he ran his own business building homes from frame to finish. Combining refined technical skill with natural leadership, Jason advanced to Line One Supervisor in 2012, Woodshop Supervisor in 2021, and was named Production Manager in 2024. He takes pride in the precision and craftsmanship that define every Sabre and loves life on the water – just not in it.