A Brief History of Sabre and Back Cove Yachts

DiMillo’s Yacht Sales is a proud dealer for the Maine made, hand crafted Sabre and Back Cove Yachts. The prestigious brands have been crafting classic Downeast style boats that have become industry leading yachts.

Sabre Yachts originally began manufacturing sailboats over 50 years ago. In 1970, the company’s founder, Roger Hewson, constructed the first Sabre 28-foot sailing vessel. Built using production line methods, fiberglass technology, and a lot of market research, the boat was first introduced at the New Port Boat Show in Rhode Island. The vessel turned out to be a huge success and resulted in the construction of over 588 Sabre 28’s over its lifetime. While this particular model was what got the company moving, Sabre aimed to broaden their market and began to introduce power models. In 1989, Sabre debuted the Sabre 36 “Fast Trawler”, a tri-cabin motoryacht with the spaciousness and comfort of the trawler design but with substantially better performance than traditional trawler hulls. This launched Sabre’s industry-leading motor yacht range. Today, Sabre produces powerboat models from 43 to 58 feet in length with Salon Express and Fly Bridge variations. All current Sabre models are constructed using their state-of-the-art, VIP resin infusion technology. Sabre’s boat building yards are located in both Raymond and Rockland, Maine.

Sister company, Back Cove Yachts was introduced in 2003 after a group of Sabre dealers requested a smaller Downeast style cruising vessel to fit the needs of owners looking for that Maine lobster boat feel. The Back Cove 29 was soon launched thereafter and so was a new brand. Back Cove Yachts crafts luxury yachts that epitomize traditional Maine values- quality, ingenuity and nautical sensibility. The Back Cove Design Team is committed to the concept of the owner-as-operator and thoughtfully creates yachts that fulfill the discerning boater’s need for independence, reliability and comfort. The results are undeniable; classically beautiful boats that are both practical and elegant. Today, Back Cove Yachts produces models 34O, 372, 39O, and 41 and are built at the facility in Rockland, Maine.