TE' Salt Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the TE' Salt can be traced back to 1996, with her production run continuing until 2000. Designed by Umberto Felci, the TE' Salt holds the distinction of being the first Italian Mini Transat design, marking the beginning of Felci's prolific career in yacht design. Proteus Yachts, known for its collaboration with Felci and its commitment to high-quality, performance-oriented sailboats, built the TE' Salt with a solid fiberglass hull and deck. The builder's ethos, as seen in their other models like the ESSE 850, emphasizes fast, technical, safe, and easy-to-sail vessels, utilizing modern building techniques for performance and durability. This philosophy was clearly applied to the TE' Salt, where structural integrity and speed were paramount for the gruelling Mini Transat challenge. There is no widespread information suggesting significant variations in the design during its relatively short production run, indicating a focused, purpose-built approach for the class.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a dedicated Mini 6.5 class racer, the TE' Salt's design is optimized for speed and efficiency in offshore conditions. With a length overall and waterline of 21.33 feet (6.5 meters), her design prioritizes the ability to cover long distances quickly and reliably. Her fractional sloop rig provides flexibility in sail trim, crucial for adjusting to varying wind strengths and points of sail encountered during ocean racing. The inclusion of a lifting keel offers practical advantages, allowing for reduced draft in shallow waters and potentially facilitating transport, while providing a deep draft of 5.25 feet for excellent upwind performance and stability when racing. The TE' Salt's hull speed is calculated at 6.19 knots, a respectable figure for a boat of her size and indicative of her swift design. Mini 6.5 class boats are renowned for their lively and responsive handling, often demanding a high degree of skill and attention from the single-handed sailor to maintain optimal performance in diverse sea states. Their robust construction from materials like fiberglass solid, as seen in the TE' Salt, is essential to withstand the stresses of competitive ocean racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of a Mini 6.5 class racer like the TE' Salt is inherently spartan, prioritizing functionality and weight saving over creature comforts. Given its role as a single-handed offshore racing machine, luxurious accommodations are entirely absent. While specific details for the TE' Salt's interior are not extensively documented in public records, a typical Mini 6.5 layout would feature a very open, utilitarian space designed for efficiency during a race. This would generally include a basic V-berth forward, often used for sail storage or a very minimal sleeping area. The main cabin area serves as a command center and living space, typically featuring a small navigation station, a rudimentary galley area (perhaps with a single burner stove and minimal storage), and a bucket or marine toilet. Max headroom is generally limited, requiring most activities to be performed either seated or stooped. Storage is typically maximized in every available locker and beneath berths, primarily for safety equipment, provisions, and sails. Ventilation would be basic, relying on hatches and small portlights. The finish quality would be robust and easy to clean, often unadorned fiberglass, designed to withstand the harsh marine environment rather than provide aesthetic appeal.