From its inception in 2002, Salona Yachts, built by AD Boats Ltd. in Croatia, embarked on a mission to craft sailboats that defy traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending exhilarating racing performance with the comfort and luxury expected of a cruising yacht. Located in Solin, Croatia, AD Boats Ltd. quickly established itself as a beacon of innovation and quality in the marine industry.
The Origin Story
The journey of Salona Yachts began in 2002 when AD Boats Ltd. was founded in collaboration with AD Plastik, a major Croatian manufacturer. The ambitious vision behind Salona was clear: to design and build globally competitive sailing yachts that could not only excel in the most demanding regattas but also offer uncompromised comfort for leisurely cruising. This dual focus on high performance and liveability set the tone for the brand's future, aiming for the pinnacle of quality, design, and winning capability.
History and Evolution
Since its founding, Salona Yachts has consistently pushed the boundaries of yacht construction and design. A key differentiator has been their embrace of advanced building techniques. The hull and deck laminates of Salona yachts are constructed using cutting-edge vacuum infusion technology with vinyl ester resin and tri-axial oriented laminates, resulting in a robust yet lightweight structure.
A pivotal innovation that defines Salona's structural integrity is the integration of a stainless steel internal frame. This unique feature supports the keel and mast, providing exceptional strength, stiffness, and safety at sea. This commitment to engineering excellence has allowed Salona to consistently deliver yachts capable of winning races while maintaining their cruising credentials. The company has also demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, evidenced by the launch of the S380 in 2020, which marked Salona's entry into electric propulsion, becoming the first Croatian sailing boat with electric power. In a significant corporate development, Salona Yachts was acquired by Prevent DEV, further solidifying its position in the global market.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Salona Yachts has carved out a distinguished reputation in the sailing world as a builder of high-quality performance cruisers. Their yachts are renowned for their unique blend of speed, comfort, and innovative design. The design ethos emphasizes sporty, clean, and elegant hull and deck lines, appealing to sailors who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality.
The brand's identity is deeply rooted in the philosophy of delivering yachts that are easy to handle, even with a reduced crew, making them suitable for single-handed sailing, family cruising, or competitive racing. This ease of control, combined with their inherent stability and speed, has allowed Salona boats to win numerous regattas worldwide, proving their mettle in challenging conditions while still providing a comfortable experience.
Salona has forged strong collaborations with esteemed naval architects to bring their designs to life. Notably, Cossutti Yacht Design has played a significant role, contributing to the sleek and performance-oriented lines of models such as the Salona 39 and the Salona S380/S460.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Over its history, Salona Yachts has developed a diverse range of performance cruisers, initially focusing on models between 33 and 45 feet, and later expanding their offerings to span from 33 to 67 feet. Several models have left an indelible mark on the brand's legacy:
- Salona 33: This model exemplifies the brand's commitment to quality and ease of handling, designed to be sailed effortlessly with family, crew, or single-handed, offering a spacious cockpit that is both comfortable for cruising and functional for racing.
- Salona 39: Featuring a beautiful design by Cossutti Yacht Design, the Salona 39 reinforces the brand's philosophy of building performance cruisers that are also easily manageable.
- Salona 46: A standout in the lineup, the Salona 46 is celebrated as a high-performance cruiser known for its solid yet lightweight construction. It garnered significant recognition by winning the "BEST GREEN BOAT" award at the Newport International Boat Show, and some versions are notably equipped with advanced electric propulsion systems.
These models, and others within the Salona range, have contributed to the company's reputation for uncompromised construction quality and a consistent ability to deliver yachts that excel in both competitive racing and comfortable long-distance cruising.
The Builder Today
Today, Salona Yachts (AD Boats Ltd.) continues its operations from Solin, Croatia, under the ownership of Prevent DEV. The company remains dedicated to its founding principles of blending performance and comfort. Modern Salona yachts appeal to discerning sailors who desire a yacht capable of both exhilarating performance on the racecourse and luxurious, comfortable cruising with family and friends.
The ownership experience is characterized by the individual attention given to each boat during construction, aiming to make each Salona yacht a "personal statement" for its owner. While not explicitly stated, the brand's consistent philosophy of building yachts that are easy to sail shorthanded and the focus on understanding "Salona lovers" imply a strong and engaged owner community that values performance without sacrificing comfort. Salona Yachts stands as a testament to Croatian boatbuilding prowess, consistently delivering yachts that embody precision, strength, and an unwavering passion for the sea.
