Salona 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Salona 38 began production in 2012, representing a collaborative design effort aimed at producing a yacht that could satisfy the demands of competitive racing without sacrificing cruising comfort. While the basic design originates from J&J Design, a significant aspect of the Salona 38's performance pedigree comes from the keel, which was specifically optimized by America's Cup designer Jason Ker. This partnership reflects a core goal: to design and build globally competitive fast sailing yachts.

AD Boats Ltd., the builder of Salona Yachts, is known for its advanced construction techniques. The hull and deck laminates are built using cutting-edge vacuum infusion technology with vinyl ester resin and tri-axial oriented laminates, resulting in a robust yet lightweight structure. The company also integrates a unique stainless steel internal frame to support the keel and mast, providing exceptional strength, stiffness, and safety at sea. These engineering choices underscore Salona's commitment to delivering yachts capable of winning races while maintaining their cruising credentials. The Salona 38 was offered with three distinct interior layout options during its production run, providing flexibility for owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Salona 38 exhibits characteristics of a capable performance cruiser, thanks to its carefully balanced design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 19.82, she is well-powered and capable of strong performance in light to moderate winds. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.349 indicates a moderate level of stiffness and stability, suggesting she can stand up to a good breeze and offer a comfortable motion. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 173.25 places the Salona 38 firmly in the category of lighter, more performance-oriented vessels for its size, aligning with the builder's emphasis on speed.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Salona 38 is designed to be excellent for both cruising and racing, with the flexibility to adapt its sail plan to suit different purposes. The design philosophy behind Salona yachts, generally, is to create boats 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 inherent stability and speed, allows Salona boats to perform well in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom details are not provided, the Salona 38 is recognized for offering a generous amount of space for its length. It was available with three different layout options, allowing for customization to suit various owner preferences. The interior design features light oak joinery, which is crafted in-house at the builder's yard, contributing to a modern and bright atmosphere below deck. Enhanced by larger windows, the interior benefits from increased natural light, creating a more inviting and open feel. The overall impression is that the Salona 38 provides substantial interior volume for a vessel of its size, a key consideration for both cruisers and those spending extended periods aboard.