Salona 380 Information, Review, Specs

The Salona 380 marked a significant step for Salona Yachts, built by AD Boats Ltd. in Solin, Croatia, with its launch in 2015. This model saw a transition in design partners, with esteemed Italian firm Cossutti Yacht Design taking the helm, following previous collaborations with J&J Design. Cossutti's design philosophy centers on achieving both "super design and superb performance," and for the 380, this translated into a focus on elegant, sporty, and clean hull and deck lines. The boat was conceived as a performance cruiser, optimized for offshore sailing and intended to be a superb family cruiser, blending speed with usability.

Salona Yachts has always emphasized advanced building techniques, a characteristic evident in the 380. The hull and deck are constructed using cutting-edge vacuum infusion technology with vinyl ester resin and tri-axial oriented laminates, contributing to a robust yet lightweight structure. A hallmark of Salona's engineering is the integrated stainless steel internal frame, which supports the keel and mast, providing exceptional strength, stiffness, and safety at sea. While the general model debuted in 2015, the company further demonstrated its forward-thinking approach with the launch of an electric propulsion variant of the S380 in 2020, making it the first Croatian sailing boat with electric power, 17]. The Salona 380 also features distinct strip windows along the coach house, differentiating it from earlier models like the Salona 37.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Salona 380, with its design focused on performance and offshore capability, exhibits distinct sailing characteristics. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 24.23 suggests strong performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions, an attribute confirmed by observations that "light breeze is a theoretically natural dimension for the Salona 380". This high ratio indicates that the boat is well-powered for its displacement, allowing it to maintain speed even when winds are gentle.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 0.354 signifies moderate stability, contributing to the boat's ability to stand up to wind and maintain a comfortable motion. While the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is relatively high at around 387.19, suggesting a heavier displacement for its waterline length, this can be attributed to its robust construction, including the integrated stainless steel frame and solid fiberglass hull. This robust build enhances its offshore capability and overall safety, allowing it to deliver a solid and secure feel in various sea states. The Salona 380 is designed for offshore sailing and is expected to provide serious competition to other established performance cruisers in its class. Cossutti Yacht Design, known for creating race-winning boats, has ensured that the 380 maintains a sporty and capable demeanor on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Salona 380 is designed for practicality and comfort, especially for offshore passages, reflecting a "soberly classical" style without modernist aesthetic embellishments. The deck and interior layouts are specifically conceived to facilitate offshore sailing.

Typically, the interior arrangement includes a galley positioned on the port side (left) and a dedicated chart table. Various layout configurations are available, all of which include an aft toilet room. While specific details on the finish quality or material choices beyond general construction were not widely detailed in reviews, Salona Yachts emphasizes uncompromised construction quality across its range, which suggests a well-finished interior consistent with performance cruising standards. Space utilization is efficient, designed to maximize liveability and storage for extended periods at sea.