Salona 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Salona 44's creation in 2011 reflects Salona Yachts' ongoing commitment, since their inception in 2002, to push the boundaries of yacht construction and design. Built by AD Boats Ltd. in Solin, Croatia, the shipyard has a reputation for integrating traditional Croatian craftsmanship with innovative marine technology. The design brief for the Salona 44 aimed to create a moderately light, sensible, and well-mannered boat known for sailing performance, a hallmark of J&J Design's work.

Salona Yachts employs advanced building techniques in the construction of their vessels, including the Salona 44. The hull and deck laminates are crafted using cutting-edge vacuum infusion technology with vinyl ester resin and tri-axial oriented laminates, resulting in a robust yet lightweight structure. A key structural innovation is the integrated stainless steel internal frame, which supports both the keel and mast, providing exceptional strength, stiffness, and enhanced safety at sea. This meticulous construction ensures the Salona 44 is not only durable but also capable of delivering winning performance on the racecourse. The Salona 44 also offered different draft options, including 2.10m and 2.55m, allowing owners to optimize for either cruising or racing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Salona 44, with its fractional sloop rig and spade rudder, is engineered for a balanced and responsive sailing experience. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.03 suggests excellent performance in lighter air conditions, enabling it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed even when the wind is modest. This is complemented by a displacement to length ratio of around 147.4, indicating a lighter, more performance-oriented hull that belies its cruising capabilities. The boat's design prioritizes speed and agility, making it a formidable contender in regattas.

Despite its performance focus, the Salona 44 maintains a high degree of stability. With a ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 0.358, the boat offers good stiffness, allowing it to stand up to stronger winds and providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway. Reviews consistently praise the Salona 44's handling characteristics, noting its stiff and fast performance upwind and down, even in challenging conditions. The twin wheels featured on many models contribute to responsive steering and excellent visibility. The combination of a deep bulb keel and a single spade rudder ensures precise control and efficient hydrodynamics, enhancing its ability to track well and maneuver effectively, whether cruising or racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Salona 44 is designed to offer a comfortable and alluring onboard life, reflecting J&J Design's focus on combining performance with liveability. The standard layout typically features three cabins. A full-width owner's stateroom is positioned forward, providing ample space and privacy. Aft, two mirror-image cabins offer comfortable accommodations for additional crew or guests.

The salon is generally spacious and well-appointed, designed for both relaxation and dining. The galley is functional, equipped with essential amenities for extended cruising. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, the overall impression from reviews indicates a well-proportioned interior that maximizes usable space. The finish quality often features a blend of wood trim and modern fiberglass elements, consistent with Salona's commitment to quality construction. Storage is typically generous throughout the boat, catering to the needs of cruisers, and good ventilation is ensured through hatches and ports, contributing to a pleasant living environment at anchor or in a marina.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Salona 44 for its exceptional sailing performance and robust build quality. Many appreciate its ability to perform well in races while still offering a comfortable platform for family cruising or single-handed sailing, thanks to its easy-to-handle deck and cockpit layouts, which often include a German mainsheet system. The boat is generally regarded as stiff and fast, capable of handling various sea states with aplomb.

The standard 54hp diesel engine is often cited as more than adequate for propulsion, with a well-soundproofed installation. The spacious cockpit is a recurring positive, described as both comfortable for cruising and functional for racing. While comprehensive long-term owner reviews detailing common weaknesses are less prevalent in general searches, the overall sentiment points towards a yacht that delivers on Salona's promise of a high-performance cruiser with a strong emphasis on build integrity and sailing enjoyment. Customer reviews for charter versions of the Salona 44 frequently highlight its comfort and suitability for sailing in popular destinations.