SALONA 38 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The SALONA 38, designed by Jakopin and built by AD Brodovi, is a sophisticated performance cruiser balanced for both competitive club racing and spirited coastal cruising. Its design philosophy emphasizes a stiff, responsive hull capable of maintaining high speeds across various points of sail.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the SALONA 38's dimensions reveals a modern, efficient sail plan optimized for agility:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.65 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, providing excellent lift and efficiency for upwind pointing.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.85 is tailored for high-aspect headsails, favoring non-overlapping jibs that offer easier tacking and better control.
• Sail Area: 68m² of total upwind area provides a high power-to-weight ratio for this 11.44m platform.
• Performance: The combination of a tall rig and 3.58m beam suggests a weatherly boat that excels in light-to-moderate air.

Popular Sail Configurations

Based on fleet data from 8 active vessels, configurations vary to suit specific mission profiles:

• Mainsail: Fully battened options are preferred for cruising stability, while loose-footed configurations are common for racing trim flexibility.
• Headsail: Most owners opt for a 105-108% jib to maximize the efficiency of the high-aspect foretriangle.

Key Characteristics

• Tall Aspect Rig: The 2.65 P/E ratio ensures efficient lift with minimized drag for superior upwind performance.
• Modern Foretriangle: The 3.85 I/J ratio is optimized for modern, high-load working jibs rather than cumbersome genoas.
• Stable Platform: An 11.44m LOA paired with Jakopin’s hull lines ensures a balanced helm even when pressed.
• Versatile Power: 68m² of sail area offers enough drive for light air without becoming unmanageable in heavy weather.

Sailing Considerations

This rig rewards precise trim and benefits from early sail adjustments to maintain a flat exit. While easily handled by a couple for cruising, a full crew is recommended to maximize the 68m² sail plan during competitive racing. Performance expectations include high pointing angles and rapid acceleration in gusts.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the SALONA 38, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid precisely along the calculated load paths and embedded in a thin, durable membrane. This provides superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while remaining significantly more cost-effective than premium carbon laminates. The continuous fiber structure ensures that the sail maintains its designed aerodynamic profile over many seasons of use.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with a film/film finish to minimize aloft weight and maximize responsiveness. For cruising or bluewater sailing, we recommend adding a lightweight taffeta protective layer on both sides to significantly enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.65 P/E ratio, a tri-radial panel layout works best to handle the high vertical loads of this tall rig. A typical inventory includes a square-top or high-roach mainsail and a 105% furling jib. With 68m² of sail area, plan to take the first reef around 18-20 knots to maintain optimal heel angles and rudder authority.

Conclusion

The SALONA 38 is a precision-engineered yacht that thrives with a high-performance sail inventory. Explore sail options for SALONA 38 to unlock its full Jakopin-designed potential.