SALONA 38 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The Salona 38 is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer designed by Jakopin & Jakopin for AD Boats. It is engineered for sailors who prioritize speed and technical handling while requiring offshore capability for cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.64 indicates a modern, high-aspect rig designed for efficiency and lift.
• Foretriangle Design: An I/J ratio of 3.59 is optimized for high-aspect headsails and modern non-overlapping jibs.
• Sail Area: 67m² of total upwind sail area provides a competitive power-to-weight ratio.
• Performance: The rig geometry emphasizes close-windedness and agility, making it a highly weatherly vessel in various sea states.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically configured as a full-batten sail to maintain the high-aspect profile and maximize leech stability.
• Headsail: Most setups utilize a 105% to 110% jib to take advantage of the generous 15.06m I-dimension and tight sheeting angles.

Key Characteristics

• Tall P/E ratio of 2.64 delivers superior aerodynamic performance in light to moderate conditions.
• High-aspect I/J ratio of 3.59 facilitates easy tacking and efficient headsail management.
• Deep 2.04m draft ensures the boat remains stiff and stable when carrying the full 67m² upwind plan.
• Versatile rig dimensions allow for a wide range of specialized downwind reaching sails.

Sailing Considerations

• The high-aspect mainsail requires precise car and backstay adjustment to manage power as the breeze builds.
• With a deep draft and balanced rig, the boat remains manageable for short-handed crews while staying responsive.
• Expect peak performance in upwind legs where the high-aspect configuration maximizes pointing ability.

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 along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.64 P/E ratio, a load-path oriented layout works best to handle the high vertical tension on the luff. A typical inventory includes a full-batten mainsail and a high-aspect furling jib. With 67m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18-20 knots to maintain a flat profile and minimize heel.

Conclusion

The Salona 38’s rig is a masterpiece of modern performance design, balancing raw power with sophisticated control. Explore sail options for SALONA 38 to maximize your yacht's potential.