SALONA 37 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The Salona 37 is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer designed by Jakopin and built by AD Yachts. It is engineered for sailors who prioritize speed and agility without sacrificing the amenities required for coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.52 indicates a high-aspect rig, favoring efficiency and lift in upwind legs.
• Foretriangle Design: The high I/J ratio of 3.85 is optimized for tall, high-aspect jibs that provide excellent pointing ability.
• Sail Area: 65m² of total upwind sail area offers a competitive power-to-displacement ratio.
• Performance: The design is heavily weighted toward racing performance while remaining manageable for a cruising couple.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Most owners opt for a full-batten mainsail to maximize the 37m² area and maintain leech profile.
• Headsail: High-aspect non-overlapping jibs are common, though some configurations utilize a moderate 105-110% genoa for light-air performance.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect rig design facilitates superior pointing angles and aerodynamic efficiency.
• Tall foretriangle allows for versatile headsail options, from heavy-weather jibs to code zeros.
• 3.59m beam provides the necessary righting moment to carry its 65m² sail plan effectively.
• Responsive handling in light air, typical of the Jakopin design philosophy.

Sailing Considerations

• The boat is most weatherly when the rig is properly tuned to control the high-aspect mainsail.
• Suitable for club racing with a crew of 5-7, but easily handled by two for cruising.
• Performance expectations include quick acceleration and the ability to maintain speed in chop.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the SALONA 37, 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 2.52 P/E ratio, a fiber-aligned membrane layout works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a performance mainsail, a 105% jib, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 65m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail around 18-20 knots to maintain an upright, efficient heel angle.

Conclusion

The SALONA 37 is a refined performance cruiser that rewards precise sail trim and high-quality materials. Explore sail options for SALONA 37 to unlock its full potential.